Stationed at Nellis AFB, 1968 to 1971. 430th. TFS.. they were grounded a couple times ..arrived 7/11/68..saw one go down just off base ...pilots survived .. grounded 6 months ..
Went to a few airshows here in the 80's.Great memories,wonderful aircraft.Saw the Thunderbirds there on there first tour with the F16,superb..Thanks for the memory.🤙
I joined the Air Force 6 months out of High School and I was stationed at Upper Heyford from 1972 to 1974. It was one of the best times of my life. I met great people including my Air Force peers and the English locals. The sounds and video bring back memories. Thank you!
For those that were stationed at Upper Heyford and remember getting their hair cut by Barry the Barber, he was my barber from an early age, to where I needed "the board" to sit on, until I graduated High School. That man knew how to cut hair like nobody's business. He moved from the location next to the BX to his own little place on the flight line. After school, I would drive to the BX parking lot, walk through the flight line entry gate and walk to his place for a haircut, waiting with the military guys. I was the only dependent that I'm aware of that did that. As I was in Junior ROTC at RAF Croughton, I needed that military haircut!! Heyford holds a very special place in my heart. All those that made that place operate, were a very special breed and greatly appreciated.
I still enchange the odd text with Barry! After he left Heyford he went to Croughton to work & that's where I got to know him as my office was near his barbers (although my ex knew him much earlier as used to get his hair cut on the flightline when Heyford was open). Thanks for sharing this video. While I live in Bicester I don't often drive through the base anymore but I decided to go through today and it's changed so much since I was last through there about 3-4 years ago. I do miss the planes flying over (but it's in my blood as am a brat).
Great memories of my last days flying the 111 before we closed Upper Heyford. I was in both the 79th and 55th Fighter Squadrons and I had the pleasure of flying "The Heartbreaker" out of Heyford on 7 Dec 1993. Thanks for posting...Ken Holder!
Sad day for sure. Glad I wasn't there or I might've been the one trying to prevent you from leaving. I have pilot scarves and patches from all the squadrons. My dad was able to wrangle them away from pilots while he worked at the Class XI store. That's an exF-111 crew chief for you. So very treasured. Saw 055 at Robins museum after being put inside and repainted. She's looking brand new again!!
111VarkDriver USAF VET here Sir, Thanks for Serving Our County. I was stationed with F111's in New Mexico at Clovis NM. I refueled aircraft. was also on Quam for 2 yrs. With the B52 C5 Glaxy, C141 A and C141B. And The C130 weather chaser. I crossed trained into Search Weather Radar and Navigation Systems. I'LL Tacan VOR. ect. we are part of a Brotherhood. God Bless.
I have lived nearby since 2006 and only seen the base empty. These two pieces of film are very atmospheric and really help me to imagine what the base was like when operational. 'The Chief' is now at IWM Duxford in the American Air Museum. Walking around the silent and slightly dusty exhibit was a real contrast to seeing it roar down the runway with afterburners glowing in your films. Thanks for posting this historic film.
I saw The Chief at Duxford in the mid 90s while on leave from the Air Force. Back then you were able to walk under into the bomb bay where I left my business card hidden up in there. It might still be there.
Good times! We were stationed there in 1958 (Born in London).. Joined the USAF in 1976 and in 1978 was stationed at RAF Croughton worked the Aeronautical station. Got married there in 1980... Lots of fun and really miss those days! Thanks for posting!
What lovely memories this brings back of growing up in Ardley, watching & listening to these F111s, the Americans were so lovely & polite, great times.
My late husband Mark was stationed at Upper Heyford as a age mechanic left in 86. while living on base I worked at the four seasons store. I loved it there at Heyford. There was so much to do. Went to Banbury a lot. We had other friends and family stationed in England to viisit.
Great video and brought back some great memories! Husband was stationed at Upper Heyford in the late 70s. We lived in the village there. Wonderful times and met a lot of great people there, including the locals. Beautiful countryside surrounding the base. Was the best experience of a lifetime! ❤️
Good days: Worked there as an MoD Civ servant in 92/93 on transfer round from Greenham Common/ Bentwaters and Woodbridge: All gone now. Best years of my working life. Loved working with the Yanks; a great bunch of Guys!
Thanks for sharing this video. I was stationed @ RAF Upper Heyford 1974 - 1976. Security Police. Saw many liftoffs and many elephant walks. Lived in Brackley.
I sent this video to my dad and he told me that he had flown 15 of these F-111's; he has kept all of his flight logs; he was with the Fighting 55th in the mid 80's.
Wow, just stumbled across this video...total trip down memory lane. I was working the flight line this day and probably was the guy who brought out those lovely light carts in the background! AGE forever!! What a treat getting to see the Chief fly again. Got a picture of my AGE group standing on the wing of the Chief in my house! Was in the 20th & the 55th and still have my patches. After that day I moved into support until they shipped me off to Ramstein. But I got really good at cards and darts while I waited for orders! Thanks Andy for bringing back a bit of my past!
