BAKER: NOTABLE?
>Strike Package 111V-B.
>Q
Strike package = Group of aircraft with different capabilities that are launched together to perform a single attack mission.
F-111 = Retired 1960s era supersonic, medium-range interdictor and tactical attack aircraft which also had other roles. Primary users were the USAF and RAAF (Australia). These were deployed to the Vietnam War.
Like other new weapon systems, the F-111 experienced a number of problems during its development causing program slippage, cost overruns, and deliverables modifications. Not too long after the manufacturer started delivery, this aircraft experienced several structural failures both in-flight and during ground fatigue testing. The initial defects were created, almost universally, during the manufacture of the steel components.
After a catastrophic crash of a plane with only around 100 hours of flight time, the United States grounded the entire fleet for several months while serious deficiencies with the F-111's design were corrected. The cause of this crash was attributed to failure of a steel wing pivot fitting.
In Southwest's engine failure that occurred earlier today, the media reported the steel containment ring failed. That part is supposed to keep the engine components from flying out if a failure ever occurs. Perhaps all the plane crashes and structural problems we've been watching are related in some way defective steel components in them.
Refs:
https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Dynamics_F-111_Aardvark
https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_General_Dynamics_F-111_aircraft_operated_by_the_Royal_Australian_Air_Force
https:// www.gao.gov/assets/100/97982.pdf
https:// www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-111-problems.htm