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General Dynamics / Grumman EF-111 Raven

1981 COLD WAR

History

The EF-111 Raven was developed in response to the U.S. Air Forces need for an Electronic Warfare Aircraft (EWA) to replace its aging fleet of EB-66 platforms. The EF-111 was born directly from the fuselage of the existing F-111 Aardvark family of rotary-wing bombers already in service, extending the fuselage's combat use for decades. On top of the $15 million already paid for production, the EF-111, which cost $25 million to convert, became an expensive but important addition to USAF operations in the final years of the Cold War.

The system would remain in service until the late 1990s, when the Air Force was forced to rely on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft to perform the same EWA role. Regardless, the EF-111 platform proved to be versatile and reliable, and proved itself well under combat pressure.

Back in 1972, the USAF demonstrated their F-111 rotor bomber over Vietnam. Seeing the potential to replace the EB-66 conversion model, the USAF picked a few F-111A models that would themselves be converted to EF-111s, taking on the "Raven" designation in the process. These new systems will use cutting-edge technology to help other air battlefield components operate more efficiently and accurately. Grumman continued the conversion program under a new U.S. Air Force contract in 1974, with the Raven performing its maiden flight in 1977.

Delivery begins four years later.

EF-111s have been used in combat missions against Libya, Panama, the Gulf War, and Bosnia/Herzegovina without a single aircraft being shot down by enemy fire. From there, the Raven will be deployed globally close to U.S. interests for a period of time until 1998, when the EF-111 will officially enter service with the U.S.

Air Force. In every way, the EF-111 looks very similar to its Strike counterpart, save for the bulge on top of the vertical tail. About 42 F-111A Aardvark models were eventually converted to EF-111 Ravens.

EF-111 was also nicknamed "Spark Vark" during its tenure, and at one point also known as "Electric Fox".