Cards and darts,,,, at LAKENHEATH in 1977 at the ECS shop every Friday we would have Lima beans and cornbread. And maybe some beer😮 and shoot darts,our shop chief was fro Tennessee good memories thanks
My Dad was stationed at Heyford until 1960 , I remember him taking me to where he played Baseball and took me around the perimeter , he had good memories of the place .
Used to go to the airshows at Upper Heyford , usually opened with Ravens criss crossing the airfield then a simulated bomb run complete with pyrotechnic explosions .
I live 10 miles away from the old base in Banbury and the sight of these planes brings back memories of them flying very low over the house when I was a child
I can still remember driving to airshows at RAF Mildehall, Alconbury and Lakenheath, with feelings of great anticipation and excitement. Certainly wasn't let down in any way in that respect, with great flying displays, and the USAFE personal there were always a pleasure to chat to. Happy days for sure!
Great memories! I was a pilot and 79th Tiger from '91-'93. My name was on Tail # 68-038, but we flew various jets, some of which I flew are in this video. I remember the spotters at the approach end of Runway 27 (where a lot of the takeoff footage was shot) and would get a kick out of saluting them just to see a flutter of cameras taking my picture! I was privileged to fly her and blessed to have been assigned to the Tiger Squadron. The best memories of my life reside at RAF Upper Heyford with my British neighbors. Thank you to all the "Brits" that supported us and gave me such a wonderful life.
Brilliant video. I moved to the area having gone to view a house for sale on the flightpath (Steeple Claydon). As I got out of my car the 111's were coming in to land. I brought that house immediately.
Never got tired of launching these birds. Always a rush when AB feathered and lit up the night sky. Proud to have served the SEA Theater and being one of the first 200 assigned to take the bird from GD test to military deployment.
I was stationed at Mountain Home AFB, ID in the late 70’s when the F’s were transitioned to Lakenheath during Operation Ready Switch. Once the F’s left Mountain Home we received the older A’s from Nellis. The A’s were then upgraded to the Spark Vark-EF-111’s.
I recall a poster on the wall at local pub featuring a skinny wizened (ancient) Ardvark pilot holding a smouldering joint in his lips whilst at the controls. The caption below the his image stated ’Sleep tight tonight, Hayford's on alert'. I wish I had a copy, it still makes me smile.
Wow a blast from the past!! I was stationed at RAF Upperhayford from 90 up till base closure 95. Worked at 20 CRS and traveled with these birds to Desert Shield/Storm. Who remembers the Three Horse Shoes?
Great video of a classic machine. Brought back a lot of happy memories of my spotting days up against the fence. I was lucky enough to go to the F111's farewell and got my super-base book signed by the crews. Don't forget the Ravens, awesome. As a pilot wrote "Speed is life".
Many a day spent at the fence trying not to look suspicious. The MOD police thought they could shoo me away while doing this because they were having an exercise but my time was limited there to that week so they were SOL. This was more important than their exercise, sorry to say. Some may beg to differ, but that's just the way it goes. I was an A1C on leave from the States. An American military member arrested by British police would've been interesting.
I was an assistant dock chief in the 20th EMS on Phase Dock 2 83-86. We were dedicated to the red tails, but occasionally did EF-111s or another squadron. Many fond memories of the area, and walkedy lunch hours alond the canal from Upper to Lower Heyford. Also spent a fair share of spare time at the Audio-photo Club. Most of my system I got there still works great. Wish I could upload pictures here, including one of myself with Balls 7 in Dock 2.
When the classified "SOR" (Statement of Requirements) arrived sometime in 1962, I was asked to review and outline it for the head of Contracts--thus becoming the first person at General Dynamics/Fort Worth to do a day's work on the "FSX" which ultimately became this airplane. T Guy Spencer
@Kenjero when you say 'came out from' you mean the design was inspired by? the mig yes, the russians attempted to copy the layout to achieve similar performance but didnt. the f14 no. the f14 was an entirely different and dedicated concept. at the time, swing wings were a viable solution to the problem of slow landings and high speed interception, though they did learn a lot of lessons from the f111 program about the layout and problems associated with it.
Great stuff, flew right seat at RAF Upper hay stack from 1982-1985 Flight Commander 55TFS, cold war, a real workout for 3 years. Leading edge aircraft at it's time.-Colonel Bob
I was an Instrument /autopilot tech and instructor from 1971 to 1980 on the F111D at Cannon AFB and F111F at Mt Home. I never got a ride in one and didn't have the nerve to ask for one due to the cost. Did the right seater get any training to fly it?
Nice film bringing back good memories. I still live about 6miles from the base and sometimes our drinking glasses stored in the cabinet would start to rattle when the night patrols went airborne at around 1830 local time. I miss my old friend Ray Pearce who was on ground security duties and a fellow radio ham. Also miss watching the B52's coming home in the sixties with their brake drogue chutes deployed.
I also lived in Ardley, 62 Somerton Rd.(1973-1978) I could see my house on final approach. I went back in 2010. Not the same. Went to the Fox and Hounds for lunch. We were the only one in the place. Still have great memories of the place.
Ardley was a peaceful place, except when the 111s were out playing. The crackling of the air as the wings sliced through the moist air, sounds to soothe the soul.
