Hobby Master 1/72 HA3027 RF-111C A8-143, 1 Squadron, RAAF Tindal, Nov 1999

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.

In 1963 Australian ordered 24 F-111Cs. In 1992 another 15 F-111G aircraft were delivered. Between 1979 and 1980 four F-111Cs were modified to RF-111C reconnaissance variants. Delivered in 1973 F-111C A8-143 was one of the 4. In 1975 Indonesia invaded East Timor and in 1999 after years of violence, the UN issued a resolution to restore peace. Australia took the lead and the RAAF sent 10 F-111s and numerous other types to RAAF Tindal to operate over East Timor and help restore peace. RF-111C was written off in 2006.