214K views · 5.1K reactions | The F-111 was the largest fighter bomber in the US arsenal, flexible enough to deliver both low-altitude flight and supersonic speed. But it was its distinctive shape that stood out–flight crews dubbed it the ""Aardvark."" Air Warriors | Smithsonian Channel Aviation Nation | Facebook

The General Dynamics F111 was not just any other aircraft of the Cold War. It was born as part of the Tactical Fighter Experimental program ordered by Robert McNamara himself to create a plane that could fit roles requested by both the Navy and the Air Force. The F111 had a troublesome beginning in the 60s. And at the heart of it was an old grudge between the military branches. Like many of its colleagues of the epoch, the F111 had unique innovations and cons that left the two branches divided.

General Dynamics F-111F Aardvark In all, 566 F-111s of all series were built; 106 of them were production F-111Fs. The F-111F on display flew in combat with the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing in 1991 during OPERATION DESERT STORM. It arrived at the museum in May 1996. | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force