My Dad was stationed there from 70-74, I cried when we left , best years of my life! My dad was Cmsgt Frank Reyes of the 20th MMS, S o proud of you Dad!
I was lucky enough to get up close with the last operational 111's in australia. 2010, their final airshow. Amazing airplane. For years on the walk to work i went past a cafe at the same time every day. They must have been flushing the steam out of their coffee machine or something but the sound it made was EXACTLY like an idling f111. Every single time it would remind me of them.
I was stationed at Upper Heyford as a firefighter from 1974-1975. The base has a great history going back to WWII. Great memories of a time long since passed.
My dad was stationed at Heyford for two tours before retiring there in 1986. He was a crew chief on 056 during the early 70s when it was assigned to the 79th Tigers. Being at Upper Heyford was the best time of my life.
We were at Robins AFB Air Museum last Saturday and saw The Heartbreaker which has been based there since it left Heyford. Those were the days. Stationed there 1977-1983 and 1987-1991
Was at Heyford from Jan 82 until Dec 84. Worked electrical shop out of north side. The 111 never broke for electricals, so we spent a lot of time working with other shops under POMO/COMO. Also spent some time doing launch/recovery out of red 20. Those days are but a distant memory anymore, for the most part. Guess I should be thankful for that.
Been avoiding YT all this time as some friends said it was kind of a gutter but I couldn't resist the call of some Vark videos. Thanks to the poster and thanks to all those who kept them flying. I still dream I'm flying them and see New Hampshire and Scotland passing below me at 500kts and hear my WSO through the helmet comms. Guess they make an impression.
AWSOME!!! I was at UH 77/78, POL. If you could just smell the jet fuel, couldn't get no better. Sad to see the F-111's gone as well as the base. A great time and great friends. Loved those night takeoffs.
I was stationed at Cannon from 2000-01 in 27CES. Sadly, no varks except for the ones on display. My dad was stationed there in 69-72 when the grounding occurred. He was in the 481TFS Crusaders.
Grew up in Bicester in the 70s,and for years the base was a big part of local life,with USAF housing in the town and along with the British army garrison the whole area was one massive base during the cold war.Saw the F.111s from our school playground daily. We used to cycle out to Heyford and sneak up to the perimeter fence near the railway track in all weathers to see and hear those jets,great memories,the Americans were very friendly too,many were billeted out in the villages. I forgot about those big lights they had in the nose too! They helped to keep the peace.
That was my backyard from 85-91. Loved every minute. I remember the day I was in my bedroom and I looked out the window to see an SR-71 Blackbird on short final for 27 doing a missed approach back to Mildenhall. It was like seeing Santa Claus flying by… unbelievably unexpected.
This is great stuff. I was at Lakenheath in the 80's- 90's, and I miss the Aardvarks so bad. I was a weapons troop with the 494th, then went to instruct in the load barn until 1992. I'm glad you made these, even though it's UH. With all the tab-vee's, it looks just like the heath. Love those english gray, misty skys!
I was an Instrument /autopilot tech at Cannon AFB from 1971 to 1974. The E models were initially at Cannon AFB. The last ones were being sent to Lakenheath when I got there. I wanted to go to England then too. We were told that the F111 was a weapons platform. I thought it was an airplane. I think it was a hell of a weapons platform and I miss it too.
@@jnbfrancisco E models went to RAF Upper Heyford. I was at RAF Lakenheath with the latest F models. We never had "E's" there. Before that, I was at Cannon with the old D models. The model that all the aircrew seemed to hate, for some reason. Constant avionics problems. Shitty bombing computer, etc.
@@GJones462-2W1 I stand corrected about Upperheyford . The D model may have been a bridge to far avionics wise. I heard that the inertial nav would dump when flying through a cloud sometimes. Instrument autopilot wise all models were about the same. It seemed to me the fuel quantity system was our biggest problem.
I was with the F111F at mountain home and when we bought them to LAKENHEATH in 77 (you're welcome 😁) I worked in the ECS shop .a lot of great memories I am still proud of working on the F111F one Hell of a plane in it's day
20th AMS CNPA from 1977 to 1979, Heyford was the best times, loved that place. Hope to get back for a visit soon, I know it's not the same as it was then but it'd still be good to see the place again.
Richard L Martin Jnr, Banbury and Brackley, nice places in England. Glad you had good times. How did you cope with the fog, cloud and rain in the middle of July?, It's a million miles from Utah, or some other hot place in the U.S.. Thank you all for serving here and protecting our freedom, so far from home. We salute you!
the takeoff at the end of the video was somewhat painful......no hearing protection. 20 years old, I figured I was indestructible. The ringing eventually went away.
Spent 4.5 years at Heyford; 1986 to 1990. Still got a couple of "aardrvark bites" from working on the plane. Coming out of the wheel well and getting nailed by the "kidney panel". Fond memories and permanent scars.
I can remember when the 20TFW flew F-100's at Wethersfield. Those were the days. Such a shame that most of the RAF/USAF bases are now closed. Short sighted too.
