F-111 Aardvark

F-111 Aardvark tells the story of the world's first operational swing-wing bomber. The General Dynamics F-111 was a far-sighted design: not only was it swing-wing, but it was also packed with radars and navigational aids to help pinpoint its targets in bad weather and at night. It featured a new turbofan engine and a massive fuel load for long range, as well as an escape pod for the crew, which freed them from cumbersome ejector seats.

All of this led to delays and problems that gave a bad name to what ultimately became a very effective weapons system. Proven over Vietnam, used with great effect against Libya, and excelling in the Gulf War, it will remain in service with the Royal Australian Air Force until well into the next century.

Peter Davies and Tony Thornborough have interviewed many former F-111 crews for this book and have gathered an impressive array of photographs from all over the world. F-111 Aardvark is a comprehensive and authoritative history of a well-respected and effective aircraft.

The Authors: 

Anthony Thornborough graduated from UWE with Honours in Law in 1980. Since then, he has written or co-authored twenty aviation titles. This is his fifth collaboration with Peter E. Davies. Tony lives in Bristol with his American-born wife, Maggie, and their two children, Zelie and Alexander. His other interests include photography, gardening, and travel.

Peter Davies's lifelong interest in aviation was sparked by his father, a member of a Sunderland flying-boat squadron, and his uncle, a BOAC pilot. With seven books and several magazine articles to his credit, he specializes in modern military aviation. A teacher for almost thirty years, he currently runs a busy Faculty of English in one of England's longest-established schools and has produced or directed over sixty plays and musicals. Peter is married with four children, lives in Bristol, and for relaxation, he occasionally plays guitar in various 'scratch' rock bands.

Source: Publisher's summary printed on cover