Hobby Master Archive

The RAAF ordered 24 F-111Cs that had serials A8-125 to A8-148. On September 4 1968 the RAAF was handed the first F-111C but the advanced wing sweep mechanism has problems. It wasn’t until 1973 when the problem was solved and the RAAF acceptance was given. The 24 aircraft were delivered in 4 flights with the first flight arriving at Amberley on June 1, 1973. The lead aircraft was A8-125 flown by Group Captain J.W. Newham and Wing Commander T. C. Owen. A8-148, the last aircraft arrived on December 4, 1973. The aircraft was in service with 1 Squadron and then transferred to 6 Squadron. A8-148’s last live ordnance drop took place on May 12-13, 2010. The aircraft was retired on December 3, 2010 and there is a chance it may be heading for preservation.