There's a memory. I arrived at Upper Heyford just before the F-111E did, June 1970, to work in the new avionics shop and was surprised to see F-100's stationed there. I remembered them from their Thunderbird days when I was a kid.
Great video,would have loved to have gone to UH.Remember seeing barks low level round the lake district,and they used to do approaches into Warton before flying to the range on the Isle of Man.
I sympathize for the citizens living in Lower Heyford and any area near RAF (USAFE) UH. If I wasn’t busy working I loved getting a coffee and watching the ground crew pre- flight the 111 prior to departing. Wearing ear protection of course.
Fondest memories were as a crew chief, running ground to the cockpit after an engine change, and specially at night standing under the horizontal flaps when they would hit zone 5 and the blue then pure white flame would shoot out 50 feet and the ground and your stomach was rumbled. Awesome feeling. I loved working nights on the flight line..
Thanks for all your hard work on these temperamental machines. My dad was a crew chief in yellow section in the early 70s on 056 as well as Phase inspection. 20BHS in the 80s before retiring in 86 and then worked at the Class VI (liquor) store until the base closed.
Am currently working at the airfield, in a building right at the back of the base, next to the ammo dump, I think it was 77th Squadron HQ or something, we also have access to a HAS which is eerie!!
wow..just found this video..i was stationed there in71 i think we had f100 saber s and the 111s replaced them..roommate and i were the first two instrument techs to qualify to fix them..fixed the first one that broke...lots of repairs ...planes did not have 100 hours on em..great memory. got a lot f good storys..lived in chipping norton..cool
@Michael Vechnak My late parents lived in Watton, Norfolk and one of their neighbours worked on the F-111s at Lakenheath. On the safety equipment I seem to remember. I seem to remember his name was Joe (Lyon I think).. He had some stories about the aircraft, especially on a couple of flights he had in it. Also how they used to chase the RAF Tornadoes !!
I was stationed at UH from '88 to '90 as LE/K9. Just got back from seeing "Balls-09" on static display at the Forward Air Controller's Museum in Fort Worth. Was hoping there was a clip of her on these videos.
Sorry we couldn't get her on video for you. I first saw 032 in Jan 88. 1990 with the 55th and 1991 with the 77th. Thanks for all your hard work. It always surprised me to hear on the radio, a jet returning code 1. IFE's were pretty common. Hot brakes. The bak-12s got a good work out. All in all, an amazing airplane supported by some very dedicated crews. Everyone that got the F-111 into the air deserves a medal.
I had not heard that sound since March 1974 when I shipped out to NJ to process out. I do miss the big noisy Ardvarks which to me, looked like a wild turkey when they came in for a landing. 20th CES 71 to 74.
I was CC on 68-035 back in 80-82. It was a blue tail back then. We were way on the other side of the runway(by the alert pad). Working swing shift, you had better have your sh** together. If you missed the last bus, it was a 1-2 mile hike back to the barracks. You could forget about midnight chow. Luckily we did had a beer mach. in the CQs office.
035 was one of the first two to arrive at Heyford. The other being 045 who never made it to retirement. :( I've rode my 10 speed from Ardley to the parking lot across from Base Ops. That's a long ride, I couldn't imagine walking that far on base especially if it was raining. We may have crossed paths at some point while you were there, i.e. BX, Commissary, Class XI. I ended up stocking the shelves on weekends at the Class XI store from 87-89, maybe 90. You guys kept me busy!! :) I was also a bagger at the Commissary during my Junior/Senior year of High School. 90-91. Fun times at Upper Heyford. My favorite color being blue, the 55th was my favorite but I also like Tigers so the 79th, I had a soft spot for. The 77th, I've spent a lot of time with them as an Aviation Explorer (high school explorers group sponsored by the 77th). They were all equally favorited, but blue had a minuscule edge. "Victory By Valor"
This is the only airplane I worked on in my 10 years with the USAF. I thought It was a great airplane. My boss said it was a weapons platform but I always thought it was an airplane. Most people would not believe the noise that thing made just idling on the ground. It was just slightly above the pain level for me. I was an Instrument / autopilot tech. The sofictication of the autopilot system was amazing. I don't think that some pilots understood it very well. I didn't understand it until I became an instructor.
I worked in the instrument / autopilot shop for the FB-111A and then went to Upper Heyford in 1970. I was originally trained for the analog systems in the B-52 and KC-135 and somehow miraculously retrained for the digital systems in just two months in Denver summer of '69. How many times have I tried to remember the system that the FB had that the 111E didn't. I think it was the star tracker but who knows now. Such a long time ago! I do remember what a nightmare it was in the autopilot shop waiting for the digital tape drives to wind their reels to where the next set of instructions might be. The civilian tech guys were constantly working on those tape drives all day, day after day.
@@bwinmaine I entered the USAF in Oct 1970 and was sent to Chanute in Dec to attend the school for instrument repair. At that time we could have been organizational or intermediate level repair people. I was sent to Cannon AFB to become "O" level instrument repairman. After about a year we were combined with the autopilot people to become O level only both systems repair people. I grew to like to fix autopilot systems better than the instrument systems.
