General Dynamics FB-111A Aardvark

The F-111 is probably one of the most controversial aircraft in US Military history and despite a number of problems in its early development, it became one of the most formidable strike aircraft in the Air Force’s inventory. Designed as a multi-role strike fighter, the F-111 pioneered many new technologies, including variable sweep wings to provide optimum performance at all speeds, and a terrain-following radar system which allowed it to fly at very low level and high speed over a changing terrain. However, an attempt to turn it into an interceptor was an expensive failure.

The museum displays the FB-111A version, which was specially designed as a strategic bomber, carrying nuclear weapons at high speed and over long ranges. Seventy-six of this model were built to bridge the gap between the retirement of the B-58 Hustler and the arrival of the B-1 Lancer. After the B-1 entered service, the Air Force retired the FB-111s or modified them as F-111Gs for tactical bombing. The Air Force never gave the F-111 family of aircraft an official name while in service, but airmen dubbed it the “Aardvark” because of its oddly-shaped nose. The Air Force finally formalized the Aardvark name on the day it was retired.

The FB-111A on display served with the Strategic Air Command at Carswell, Plattsburgh, and Pease Air Force Bases before coming to Lowry Air Force Base in 1990 as a weapons loading trainer. It is on loan to Wings Over the Rockies from the National Museum of the US Air Force.

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum

Monday	10am-5pm
Tuesday	10am-5pm
Wednesday	10am-5pm
Thursday	10am-5pm
Friday	10am-5pm
Saturday	10am-5pm
Sunday	12pm-5pm

Address:
7711 East Academy Blvd Denver, CO 80230

E: info@wingsmuseum.org

P: 303-360-5360

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Upcoming Events

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Saturday Oct 7

9:30AM TO 12:30PM

Exploration of Flight

Breakfast Fly-In

Saturday, Oct 7 | 9:30AM to 12:30PM

Join Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight for monthly fly-ins featuring planes, pilots and breakfast!

On the first Saturday of every month, enjoy breakfast from a local food truck, watch aircraft fly in and explore interactive exhibits and simulators.

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Food Truck: Cruz In & Eat
Please note: Food purchases are not included in admission.

Pilots – Fly in for free breakfast! For tie-down space, contact Flight@WingsMuseum.org or 303.360.5360 ext 160.

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Saturday Oct 14

9:00AM TO 2:00PM

Exploration of Flight

Round Engine Roundup with an Eclipse Encounter

Saturday, Oct 14 | 9:00AM to 2:00PM

Join us at Exploration of Flight for a roundup of round engine aircraft, featuring the Sea Fury. Plus, view the 2023 Annular Eclipse from Centennial Airport! Build your own telescope and create a moon phase calendar at our learning stations, followed by an educational talk about the eclipse from Wings Over the Rockies Curator Chuck Stout.

Arrive early for prime eclipse viewing, as the eclipse is expected to be visible in the area around 10:30 a.m. The first 100 people will receive free eclipse glasses to safely view the eclipse. Additional glasses will be for sale.

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Food Truck: Colorado Coney Company

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Saturday Oct 14

10:00AM TO 11:00AM

Teachers Only | Professional Development: Nose Art

Saturday, Oct 14 | 10:00AM to 11:00AM

Teacher Workshop: Nose Art

Teachers are invited to join us for this online workshop and learn a unique aerospace lesson to bring to your classroom!

As aviation developed, especially as the result of World War I, many pilots chose to decorate their aircraft with designs intended to intimidate their opponents, or to remind the pilots of easier times at home. During this unique program, participants will have a chance to review some of that remarkable history and develop their own insignia and learn how to generate the image on a square of aircraft aluminum.

Register below and you will receive a confirmation email with the online meeting link.

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