Description

F-111 Strategic Air Command Mach 2 Patch

F-111 fans, collectors, pilots and crew!  Enjoy this beautifully embroidered F-111 Strategic Air Command Mach 2 Patch.

• 4 inches
• Embroidered/Hook and Loop
• US Veteran-Owned Business
• Reproduction

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of the F-111 Aardvark, a legendary aircraft associated with the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the Cold War era.

1. Aircraft Overview:
   • The F-111 Aardvark, developed by General Dynamics, was a versatile supersonic fighter-bomber.
   • Its maximum speed reached an impressive 1672 MPH (Mach 2.2), while its cruising speed was 571 MPH.
   • With a service ceiling of 60,000 feet, the F-111 was a formidable presence in the skies¹².
2. Significance of the FB-111:
   • The FB-111 was SAC’s medium-range bomber, designed for both strategic and theater roles.
   • It could fly at supersonic speeds, reaching twice the speed of sound.
   • Key differences from tactical strike variants included distinct engines, extended wingtips, reinforced landing gear, increased fuel capacity, and upgraded avionics.
   • The FB-111’s unique wing design allowed for relatively low take-off, landing, and stall speeds, as well as supersonic, low-altitude penetration flight¹.
3. Fun Fact: The “Aardvark” Moniker:
   • The F-111 earned the nickname “Aardvark” due to its remarkable ability to hunt in darkness, flying close to the ground.
   • Early F-111s achieved speeds over Mach 1.2 at low altitudes and more than double that (Mach 2.5) at high altitudes.
   • Remarkably, it required only a 2,000-foot runway for landing, showcasing its agility and versatility³.

In summary, the F-111 Aardvark was a true legend, combining speed, adaptability, and strategic significance in the annals of aviation history.