Stationed at Nellis AFB, 1968 to 1971. 430th. TFS.. they were grounded a couple times ..arrived 7/11/68..saw one go down just off base ...pilots survived .. grounded 6 months ..
Went to a few airshows here in the 80's.Great memories,wonderful aircraft.Saw the Thunderbirds there on there first tour with the F16,superb..Thanks for the memory.🤙
I joined the Air Force 6 months out of High School and I was stationed at Upper Heyford from 1972 to 1974. It was one of the best times of my life. I met great people including my Air Force peers and the English locals. The sounds and video bring back memories. Thank you!
For those that were stationed at Upper Heyford and remember getting their hair cut by Barry the Barber, he was my barber from an early age, to where I needed "the board" to sit on, until I graduated High School. That man knew how to cut hair like nobody's business. He moved from the location next to the BX to his own little place on the flight line. After school, I would drive to the BX parking lot, walk through the flight line entry gate and walk to his place for a haircut, waiting with the military guys. I was the only dependent that I'm aware of that did that. As I was in Junior ROTC at RAF Croughton, I needed that military haircut!! Heyford holds a very special place in my heart. All those that made that place operate, were a very special breed and greatly appreciated.
I still enchange the odd text with Barry! After he left Heyford he went to Croughton to work & that's where I got to know him as my office was near his barbers (although my ex knew him much earlier as used to get his hair cut on the flightline when Heyford was open). Thanks for sharing this video. While I live in Bicester I don't often drive through the base anymore but I decided to go through today and it's changed so much since I was last through there about 3-4 years ago. I do miss the planes flying over (but it's in my blood as am a brat).
Great memories of my last days flying the 111 before we closed Upper Heyford. I was in both the 79th and 55th Fighter Squadrons and I had the pleasure of flying "The Heartbreaker" out of Heyford on 7 Dec 1993. Thanks for posting...Ken Holder!
Sad day for sure. Glad I wasn't there or I might've been the one trying to prevent you from leaving. I have pilot scarves and patches from all the squadrons. My dad was able to wrangle them away from pilots while he worked at the Class XI store. That's an exF-111 crew chief for you. So very treasured. Saw 055 at Robins museum after being put inside and repainted. She's looking brand new again!!
111VarkDriver USAF VET here Sir, Thanks for Serving Our County. I was stationed with F111's in New Mexico at Clovis NM. I refueled aircraft. was also on Quam for 2 yrs. With the B52 C5 Glaxy, C141 A and C141B. And The C130 weather chaser. I crossed trained into Search Weather Radar and Navigation Systems. I'LL Tacan VOR. ect. we are part of a Brotherhood. God Bless.
I worked on KC135 Radar Nav.
how many flight hours on the Vark?
are you willing to talk about your time on the F111
I have lived nearby since 2006 and only seen the base empty. These two pieces of film are very atmospheric and really help me to imagine what the base was like when operational. 'The Chief' is now at IWM Duxford in the American Air Museum. Walking around the silent and slightly dusty exhibit was a real contrast to seeing it roar down the runway with afterburners glowing in your films. Thanks for posting this historic film.
I saw The Chief at Duxford in the mid 90s while on leave from the Air Force. Back then you were able to walk under into the bomb bay where I left my business card hidden up in there. It might still be there.
Good times! We were stationed there in 1958 (Born in London).. Joined the USAF in 1976 and in 1978 was stationed at RAF Croughton worked the Aeronautical station. Got married there in 1980... Lots of fun and really miss those days! Thanks for posting!
Thanks for watching!
What lovely memories this brings back of growing up in Ardley, watching & listening to these F111s, the Americans were so lovely & polite, great times.
My late husband Mark was stationed at Upper Heyford as a age mechanic left in 86. while living on base I worked at the four seasons store. I loved it there at Heyford. There was so much to do. Went to Banbury a lot. We had other friends and family stationed in England to viisit.
Spent a Memorable day there in '89. Scramble , Scramble, Scramble we heard over the Tannoy and out came out 50 F-111 including EF-111. What a base!!
Great video and brought back some great memories! Husband was stationed at Upper Heyford in the late 70s. We lived in the village there. Wonderful times and met a lot of great people there, including the locals. Beautiful countryside surrounding the base. Was the best experience of a lifetime! ❤️
Good days: Worked there as an MoD Civ servant in 92/93 on transfer round from Greenham Common/ Bentwaters and Woodbridge: All gone now. Best years of my working life. Loved working with the Yanks; a great bunch of Guys!
Thanks for sharing this video. I was stationed @ RAF Upper Heyford 1974 - 1976. Security Police. Saw many liftoffs and many elephant walks. Lived in Brackley.
I sent this video to my dad and he told me that he had flown 15 of these F-111's; he has kept all of his flight logs; he was with the Fighting 55th in the mid 80's.
Thank you very much. This is the best type of footage with no music added. Please add more if you have any.
