G'day gent’s
Im just putting it out there, but what is the realistic consensus/notion of the likes of the RAAF F-111C fleet being modernised in the mid to late 1980’s, with the utilisation of existing, more modern, more advanced, and more reliable systems and avionics like the following:
-replacing the F-111’s the AN/APQ-113 attack radar and the AN/APQ-110 terrain-following radar with that of the Texas Instruments TF/TA radar, Decca Type 72 doppler navigation radar and BAE Systems FIN1010 three-axis digital INS systems from the Panavia Tornado IDS?
-installing a modified electrical, triplexed fly-by wire system, with electrical and mechanical back-up modes; Command Stability Augmentation System (CSAS) systems from the Panavia Tornado IDS ?
-incorporating the automatic wing sweep system of either the Panavia Tornado IDS or Grumman F-14 Tomcat, so as to make the F-111C's flight profile more efficient and minimise the pilots workload?
-replacement of the underpowered and unreliable Pratt & Whitney TF-30 turbofan with General Electric F110 turbofan engines?
-obviously, the flawed and manpower intensive (not to mention the dangerous OH&S aspect) main internal fuel tank arrangement needs to be replaced in the RAAF's F-111C's; can anyone suggest a replacement arrangement, which doesn't require maintenance crews to enter such dangerous confined space, so as to scrub this fuel tank? [Please note,I've only ever heard of RAAF doing this, did the USAF conduct such similar 'entry and scrubbing' of its F-111 fleets main fuel tanks??]
Now Im thinking the use of off-the-shelf systems such as the Texas Instruments TF/TA radar, Decca Type 72 doppler navigation radar and BAE Systems FIN1010 three-axis digital INS system, fly-by wire system, the Command Stability Augmentation System (CSAS) and the GE F110’s are all matured and R&D paid for, so I would be hoping that much of the cost/time/risk will be in the actual upgrade process, re-programming of the fly-by wire system to incorporate the flight characteristics of the F-111, as opposed to the Tornado IDS…..
I also understand that the changing from hydraulic to electric actuators will be a substantially technical and a physical undertaking, but as I envisage this ‘update’ as a ‘mid-life update’, the aircraft are going to be stripped right down anyway for engineering lifespan appraisal, amendments and structural replacement processes…..
I also appreciate that the USAF/General Electric seriously committed some time and effort into the ‘real-world’ study of the USAF’s F-111’s being fitted with GE F101 DFE (F110’s), but the end of the Cold War put an end to the F-111 in their service. Add to this is the ‘real-world’ USN/Grumman/General Electric modifying and fitting of a number of Grumman F-14’s with GE F110, which they designated as F-14A(Plus)’s and later F-14B’s, so such a task isn't without studying and practical engineering, nor risky!
I would like to also emphasis that in my Alternative ADF ORBAT’ the F-111 is regarded by the ADF and politician’s alike, as a fundimental strategic asset of deterrents, and not ‘an add hock political toy of yesteryear, without a real mission/role’!, It is for this reason, along with the realisation that there isn’t another aircraft able to replace it, that the RAAF and government alike are willing to take both extensive time and money to not just keep the F-111 in service but also ensure its combat effective.
So what does forum members think? Doable?
Also, I'm open to any other suggestions re systems upgrades - ECM, RWR, etc....
M.A.D