GD F-111M Merlin F-3

[Geoff_B]

When the UK decided to purchase F-111K instead of TSR-2, they still required an all weather interceptor to repace the Javelin. (Only the Royal Navy had been given permission to buy F-4 Phantoms a at this time.) Therefore General Dynamics proposed a variant of the F-111K but using the Radar and weapon system developed for the Naval F-111B, but without the carrier constraints imposed on the design. The commonality of parts with the K would ease development and serviceability.



So here we have an Merlin F-3 of 64 Sqdn RAF.

(Better shots over the weekend as its off to Perth - thought i would let you guys have a preview   )

[TsrJoe]

sooo very cool and with a basis in fact too!  B)

dashed impressive, it was only a month or so ago id found confirmation of this one with a mention of a RAF. 'fighter role' F.111 at the National Archives/PRO. whilst doing yet more TSR researches! (altho i recall us discussing it speculatively last year over the moulding table!) its soo neat when reality ties up the loose ends and catches up with our hobby!

so when can we see a Royal Navy 'B' ? chuckle !

...again excelent modelling there Geoff  

happy modelling, joe  

[elmayerle]

Very nice!!  I'd give odds, though, that ti wouldn't take long for the RAF and, if tehy're using a variant of the "B", the FAA to get sick of the TF30 and look for a replacement.  My first thoughts would be that you'd likely have two competitors there, RR with an afterburnng variant of the Spey-based TF41 and SNECMA wth a version of their "product improved" TF30, the TF306, which seemed to perform without the the TF30's problems in the Mirage IIIT, IIIV, F2, and G2.  Perhaps RR and SNECMA could combine the best of both to not only re-engine British F-111's, but Mirage IV's.  *G* Perhaps even making a move to offer a deal to the USAF on re-engining their F-111's.

[Captain Canada]

Looking good, Thor !

You sure have a way with getting those ultra smooth, desk-top model finishes !



I have to admit a bout of jealousy as well....as those low-vis coloured roundels look sooo good , but they don't do them with leaves !

 

[noxioux]

That's a pretty one.  Nice and understated.  If you (or anyone) does that naval variant, I would suggest a nice row of tiny Argentine flags beneath the cockpit. . .

[Ollie]

Awesome Thorvic.

IT sure looks mean with those big AIM-54s!

       

[Sisko]

Man the PIG never looked so good!!!

   

[Hobbes]

Beautiful!

[NARSES2]

Great work again Geoff

[Radish]

         

Ah! Ah!! Aaaahhhhh!!!!

     

[Mike Wren]

smashing!  

F-111s are great aren't they, Rad?      

[anthonyp]

Beautiful Aardvark!  Great work!

   

[lancer]

Outstanding as usual Thor, It sure looks good in those colours.  

[Keith Diamond]

Oustanding 111 you've got there!  Where did the nose come from exactly?  It really throws off that famous Aardvark look.  I really like the concept and it looks great in model form.  

[Leigh]

Once again Thor she's real pretty. Geoff the only man who can make Grey look sexy.

Todd  they do do low Viz maple roundels I used them on my Hawk, they came with the Italeri F-18 Wild Weasel. I think somebody else here used that kit for the Teeny bopper build and may have them left over.