Wow, just stumbled across this video...total trip down memory lane. I was working the flight line this day and probably was the guy who brought out those lovely light carts in the background! AGE forever!! What a treat getting to see the Chief fly again. Got a picture of my AGE group standing on the wing of the Chief in my house! Was in the 20th & the 55th and still have my patches. After that day I moved into support until they shipped me off to Ramstein. But I got really good at cards and darts while I waited for orders! Thanks Andy for bringing back a bit of my past!
Cards and darts,,,, at LAKENHEATH in 1977 at the ECS shop every Friday we would have Lima beans and cornbread. And maybe some beer😮 and shoot darts,our shop chief was fro Tennessee good memories thanks
RAF Upper Heyford is gone but never forgotten! The 'vark was awesome! Thanks for the great videos!!
Crumbling in to the ground now. Should be preserved as a cold war museum.
My Dad was stationed at Heyford until 1960 , I remember him taking me to where he played Baseball and took me around the perimeter , he had good memories of the place .
Loved video, was at LAKENHEATH in 77 we brought the F111F model to England that year . Brings back old but good memories
Love this, and miss working on the mighty Vark!
What a great aircraft she was!
I'm sure she would've been more enjoyable had she not required so much love and tender care.
Used to go to the airshows at Upper Heyford , usually opened with Ravens criss crossing the airfield then a simulated bomb run complete with pyrotechnic explosions .
55th 68-069 91-93 crew chief here...thanks for the video! Brings back some great memories!
I live 10 miles away from the old base in Banbury and the sight of these planes brings back memories of them flying very low over the house when I was a child
stunning footage Andy thankyou :) for sharing
I quite enjoyed this video having worked at Upper Heyford from March 75 to June 2008 brings back a lot of very good memories.
I can still remember driving to airshows at RAF Mildehall, Alconbury and Lakenheath, with feelings of great anticipation and excitement. Certainly wasn't let down in any way in that respect, with great flying displays, and the USAFE personal there were always a pleasure to chat to. Happy days for sure!
I was stationed at Upper Heyford from 84-86. 20th CRS jet engine shop. Was a wonderful plane to work on. A couple of the best years of my life.
A unique place during a unique time.
I was in that shop a few years later.
Brilliant airframe. I miss the sight and sound of this big beautiful bastard.
RAFM 85-89
She was no slouch. She had a snout that would make any man whistle.
Amazing aircraft and sights and sounds, you were so lucky to witness this truly wonderful American aircraft!
+marcjboy1 Me too, though it wasn't very fun to work on as a crew chief in -60 below weather in SAC.PAFB,NY 380th Bomber wing
Enjoyed all the years I got to experience an amazing piece of aviation. Day and Night launch and recoveries.
Great memories! I was a pilot and 79th Tiger from '91-'93. My name was on Tail # 68-038, but we flew various jets, some of which I flew are in this video. I remember the spotters at the approach end of Runway 27 (where a lot of the takeoff footage was shot) and would get a kick out of saluting them just to see a flutter of cameras taking my picture! I was privileged to fly her and blessed to have been assigned to the Tiger Squadron. The best memories of my life reside at RAF Upper Heyford with my British neighbors. Thank you to all the "Brits" that supported us and gave me such a wonderful life.
Great memories at Heyford as Crash/Rescue operator..We actually played the pilots in a footbal game in 83..You guys were tough
Brilliant video. I moved to the area having gone to view a house for sale on the flightpath (Steeple Claydon). As I got out of my car the 111's were coming in to land. I brought that house immediately.
She looks like a B-1 of the 60's! Gorgeous bird. Great video.
Super, super video, thanks so much for posting. Was at RAF Fairford mid 80's and made many a trip to UH.
Happy you enjoyed it.
Never got tired of launching these birds. Always a rush when AB feathered and lit up the night sky. Proud to have served the SEA Theater and being one of the first 200 assigned to take the bird from GD test to military deployment.
Glenn, My Dad was stationed there from 1970-74. CMSGT Billy Reid. Did you know him?
Nice, was stationed there 75-77. F111's use to land right over my house in Middle Barton. Weather Observer.
I grew up not far from UH I miss the unique sound of those amazing aircraft so much. I wish they were still here today!
48th TFW at Lakenheath had these when I was there in the early 80's. Loved to watch them go full AB. Couldn't hear yourself think two miles away!
I went to Upper Middle School during 83-84. It was fun trying to learn when they were taking off.
Thanks for posting! I was a Crew Chief on them in Upper Heyford from 90 - 92.
WOW! Did THAT video jog the brain! Thanks for posting that! Now I can show my son what I saw and dealt with!
Glad you enjoyed it.
I was stationed there from june 1980 t July 1983
I was stationed at Raf lakenheath in the late 80s with the f-111f and what a beautiful unique war plane love the F-111
I was stationed at Mountain Home AFB, ID in the late 70’s when the F’s were transitioned to Lakenheath during Operation Ready Switch. Once the F’s left Mountain Home we received the older A’s from Nellis. The A’s were then upgraded to the Spark Vark-EF-111’s.
I recall a poster on the wall at local pub featuring a skinny wizened (ancient) Ardvark pilot holding a smouldering joint in his lips whilst at the controls. The caption below the his image stated ’Sleep tight tonight, Hayford's on alert'. I wish I had a copy, it still makes me smile.
