Hobby Master 1/72 HA3036 F-111C Aardvark' "Farewell scheme" A8-129. No.1 Sqn. RAAF Dec 2010

Limited Edition of only 400 Worldwide

In 2010, RAAF F-111C A8-129 served through the final year of Australia's F-111 operations with No. 1 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. The aircraft participated in routine training, low-level strike missions, and a series of farewell events leading up to the fleet's retirement. Throughout the year, A8-129 remained fully operational, flying navigation sorties, night missions, and public flypasts celebrating the F-111's long service. The type was officially retired on 3 December 2010, with A8-129 completing its last flights shortly beforehand. After withdrawal, the aircraft was transferred into preservation to honor the iconic F-111.

General Dynamics F-111C Aardvark

Designed to meet the combined requirements of the US Air Force and the US Navy, the F-111 Aardvark was first flown on December 21, 1964. Several versions of the F-111 were developed, but the Navy canceled its version in 1968 leaving the Air Force the F-111's sole US operator. The Aardvark was well ahead of its time, pioneering such technologies as terrain following radar, afterburning turbofans and variable sweep wings. Though it was originally conceived as a multi-role fighter, it was better suited to a role as a long-range attack aircraft. It was armed with air-to surface ordnance and was equipped to carry free-fall nuclear weapons.