General Dynamics–Grumman EF-111A Raven

In the late 1960s, the United States Air Force (USAF) sought to replace its aging EB-66 and EB-57 electronic warfare aircraft. Options studied by the service included the United States Navy's EA-6B Prowlers during 1967–1968.Gunston 1983, p. 55. However, the USAF desired a penetrating electronic jamming aircraft capable of supersonic speeds; accordingly, in 1972, it decided to modify F-111As into electronic warfare aircraft as a cost-effective option.Logan 1998, p. 89. At the time, Congress held particular enthusiasm for the type, making this decision politically expedient.Knaack 1978, p. 259.

During January 1974, the USAF awarded electronic warfare study contracts to the aerospace companies Grumman and General Dynamics. Grumman was selected as the EF-111 prime contractor in December 1974, then was awarded a contract to modify two F-111As into EF-111 prototypes in January 1975. The first fully equipped model, known then as the "Electric Fox", flew on 10 March 1977. A total of 42 airframes were converted at a total cost of US$1.5 billion. The first EF-111s were deployed during November 1981 by the 388th Tactical Electronic Squadron, based at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.{{cite web |title=F-111 |url=http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/f-111.htm |publisher=Federation of American Scientists |date=24 December 1998 |access-date=15 August 2014}} The final aircraft was delivered in 1985.[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/ef-111a.htm "EF-111A Raven."] GlobalSecurity.org, 27 April 2005. Retrieved:1 April 2009.

File:EF-111A and F-111F in flight.jpg

The Raven retained the F-111A's navigation systems, with a revised AN/APQ-160 radar primarily for ground mapping. The primary feature of the Raven, however, was the AN/ALQ-99E jamming system, developed from the Navy's ALQ-99 on the Prowler. The aircraft also utilized the ALR-62 Countermeasures Receiving System (CRS) as a Radar Homing and Warning (RHAW) System, the same system carried by all F-111 fighter/bomber models in the United States and Australia. The ALQ-99E primary electronics were installed in the weapons bay, with transmitters fitted in a {{convert|16|ft}} long ventral "canoe" radome; the complete installation weighed some {{convert|6000|lb|kg}}. Receivers were installed in a fin-tip pod, or "football", similar to that of the EA-6B. The aircraft's electrical and cooling systems had to be extensively upgraded to support this equipment. The cockpit was also rearranged, with all flight and navigation displays relocated to the pilot's side, and flight controls except throttles being removed from the other seat, where the electronic warfare officer's instrumentation and controls were installed.{{cite web |url = https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0981era/#:~:text=Because%20of%20its%20great%20endurance,supersonic%20regime%20on%20the%20deck. |title = New Era in Electronic Warfare |first1 = Edgar |last1 = Ulsamer |date = 1 September 1981 |website = airandspaceforces.com}}

The EF-111 was unarmed; its speed and acceleration were its main means of self-defense. It was not capable of firing anti-radiation missiles in the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) role, which was a tactical limitation. The Raven's engines were upgraded to the more powerful TF30-P-9 of the F-111D, which produced {{convert|12000|lbf|kN}} dry and {{convert|19600|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} afterburning thrust in 1986.Logan 1998, pp. 17, 92, 303.{{cite web |last = Baugher |first = Joe |url = http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f111_3.html |title = Grumman EF-111A Raven: USAAC/USAAF/USAF Fighters |website = joebaugher.com |date = 20 December 1999}} Between 1987 and 1994, the Raven underwent an Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), similar to the Pacer Strike program for the F-111F, which saw the addition of a dual AN/ASN-41 ring laser gyroscope INS, AN/APN-218 Doppler radar, and an updated AN/APQ-146 terrain-following radar. Furthermore, cockpit displays were upgraded with multi-function displays.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

File:Deny Flight EF-111.jpg during Operation Deny Flight]]

