F-111D: Questions Concerning Loadouts and Capabilities

[ElectroSoldier]

If you are using the shoulder pylons for the AIM-9 then it will be the P model with the cranked arrow front fins, if its mounted to the pylon then they were AIM-9L/M models.

[eraucubsfan]

2 hours ago, ElectroSoldier said:

If you are using the shoulder pylons for the AIM-9 then it will be the P model with the cranked arrow front fins, if its mounted to the pylon then they were AIM-9L/M models.

Do the AIM-9L/M require an adapter or straight on the pylon?

 

Appreciate your help 

[ElectroSoldier]

1 hour ago, eraucubsfan said:

Do the AIM-9L/M require an adapter or straight on the pylon?

 

Appreciate your help 

They used an adapter but Im not sure what it was called off hand, I would have to look that one up.

[eraucubsfan]

 

This is an A I believe, but would this be a feasible load on a F-111D, I like the mixed load look.   Looks like AIM-9P, 4X MK 82, SUU-20, EMPTY, 4x Mk.82 and ACMI Pod

[scott_t]

I loaded 111's for 11 years. I was at McClellan AFB, CA from 86-89 and we had two D models & 3 F models there, so not only Cannon AFB.  We were the 431st Test & Evaluation squadron. Lots of interesting weapons loaded & tested there, GBU-15, AGM-130, AGM-65, GBU-24, etc.

 

Anytime we loaded AIM-9's at Lakenheath (82-84) or Upper Heyford (89-93), they were AIM-9P's. Always loaded on an AERO-3B launcher.

There was an adapter (ADU.... something or other) and occasionally saw an aircraft fly with one or two CAP-9s or ACMI pods but never saw a live missile. Installing a launcher was primarily done on the outboard side of pylons on stations 3 or 6. You could install a launcher in place of the MAU-12 bomb rack on stations 3 or 6. It looked cool but it sucked to have to pull the MAU-12 out of the pylon as you would have to run all of the conventional & nuke functional checks when you re-installed the MAU-12.

 

We did practice loading slant 4 loads of CBU-87/89 on the BRU-3/A on stations 3 & 6, so this was a possible config. Could not do the the 6 X CBU-87/89 loads as there was a weight capacity for the MAU-12C/A bomb rack (5,000 pounds if memory serves). A full 6 X CBU-58 (SUU-30 dispenser) was done and we would get pre-loaded munitions from Ammo like that. Same with the Mk.20 Rockeye, slant 4 or full 6. 

I got to load the BLU-107 Durandal at Lakenheath .....mostly during monthly load training ..... slant 4 or a full 6 pack on the BRU. I hated loading them as a 3 man because I had to inspect/prep the weapons for loading..... a lot of steps and things to remember for that one.

 

Of course we also loaded the ret of the gang, Mk-82 slicks, Snakeyes, & AIR, Mk-84 slick & AIR, GBU-12, GBU-10, and the big mushroom cloud makers.

 

Fun times.......