General Dynamics F-111C (A8-132) Multi-Crew Strike Bomber, South Australian Aviation Museum.

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HISTORY: A8-132 made its first flight on 21 October 1968 and was delivered to RAAF Amberley on 25 July 1973 following a period in storage in the United States. This was due to concerns about the airworthiness of the F-111, as it was a new design and much testing had to be done to ensure the reliability of the aircraft type. Despite this protracted start, the F-111 was a very successful aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force.
A8-132 then entered service with 1 SQN RAAF and in 1979 was allocated to the Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) at Edinburgh, SA, remaining there until 1988. Its primary role at ARDU was testing and clearance of new systems and weapons. It completed over 30 trails programs, including a range of guided weapons such as the Harpoon missile. During this period it was given a special paint scheme of camouflaged upper surface and white lower surface to provide a contrast when photographing the release of weapons during trails.
After ARDU service A8-132 returned to 1 SQN as a strike fighter and was repainted in the standard overall grey scheme. It was subsequently returned to its trails role when it served as a prototype for a major avionics upgrade program (AUP) in 1992 and for engine replacement program following the purchase by the RAAF of upgraded engines from the USAF.
Following these major projects, the aircraft was returned to squadron services with 1 SQN in 1996 and participated in a number of major exercises and airshows, both within Australia and overseas. A8-132 was retired with all remaining RAAF F-111s at the end of 2010. In 2011 it was returned to its ARDU colour scheme and was transported to RAAF Edinburgh for display.
A8-132 was exchanged for South Australian Aviation Museum's original RF-111C, A8-134, which was transferred to the Australian War Memorial .
Source: South Australian Aviation Museum www.saam.org.au/