F-111A 66-016
was originally assigned to 428th TFS. The aircraft was modified to the 'HARVEST REAPER'
configuration, before being flown to Takhli RTAFB, Thailand to conduct operations named
COMBAT LANCER. (ref: Official 474th COMBAT LANCER History Vol 1)
On 18 March 1968, F-111A 66-016 flew the first ever F-111 Combat Mission.
After return to the USA, the aircraft was assigned to the 442nd TFTS.
Eventually 66-016 was chosen
as one of the 42 F-111A aircraft to be modified to the new EF-111A configuration by
Grumman.
EF-111A 66-016
is currently the only F-111 credited for a fighter kill. During Operation DESERT
STORM, the crew of 66-016 were credited with an Iraqi Mirage F1 kill on 17 January 1991,
after flying at an altitude which caused the chasing Mirage to impact the ground (trapped
him in the 6 o'clock !!).
EF-111A 66-016's last 'posting' was to the 429ECS at Cannon AFB NM, were it is now on
display. (Jeff Zeitvogel)