Wow a blast from the past!! I was stationed at RAF Upperhayford from 90 up till base closure 95. Worked at 20 CRS and traveled with these birds to Desert Shield/Storm. Who remembers the Three Horse Shoes?
I do..2oth CES firefighter. 82-84
Great video of a classic machine. Brought back a lot of happy memories of my spotting days up against the fence. I was lucky enough to go to the F111's farewell and got my super-base book signed by the crews. Don't forget the Ravens, awesome. As a pilot wrote "Speed is life".
Many a day spent at the fence trying not to look suspicious. The MOD police thought they could shoo me away while doing this because they were having an exercise but my time was limited there to that week so they were SOL. This was more important than their exercise, sorry to say. Some may beg to differ, but that's just the way it goes. I was an A1C on leave from the States. An American military member arrested by British police would've been interesting.
I was stationed at UH 88-91 and was squadron chaplain for the 77th and lived in Ardley 88-91. Great times, great memories.
I was an assistant dock chief in the 20th EMS on Phase Dock 2 83-86. We were dedicated to the red tails, but occasionally did EF-111s or another squadron. Many fond memories of the area, and walkedy lunch hours alond the canal from Upper to Lower Heyford. Also spent a fair share of spare time at the Audio-photo Club. Most of my system I got there still works great. Wish I could upload pictures here, including one of myself with Balls 7 in Dock 2.
When the classified "SOR" (Statement of Requirements) arrived sometime in 1962, I was asked to review and outline it for the head of Contracts--thus becoming the first person at General Dynamics/Fort Worth to do a day's work on the "FSX" which ultimately became this airplane. T Guy Spencer
Thanks for all your work!!
@Kenjero when you say 'came out from' you mean the design was inspired by? the mig yes, the russians attempted to copy the layout to achieve similar performance but didnt.
the f14 no. the f14 was an entirely different and dedicated concept. at the time, swing wings were a viable solution to the problem of slow landings and high speed interception, though they did learn a lot of lessons from the f111 program about the layout and problems associated with it.
Great stuff, flew right seat at RAF Upper hay stack from 1982-1985 Flight Commander 55TFS, cold war, a real workout for 3 years. Leading edge aircraft at it's time.-Colonel Bob
I was an Instrument /autopilot tech and instructor from 1971 to 1980 on the F111D at Cannon AFB and F111F at Mt Home. I never got a ride in one and didn't have the nerve to ask for one due to the cost. Did the right seater get any training to fly it?
Nice film bringing back good memories. I still live about 6miles from the base and sometimes our drinking glasses stored in the cabinet would start to rattle when the night patrols went airborne at around 1830 local time. I miss my old friend Ray Pearce who was on ground security duties and a fellow radio ham. Also miss watching the B52's coming home in the sixties with their brake drogue chutes deployed.
Living in Ardley, the evening launch made watching TV a challenge. How I miss those days.
This is the way I remember the base. 20th SPS 1983-1987, good times!
I also lived in Ardley, 62 Somerton Rd.(1973-1978) I could see my house on final approach. I went back in 2010. Not the same. Went to the Fox and Hounds for lunch. We were the only one in the place. Still have great memories of the place.
Ardley was a peaceful place, except when the 111s were out playing. The crackling of the air as the wings sliced through the moist air, sounds to soothe the soul.
My Dad was stationed there from 70-74, I cried when we left , best years of my life! My dad was Cmsgt Frank Reyes of the 20th MMS, S o proud of you Dad!
amazing to watch thanks for sharing :)
I was lucky enough to get up close with the last operational 111's in australia. 2010, their final airshow. Amazing airplane.
For years on the walk to work i went past a cafe at the same time every day. They must have been flushing the steam out of their coffee machine or something but the sound it made was EXACTLY like an idling f111. Every single time it would remind me of them.
I was at Upper Heyford from 1986 to 1989, 7320th SPS D and A Flights. Lived in Banbury and Brackley. Best time in the USAF! Mis the smell of JP8 .
I was stationed at Upper Heyford as a firefighter from 1974-1975. The base has a great history going back to WWII. Great memories of a time long since passed.
Hey there! I was also a FF, stationed there 73-75. Was crew chief on a P-5.
Those bunker's at upper heyford had a new use during COVID they were kitted out for dead people who died of COVID,
My dad was stationed at Heyford for two tours before retiring there in 1986. He was a crew chief on 056 during the early 70s when it was assigned to the 79th Tigers. Being at Upper Heyford was the best time of my life.
Andy, I was the crew chief of 056 at heyford from 1978-1980. It was in red section.
I was based at RAF Holbeach bombing range '77-78 and it was brilliant working with these guys and the Lakenheath 48th TFW
Freaking awesome!!! My Dad was there in the eighties!!!
We were at Robins AFB Air Museum last Saturday and saw The Heartbreaker which has been based there since it left Heyford. Those were the days. Stationed there 1977-1983 and 1987-1991
The most beautiful plane to ever grace our skies 😍
Verdell Graham
I was at UH from 82 -93 worked about every aircraft on station.Made the wing swing.Long live 3 bay northside
My dad worked in the 79th as CC on 056, Phase Dock and 20th BHS (72-75, 78-86 retired) then worked for AAFES.
