Hobby Master 1/72 HA3026 F-111G Boneyard Wrangler A8-272, 6 Squadron, RAAF, 1994-2007

The General Dynamics F-111 “Aardvark” 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 afterburning turbofans. The USAF retired their last F-111 in 1998.

Originally RAAF F-111G A8-272 was USAF SAC FB-111G 68-0272. USAF 68-0272 was retired on September 23, 1982 and sent to storage at Davis Monthan AFB, known as the “Boneyard”. In 1992 the RAAF purchased fifteen USAF F-111s including 68-0272 that became A8-272. The other fourteen F-111s were still in service with the USAF but 68-0272 was taken out of storage and made airworthy. 68-0272 became the only F-111 to ever fly again in an operational capacity earning the nickname “Boneyard Wrangler”. On May 1, 2009, A8-272 was sent to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook.