Original U.S. Vietnam War Era General Dynamics FB-111 Aardvark Combat Aircraft Control Stick on Display Mount with Small Model

Original Item. Only One Available. The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark is a retired supersonic, medium-range, multirole combat aircraft. Production models of the F-111 had roles that included attack (e.g. interdiction), strategic bombing (including nuclear weapons capabilities), reconnaissance and electronic warfare. Aardvark comes from a South African animal that has a long nose and hugs the terrain. It is an Afrikaans word that translates literally as "earth pig"—hence the aircraft's "Pig" nickname during its Australian service.

The FB-111A was a strategic bomber version of the F-111. The USAF's Strategic Air Command needed an interim bomber due to the Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft program proceeding slowly and the B-52 fleet's fatigue. The FB-111A was selected in 1965 and ordered in 1966 to replace the supersonic Convair B-58 Hustler and early B-52s. In 1968, plans called for 263 FB-111s, but the total was reduced to 76 aircraft in 1969. The first production aircraft flew in 1968. After the UK canceled its order for the F-111K in 1968, components for the 48 F-111Ks in production were reused on the FB-111A.

This is a tremendous piece of aircraft history, the control stick off of an FB-111 Aardvark, one of the most well-known aircraft in American history. The stick is well-mounted to a display board and comes with a very small model of the F-111A. The entire piece with the mount measures roughly 10 x 6 x 17”. The bottom of the mount is inscribed in marker FB-111, noting that it is from the strategic bomber version of the F-111.

The buttons on the control stick all still function as intended. The side of the stick has several small markings, likely part numbers. It gives a great feeling to handle!

This is a really great display piece, perfect for any aircraft or Vietnam War collection. Comes ready for further research and display.