During 1983, the EF-111A achieved initial operational capability.Gunston 1983, p. 59. It received the official name Raven, although the aircraft also acquired the nickname "Spark 'Vark" during its service life. The type's combat debut, performed by the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing based at RAF Upper Heyford, took place in Operation El Dorado Canyon against Libya in 1986. During this operation, five EF-111As flew a distance of 3,500 miles (necessitating four aerial refueling actions) before using their electronic countermeasures to disrupt hostile air defenses while other USAF and USN aircraft bombed military airfields, barracks, and other Libyan military facilities.{{cite web |url = https://www.afhistory.af.mil/FAQs/Fact-Sheets/Article/458950/1986-operation-el-dorado-canyon/ |title = 1986 - Operation El Dorado Canyon |website = afhistory.af.mil |access-date = 5 March 2025}}{{cite journal |url = https://www.ausairpower.net/Eldorado-Canyon.html |title = THE LIBYAN STRIKE: HOW THE AMERICANS DID IT |website = ausairpower.net |first = Carlo |last = Kopp |date = July 1986}} Their next engagement came three years later during Operation Just Cause in Panama; two EF-111As were deployed to jam enemy apparatus.{{cite web |url = https://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/Documents/History/Monographs/Just_Cause.pdf |title = Operation Just Cause: The Planning and Execution of Joint Operations in Panama February 1988 – January 1990 |first = Ronald H. |last = Cole |publisher = Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff |date = 1995}}{{cite web |url = http://www.mountainhome.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4278 |title = 366tg Fighter Wing History |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615114306/http://www.mountainhome.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4278 |archive-date=15 June 2011 |publisher = United States Air Force}}

During 1991, 18 EF-111As conducted combat missions during the Gulf War against Iraq.{{cite web |url = https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/gulf-war-misadventures-f-111-aardvark-183517 |title = The Gulf War Misadventures of the F-111 Aardvark |website = nationalinterest.org |date = 26 April 2021 |first = Sebastien |last = Roblin}} Typically, the type accompanied strike packages of coalition aircraft flying deep strike missions into Iraq, during which their jammers would disable Iraqi radars. The EF-111A was the only unarmed manned aircraft to fly so deep into Iraqi airspace. On multiple occasions, Iraqi forces attempted to intercept individual aircraft and, on some engagements, several missiles were claimed to have been fired against them.{{cite web |url = https://www.key.aero/article/ravens-desert |title = Ravens in the desert |website = key.aero |first = Warren E. |last = Thompson |date = 7 June 2018 }}

File:EF-111 over Desert2.jpg

On 17 January 1991, one EF-111A, crewed by Captain James Denton and Captain Brent Brandon, achieved an unofficial kill against an Iraqi Air Force Dassault Mirage F1, which they managed to maneuver into the ground, making it the only member of the F-111 family to achieve an aerial victory over another aircraft. On 13 February 1991, EF-111A, AF Ser. No. 66-0023, call sign Ratchet 75, crashed{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2012/January%202012/0112gunners.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115230238/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2012/January%202012/0112gunners.aspx |url-status=usurped |archive-date=15 January 2012 |title= The B-52 Gunners |date= January 2012 |access-date= 4 September 2012}} into terrain while maneuvering to evade a perceived threat.{{Cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/153060 |title = Accident General Dynamics EF-111A Raven 66-0023, 14 Feb 1991 |website=aviation-safety.net}}Mailes 2007, p. 112. killing the pilot, Capt Douglas L. Bradt, and the EWO, Capt Paul R. Eichenlaub. It was the only EF-111A lost during combat, the only loss killing its crew, and one of just three EF-111s lost during the aircraft's service.[http://www.f-111.net/t_no_A.htm YF-111A / F-111A / RF-111A / GF-111A tail no.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214135700/http://www.f-111.net/t_no_A.htm |date=14 December 2007 }} F-111.net, 26 February 2005. Retrieved: 4 September 2012. However, it is disputed whether there was an enemy present at the time, as two F-15Es watched Ratchet 75 make violent evasive maneuvers and crash into the ground, with no hostile aircraft in the area.{{vague|date=February 2020}}Olsen 2012, p. 325.

During the mid-1990s, several EF-111s were deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, in support of Operation Deliberate Force in response to the Bosnia War. Furthermore, the Raven also flew missions in Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Northern Watch and Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf.Logan 1998, pp. 89–90.

The final deployment of the Raven was a detachment of EF-111s stationed at Al Kharj/Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia until April 1998. Shortly afterward, the USAF began withdrawing the final EF-111As from service, and placed them in storage at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC) at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. The last EF-111s were retired on 2 May 1998, at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. These were the final USAF F-111s in service.{{cite web |url = https://www.airandspaceforces.com/PDF/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/1998/August%201998/0898prowler.pdf |title = From Ravens to Prowlers |website = airandspaceforces.com |date = August 1998 |pages = 78–81}}

;EF-111A

: Electronic warfare conversion of the F-111A, 42 conversions including two prototypes.

United States Air Force[http://www.orbat.com/site/history/historical/usa/airforce1989.html "USAF: Order of Battle, circa 1989 (Combat Units)."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128051505/http://orbat.com/site/history/historical/usa/airforce1989.html |date=28 November 2010 }} orbat.com. Retrieved: 9 December 2010.

:Tactical Air Command 1981–92

:Air Combat Command 1992–98

• 20th Tactical Fighter Wing – RAF Upper Heyford, England

::42d Electronic Combat Squadron (1984–1992)

• 27th Fighter Wing – Cannon AFB, New Mexico

::429th Electronic Combat Squadron (1992–1998)

::430th Electronic Combat Squadron (1992–1993)

• 366th Tactical Fighter Wing – Mountain Home AFB, Idaho

::388th Electronic Combat Squadron (1981–1982)

::390th Electronic Combat Squadron (1982–1992)

File:EF-111A Raven USAF Museum.jpg in Dayton, Ohio|alt= Jet aircraft with pointed nose parked on ramp.]]

File:EF-111 66-0049.jpg

Of the converted aircraft, three were destroyed in crashes, four are on display, and the other 35 were scrapped.[http://www.f-111.net/t_no_A.htm "YF-111A / F-111A / RF-111A / GF-111A."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214135700/http://www.f-111.net/t_no_A.htm |date=14 December 2007 }} F-111.net, 26 February 2005. Retrieved: 23 November 2013.[http://www.amarcexperience.com/ui/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&catid=16&dbsource=typelist&dbtype=EF111A&dbpage=1&dbletter=F AMARC Experience Database – EF-111A], Scrapped HVF West, Tucson, AZ, Retrieved 10 February 2014.

• 66-0016 is on display at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. It was the first EF-111 to fly a combat mission and was unofficially credited with the Mirage F1 kill.Logan 1998, pp. 90, 93.[https://www.cannon.af.mil/News/story/id/123333936/ Cannon airpark to relocate] – "EF-111 aircraft will be moved to the triangular, grassy area at the entrance of Joe Cannon Estates". 7 February 2013. Retrieved 10 Feb 2014.
• 66-0047 was being restored at Silver Springs Airport, Silver Springs, Nevada in 2013.[http://www.cactusairforce.com/aircraftinventory/ef111a66047.html EF-111A 66-0047] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903041014/http://cactusairforce.com/aircraftinventory/ef111a66047.html |date=3 September 2013 }}. Cactus Air Force. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
• 66-0049 was the first prototype EF-111 and is on display at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.
• 66-0057 is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.{{cite web |url = https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/195968/general-dynamics-ef-111a-raven/ |title = General Dynamics EF-111A Raven |publisher = National Museum of the United States Air Force |access-date = 29 August 2015}}

File:General Dynamics EF-111A Raven 3-view line drawing.png

Specifications are for EF-111A except where noted.

{{Aircraft specs

|prime units?=imp

|ref=The Great Book of Modern WarplanesSweetman 1987, {{page needed|date=February 2025}}. General Dynamics F-111 "Aardvark"Miller 1982, p. 66. Modern Fighting AircraftGunston 1983, p. 64.

|crew= Two (pilot and electronic warfare officer)

|length ft= 76.0

|length m= 23.17

|span ft= 63.0

|span m= 19.2

|span note = spread, 32.0 ft (9.74 m) swept

|height ft= 20.0

|height m= 6.1

|wing area sqft= 657.4

|wing area sqm= 61.07

|wing area note= spread, 525 sq ft (48.77) m² swept

|airfoil= NACA 64-210.68 root, NACA 64-209.80 tip

|empty weight lb= 55,275

|empty weight kg= 25,072

|gross weight lb= 70,000

|gross weight note=Laur and Llanso 1995, {{page needed|date=February 2025}}.

|gross weight kg= 31,751

|max takeoff weight lb= 89,000

|max takeoff weight kg= 40,370

|more general=*Zero-lift drag coefficient: 0.0186 (F-111D)

