World Affairs Board - View Single Post - FB-111, so why B-1B?

glyn · 09-02-2007, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunnut

I am very surprised by that. It was something between a bomber and fighter. It really couldn't fight. It could bomb, but didn't really have the long range to threaten targets deep in the Soviet Union.

Good thing they bought the bluff.

And I'm surprised that you're surprised

The F-111 series were particularly good machines. I have the Flight Manuals for only 3 of the models (A, E & G), and these unfortunately lack the -1,-1s (performance data) which would have the range tables in nomogram form. The G model had a normal maximum fuel load of 5,049 US gallons, which I find pretty respectable. Extra tanks could be put in the bomb bays. The type was cleared for the carriage of a wide range of stores up to Mach 2.5 and for their release at up to Mach 2.0. Although deceptively bearing the F designation the type was not primarily a fighter but it was cleared to use air-to-air missiles. You are a hard man to please gunnut! It impressed me. As an aside I saw one belonging to the R Australian AF demonstrated in New Zealand last year. It did its 'dump and burn' party piece which wowed the crowd at Wanaka.