iscover
Harpoon-equipped F-111C. The AGM-84A is potent sea-skimming antishipping missile that outclasses the Exocet virtually every parameter. Late model Harpoon drops to a very low altitude (cca2 m, classified)just prior to impact, and may be launched in range/bearing modes or bearing only modes. The latter mode is exceptionally well suited to use with the F-111C, as the aircraft may use its passive electronic warfare systems to locate enemy shipping from standoff ranges. If the enemy attempts to jam the F-111C's attack radar and activates his fire control radars, he has truly advertised his position. Though the F-111C has four wing stations available, apparently only two Harpoon rounds will be carried, much like the USN A-6E tasked with a similar role. The A-6E will soon receive the AGM-109L Tomahawk anti-shipping cruise missile, with a Harpoon seeker, 100 lb warhead and 240 nm range. At this stage he seems content with the theHarpoon, though Tomahawk would offer longer legs and a lot more punch
Strike – Raafstyle
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The fuel flow gauges quiver as the aircraft accelerates on full afterburner, the attack radar scope glowing Its bright orange, and it is an incredible sensation being strapped into the right handset of the awesome F-111C, even if it’s only a simulator. I was given a unique opportunity, thanks to the RAAF, the opportunity to get a very close look at the fearsome F-111. The aircraft that struck with impunity at the very heart of the world’s deadliest air defence system, yet so often denigrated by the ignorant, blind to the virtues of so potent a weapon system. The F-111 is a sophisticated and highly effective aircraft, and I hope the following account will serve to demonstrate that beyond any doubt.
The home of the F-111 in Australia is AMF Amberley. Amberley is the largest of the RAAF’s bases and is situated very close to the somewhat colonial Ipswich, in Queensland. Amberley is, however, a very modern installation; the base itself covers over 900 hectares and supports, including dependents, around 10,000 personnel. Support tasks are handled by the Amberley Base Squadron, as is customary at most RAAF installations. Amberley is home to several operational units, the most notable being the F-111 strike units (formerly 82nd Wing), Nos 9 and 12 Sqns, operating the UH-1 and CH-47 respectively and the very significant No 3 Aircraft Depot, which provides depot-level maintenance to the F-111 and the Amberley based helos, aside from other types. Amberley is a soft installation, devoid of conventional or nuclear hardening, though it is equipped with an AN/TPS-43 Air Defence System. This is due to the role the base plays in RAAF strategy, primarily as a support installation. Combat aircraft are then deployed from Amberley to their respective theatres of operation to undertake combat missions, were it is required.
Amberley has facilities to support the F-111 with flight line maintenance, intermediate-level maintenance and complete depot-level maintenance, airframes and engines. Flightline maintenance is provided by the F-111 squadrons and is very basic. Intermediate level maintenance is provided by the 550-strong No 482 Sqn, responsible for avionic systems and the F-111 simulator facility. No 3 AD is then responsible for the airframes, including surface finishing down to bare metal, and the TF-30 engines.
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