• Drag area: 9.36 ft² (0.87 m²) (F-111D)
• Aspect ratio: 7.56 unswept; 1.95 fully swept (F-111D)

|eng1 name= Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-3 initially, later upgraded to TF30-P-9

|eng1 type= turbofans with afterburner

|eng1 number= 2

|eng1 lbf= 19,600

|eng1 note= (TF30-P-9)

|max speed mach= 2.2

|max speed mph= 1,460

|max speed kmh= 2,350

|max speed note=; above 30,000 ft

|range miles= 2,000

|range note= {{refn|Note: 2,000 miles (1,740 nautical miles) for EF-111A.[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-111-specs.htm "F-111 Aardvark."] GlobalSecurity.org, 27 April 2005. Retrieved: 1 April 2009.|group=N}}

|range nmi= 1,740

|range km= 3,220

|ferry range miles= 3,800

|ferry range nmi= 3,300

|ferry range km= 6,110

|ceiling ft= 45,000

|ceiling m= 13,715

|ceiling note=

|climb rate ftmin= 11,000

|climb rate ms= 55.883

|climb rate note=

|thrust/weight= 0.598

|more performance=

• Lift-to-drag ratio: 15.8 (F-111)

|armament=

|avionics=

• AN/ALQ-99 electronic warfare system

}}

{{Portal|Aviation}}

{{aircontent

|see also=

• Electronic countermeasure
• Electronic warfare
• {{section link|Signals intelligence|Electronic signals intelligence}}

|related=

• General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
• General Dynamics–Boeing AFTI/F-111A Aardvark
• General Dynamics F-111C
• General Dynamics–Grumman F-111B
• General Dynamics F-111K
• Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler

|similar aircraft=

• Boeing EA-18G Growler
• Panavia Tornado ECR
• Sukhoi Su-24MP

|lists=

• List of military aircraft of the United States

}}

{{reflist|group=N}}

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{Cite book |last1=Eden |first1=Paul |editor1=Eden, Paul |chapter=General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark/EF-111 Raven |title=Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft |location=London, UK |publisher=Amber Books |date=2004 |isbn=1-904687-84-9}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Gunston |first1=Bill |authorlink=Bill Gunston |title=F-111, Modern Fighting Aircraft, Vol. 3 |location=New York, US |publisher=Salamander Books |date=1983 |isbn=0-668-05904-4}}
• {{cite book |last= Knaack |first= Marcelle Size |url=http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/encyclopedia_postww2_fighters.pdf |title=Encyclopedia of US Air Force Aircraft and Missile Systems: Volume 1 Post-World War II Fighters 1945-1973 |location= Washington, D.C., US |publisher=Office of Air Force History |date=1978 |isbn=0-912799-59-5 |access-date=20 May 2017 |archive-date=9 June 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110609020127/http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/encyclopedia_postww2_fighters.pdf |url-status=dead}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Laur |first1=Timothy M. |last2=Llanso |first2=Steven L. |title=Encyclopedia of Modern U.S. Military Weapons |location=New York, US |publisher=Berkley |date=1995 |isbn=0-425-16437-3}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Logan |first1=Don |title=General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark |location=Atglen, Pennsylvania |publisher=Schiffer Military History |date=1998 |isbn=0-7643-0587-5}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Mailes |first1=Yancy |title=Mountain Home Air Force Base |date=2007 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |location=Chicago, US |isbn=9780738548050 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wQfnpY5aCWEC&pg=PA112}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Miller |first1=Jay |title=General Dynamics F-111 "Arardvark" |location=Fallbrook, California |publisher=Aero Publishers |date=1982 |isbn=0-8168-0606-3}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Olsen |first1=John Andreas |title=Air Commanders |publisher=Potomac Books, Inc. |edition = First (U.S.) |date = 1 November 2012 |isbn=978-1612345765}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Sweetman |first1=Bill |title=The Great Book of Modern Warplanes |location=New York, US |publisher=Portland House |date=1987 |isbn=0-517-63367-1}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Thornborough |first1=Anthony M. |last2=Davies |first2=Peter E. |title=F-111 Success in Action |location=London, UK |publisher=Arms and Armour Press |date=1989 |isbn=0-85368-988-1}}

{{refend}}

{{Commons}}

• [https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/195968/general-dynamics-ef-111a-raven/ General Dynamics EF-111A Raven] – National Museum of the United States Air Force
• [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1995/AMW.htm Future Of Airborne Tactical Jamming report] - National Museum of the United States Air Force

{{Convair/GD aircraft}}

{{Grumman aircraft}}

{{USAF system codes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:General Dynamics-Grumman EF-111A Raven}}

EF-111

EF-111

Category:1970s United States electronic warfare aircraft

Category:Twinjets

Category:Shoulder-wing aircraft

Category:Variable-sweep-wing aircraft

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1977

Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear