General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark is a retired supersonic, medium-range, multirole combat aircraft. Production models of the F-111 had roles that included attack, strategic bombing, reconnaissance and electronic warfare. The name Aardvark was derived from perceived similarities of the aircraft to the animal: a long nose and low-level, terrain-following capabilities. Aardvark is literal translation from Afrikaans, "earth-pig", and the source of the F-111's "Pig" nickname during its Australian service.
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
The side-by-side seating adopted in the F-111
Four-photo series showing the F-111A wing sweep sequence
F-111 cockpit before a night flight
An attack aircraft, strike aircraft, or attack bomber is a tactical military aircraft that has a primary role of carrying out airstrikes with greater precision than bombers, and is prepared to encounter strong low-level air defenses while pressing the attack. This class of aircraft is designed mostly for close air support and naval air-to-surface missions, overlapping the tactical bomber mission. Designs dedicated to non-naval roles are often known as ground-attack aircraft.
A USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft in flight
An A-1 Skyraider of the USAF
RAF Harrier GR9 in flight, 2008
Boeing GA-1, ~1920