Hobby Master 1/72 HA3024 F-111C Aardvark A8-132, ARDU, RAAF, 1988

The General Dynamics F-111 entered service in 1967 as a medium-range aircraft designed for interdiction and tactical strikes. The F-111 was used as an all-weather attack aircraft capable of low-level penetration of enemy territory. It also could be used for reconnaissance and electronic warfare. Some unique features are variable geometry wings, the 2 crew members sat side by side in an escape capsule, internal weapons bay; terrain following radar and after-burning turbofans. The USAF retired their last F-111 in 1998 but the RAAF continued to use theirs until 2010.

F-111C Aardvark A8-132, USAF serial 67-0132 first flew on October 21, 1968 and arrived in Australia on July 27, 1973. The aircraft spent 1979 until 1988 at RAAF Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) at RAAF base Amberley. A8-132 completed very intense weapons testing and completed over 30 major trials. At ARDU A8-132 received a paint scheme consisting of a camouflage upper surface and a white lower surface. The aircraft was retired in 2010 and sent to RAAF base Edinburgh wearing its former ARDU paint scheme.