The cockpit crew module belonged to F-111D serial 68-0125 and has all real flight instruments; 100% complete
Previously available on eBay for buying, a completely restored F-111 cockpit crew module.
According to the seller (who is a former F-111 pilot), the pictures in this post show the only restored F-111D cockpit in existence and are truly exotic. The cockpit has all real flight instruments, 100% complete.
The cockpit crew module belonged to F-111D serial 68-0125.
Delivered to the U.S. Air Force (USAF) on Sep. 18, 1972, the aircraft crashed at 14:15 hours MST on Sep. 11, 1987, at Cannon Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico, whilst with the 524th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS), 27th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW).
The jet impacted about one and three-quarters miles from the end of runway 22 at Cannon AFB. The crew was practicing single-engine approaches, and the engine that was providing thrust flamed out. A well-known fact about the F-111 is that the engines don’t have a very good response to rapid throttle movements. The aircraft wallowed around for several seconds before the capsule separated.
The ejection was initiated at about 200 feet, and the parachute barely opened before impact. The airframe impacted the right wing and cartwheeled several times before coming to a rest upside down. The vertical tail broke off on the ground.
Crew ejected safely: PILOT Maj. John Sides and WSO Maj. Russell Stricker. Call sign Captor 11.
The aircraft had accumulated 1,444 flights and 3,494.2 flight hours at the time of loss.
Bidding is limited to U.S. Citizens living in the U.S.
The development of the high-speed F-111 aircraft caused the need for an improved egress system. The ejectable crew module was designed to meet this need. According to The Ejection Site, the system provides maximum protection for the crewmembers throughout the aircraft’s performance envelope. It includes capabilities for safe ejections at maximum speed and altitude, zero altitudes, and 50 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS). The module is self-righting, watertight, has flotation provisions, and protects the crewmembers from environmental hazards encountered on land or water. A side-by-side crew arrangement facilitates safe and effective performance and allows crewmembers to work together and aid one another in performing mission tasks while still maintaining their forward visibility, which is an important factor in high-speed, low-level flights.
Photo by Centuryofflight via Ebay
It’s a sad fact that often the Piloted, upon ejecting from the F-111 Aardvark found that the explosive bolts that were supposed to blow after ejection thus allowing the capsule to land in an upright position failed. This meant the capsule would impact nose first. I knew a number of F-111 jockeys that suffered knee injuries when this occurred . I knew Erick COBRA Issacson. An F—111 pilot and his friends. I still think it’s the mist beautiful aircraft ever built. Pilots loved to fly it using the terrain radar
Yes, you’re right! Thanks!