Darwin, Australia — Darwin’s aviation museum has today officially received the logbook for its newly acquired fighter bomber. Minister for Arts and Museums Matt Conlan said the retired F-111 aircraft A8-113 had strong ties to the Territory and it was fitting that Darwin would be its final resting place.
“The F-111 has a special place in the heart of Territorians and I’m delighted we now have one to show right here in Darwin,” Mr Conlan said.
“The aircraft took part in the last bombing raid in Vietnam while it was in United States Air Force livery and was also involved in numerous exercises in Darwin and the Tindal RAAF base during the 1980s and 90s.
“And now, years later, this iconic aeroplane has come full circle and is back in Darwin for one last stop.”
One of around 45 F-111s that eventually served with the RAAF, the aircraft was built for the US Airforce in 1969 and went to Vietnam in 1972 until 1973, taking part in 44 combat missions during its first two months of operation.
It returned to the US in 1979 and after a crash landing in 1982 it was resurrected, rebuilt and bought by Australia as one of four attrition aircraft.
The F-111s were renowned for their ability to fly at low altitudes to avoid radar detection and could travel at twice the speed of sound.
“The F-111 was a key cornerstone of Australia’s defence force for almost four decades and will be a tremendous addition to the Aviation Museum,” Mr Conlan said.
Darwin aviation museum receives retired F111