F-111 Digital Flight Control System (DFCS) 1st Flight

[@jnbfrancisco]

I was an Instrument and autopilot or AFCS tech and instructor from 1971 to 1980. I can only recall 3 AFCS computers, pitch roll and yaw. Also there was a feel and trim assembly. What were the six computers that were replaced by the new digital flight control computer? Was there any improvement besides reliability by the new DAFCS?

[@kenhas87B]

The DFCS replaced the three flight control computers. The goal of the program was for the DFCS-modified aircraft to match the flying qualities of the unmodified F-111.

[@jnbfrancisco]

@@kenhas87B I became an AFCS instructor for Sikorsky Aircraft on the SH60B in 1980. It had a digital AFCS computer that was replaced about thirty years later because they could no longer get the processor to repair the computer. What was the reason for upgrading the AFCS computers if the handling qualities remained the same. Reliability? Parts maintenance?

[@kenhas87B]

@@jnbfrancisco Your suggested reasons are exactly correct. Reliability, parts availability and anticipated reduced maintenance were the reasons for the proposed upgrade. The intent was to make the aircraft fly exactly like the existing F-111 fleet to minimize re-training impacts on the operational squadrons. Of course the pre-flight, systems and EPs would have required re-training but the flying qualities of the modified aircraft were essentially the same as the operational F-111s.

[@jnbfrancisco]

@@kenhas87B I became very impressed with the sofictication of the automatic flight control system on the F111 after I became a field training instructor at Mt Home AFB. I think that some pilots didn't understand the AFCS either If I could have returned to the maintenance of the F111s, I would have done another 10 years in the USAF. I loved to fix that wonderful airplane. I didn't chose to be an instructor and couldn't get out of it so I quit.

[@byt290]

Chris Toney - your late father Ben, kindly sent me some files for my research on the F-111.

[@christoney2491]

He tried his best to make sure folks who worked with the plane had mementos of their time with the plane.

[@michaelprusak6188]

After my F-111 flying days were over, I was assigned to work on F-111 modification programs at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, I got to work with Ben in the early 90's. It was a great experience

[@LRRPFco52]

@@michaelprusak6188 Which versions of the Vaark did you fly?

[@tlfflt1983]

This is the first I heard of DFCS. Did it go into production? I knew of navigation upgrades but didn’t know of this.

[@kenhas87B]

@@christoney2491 I worked with your father on this project. He was very good to work with and ensured the success of the test program. I was surprised to see the video posted, brought back memories.

[@alistairmills7608]

Gosh I miss the sound of a pig 🐷 taxing at night. I did Subjects for Corporal at RAAF Base Amberley actually August to October 2001 so that was across September 11 2001 and the Base was closed down really tight and operations of intensive night training doubled. 12 jets night ops every night for two months.

[@snakesinthecityaustralia9599]

Very cool video!

[@dkoz8321]

Little bit chunky- check. Bushy mustache - check Height under 6'-1"-check Yep all the traits of 1980's USAF and USN tactical jet crew.

[@briancooper2112]

How did usaf pass PT?

[@tedjob21]

We did DFCS on the F-14 in 99.

[@synjdcrispy7843]

Funny thing is the F-14 came about because of the F-111. They had a Navy version of the F-111B they tested and took to the ship. Because of the size, weight and maintenance issues (difficult to perform aboard the ship), and GD's inexperience with shipboard designs, they contracted with Grumman for what would become the F-14. The Navy really liked the swing wing feature, so that was made a requirement for the F-14. It's also a reason it was sometimes called the "Titanium Deck Awning" when it had an issue that prevented them from sweeping the wings back after landing on the ship.

[@byt290]

@@synjdcrispy7843 - so many mixed views on the B model - some are on point most are not. I have read the factory files and a lot that followed. Its easy to be misled during what was a very turbulent time for the company & the media that hounded it. Misunderstood is the end result for most

[@briancooper2112]

Not all F-111 had digital cockpit

[@mpoyart]

It's unusual to see a young Air Force pilot wearing glasses!

[@michaelprusak6188]

The requirement for pilots entering flight training was 20/20 . The pilot in this video was a major, so he had at least 11 years of active duty, After that they want vision that's correctable to 20/20. I needed glasses after 8 years of flying.

[@mpoyart]

Thank you for your explanation.

[@kenhas87B]

@@michaelprusak6188 That is exactly how it went.

[@froginthewaves8450]

Neat

[@jurgenblick5491]

Nice

[@reikonr7173]

Pilots are the shortest compared to the rest of crew

[@evanf111og]

all the g's

[@rlh7210]

TO MANY CHIEFS , NOTE: THIS WAS NOT VIDEOED AT EDWARD AFB

[@byt290]

It was at McClellan AFB....SMALC

[@kenhas87B]

@@byt290 It was at the General Dynamics plant in Fort Worth, Texas. That is where the aircraft was modified with the new flight control system, and the first flight was conducted at the contractor facility.

[@dkoz8321]

Fighter jocks get the girls Strike & bomber guys make history Reconnaissance crews stay quiet and write books. But only after retirement.

[@ERTB]

782