The F-111 is a multipurpose tactical fighter bomber capable of supersonic speeds. It can operate from tree-top level to altitudes above 60,000 feet. The F-111 can carry conventional as well as nuclear weapons . It can carry up to two bombs or additional fuel in the internal weapons bay.
External ordnance includes combinations of bombs, missiles and fuel tanks.
The loads nearest the fuselage on each side pivot as the wings sweep back, keeping ordnance parallel to the fuselage. Outer pylons do not move but can be jettisoned for high-speed flight. The F-111A first flew in December 1964. The first operational aircraft was delivered in October. A models were used for tactical bombing in Southeast Asia.