Is the F-111 Retired?

Only for the next 4 years IIRC, as they are being replaced in 2010 by the joint development fighter or something to that effect.

I may be wrong on this, mainly because I do not do much in modern air.

That didn't stop the USAF from retiring its F-111s... :(

32 (or 35 depending on how you count it) active with the RAAF. Due for retirement around 2010-2012 depending on politics, whether the wings will fall off, whether the RAAF can afford to fly them, and whether attempts to make the F/A-18 fill the gap until JSF arrives..........

Try here

RAAF base Amberley is where the F-111's live. This club is there and specialises in F-111 models.

I would have thought the F-15 with ferry tanks attached would fulfill the range requirements? Not ideal I know but then neither is the F-111

(kim)

F-111 is ideal at what it does, keeps the neighbours honest....

It's the only aircraft in the region that has it's capabilities and some of them are very hard to counter/stop.

F-15E was considered as a possible temporary solution but decided against because bringing them into RAAF service would have been almost as costly as bringing in a brand new aircraft. Cost wasn't justifiable for such a temporary measure, even though we did a similar thing by leasing Phantoms while the RAAF waited for the F-111 problems to be ironed out.

Replacing the F-111 capabilities (those that are specifically needed) is argued to be something that could be met by some long range cruise missiles and evolving UAV technology. Not quite there yet but in a few years that may not sound so silly.

My understanding, andd this is a request for additional data from those who know more, is that the later upgraddes and retoolings, by the Aussies made it a much better plane for their needs. They were able to use it in a way the USAF never did. Granted, my info comes from a former RAAF guy, but he was space command.

Rich