Load Barn Boys.
Great base! I spent 7 years here and visit every time I am back in UK.
Was at Heyford from Jan 82 until Dec 84. Worked electrical shop out of north side. The 111 never broke for electricals, so we spent a lot of time working with other shops under POMO/COMO. Also spent some time doing launch/recovery out of red 20.
Those days are but a distant memory anymore, for the most part. Guess I should be thankful for that.
Been avoiding YT all this time as some friends said it was kind of a gutter but I couldn't resist the call of some Vark videos. Thanks to the poster and thanks to all those who kept them flying. I still dream I'm flying them and see New Hampshire and Scotland passing below me at 500kts and hear my WSO through the helmet comms. Guess they make an impression.
I'm glad you liked!
AWSOME!!! I was at UH 77/78, POL. If you could just smell the jet fuel, couldn't get no better. Sad to see the F-111's gone as well as the base. A great time and great friends. Loved those night takeoffs.
Brought back some great memories. ...86-90 at Cannon. ...on D models. NOTHING sounds like those TF30P-109's!
I was stationed at Cannon from 2000-01 in 27CES. Sadly, no varks except for the ones on display. My dad was stationed there in 69-72 when the grounding occurred. He was in the 481TFS Crusaders.
Grew up in Bicester in the 70s,and for years the base was a big part of local life,with USAF housing in the town and along with the British army garrison the whole area was one massive base during the cold war.Saw the F.111s from our school playground daily. We used to cycle out to Heyford and sneak up to the perimeter fence near the railway track in all weathers to see and hear those jets,great memories,the Americans were very friendly too,many were billeted out in the villages. I forgot about those big lights they had in the nose too! They helped to keep the peace.
That was my backyard from 85-91. Loved every minute. I remember the day I was in my bedroom and I looked out the window to see an SR-71 Blackbird on short final for 27 doing a missed approach back to Mildenhall. It was like seeing Santa Claus flying by… unbelievably unexpected.
This is great stuff. I was at Lakenheath in the 80's- 90's, and I miss the Aardvarks so bad. I was a weapons troop with the 494th, then went to instruct in the load barn until 1992. I'm glad you made these, even though it's UH. With all the tab-vee's, it looks just like the heath. Love those english gray, misty skys!
I was an Instrument /autopilot tech at Cannon AFB from 1971 to 1974. The E models were initially at Cannon AFB. The last ones were being sent to Lakenheath when I got there. I wanted to go to England then too. We were told that the F111 was a weapons platform. I thought it was an airplane. I think it was a hell of a weapons platform and I miss it too.
@@jnbfrancisco E models went to RAF Upper Heyford. I was at RAF Lakenheath with the latest F models. We never had "E's" there. Before that, I was at Cannon with the old D models. The model that all the aircrew seemed to hate, for some reason. Constant avionics problems. Shitty bombing computer, etc.
@@GJones462-2W1 I stand corrected about Upperheyford . The D model may have been a bridge to far avionics wise. I heard that the inertial nav would dump when flying through a cloud sometimes. Instrument autopilot wise all models were about the same. It seemed to me the fuel quantity system was our biggest problem.
I was with the F111F at mountain home and when we bought them to LAKENHEATH in 77 (you're welcome 😁) I worked in the ECS shop .a lot of great memories I am still proud of working on the F111F one Hell of a plane in it's day
F111, fantastic, i used to go and watch them at RAF Lakenheath Suffolk
When I was stationed at spangdahlem 84-87 we had one ife in when it took off the ground literally shook, awesome display of power
we were stationed at UH from 79-82. dad was a WSO in the 79th. used to love watching them take off in the dark with full afterburner...
The bunkers at upper heyford had a new use during COVID they were to be used to store the bodies of those who died from COVID,
20th AMS CNPA from 1977 to 1979, Heyford was the best times, loved that place. Hope to get back for a visit soon, I know it's not the same as it was then but it'd still be good to see the place again.
Richard L Martin Jnr, Banbury and Brackley, nice places in England. Glad you had good times. How did you cope with the fog, cloud and rain in the middle of July?, It's a million miles from Utah, or some other hot place in the U.S.. Thank you all for serving here and protecting our freedom, so far from home. We salute you!
Great video, thanks mate!!
Glad you liked!
the takeoff at the end of the video was somewhat painful......no hearing protection. 20 years old, I figured I was indestructible. The ringing eventually went away.
Spent 4.5 years at Heyford; 1986 to 1990. Still got a couple of "aardrvark bites" from working on the plane. Coming out of the wheel well and getting nailed by the "kidney panel". Fond memories and permanent scars.
Andy - you've been gone from this earth just over a month now and we all miss you. Andy passed away near RAF Upper Heyford on 31 October 2019.
I'm sad to read this. My condolences to you.
RIP Andy! Your memories live on and we thank you for them!
I was stationed there 1976-78 as a Security Police guarding these awesome jets!!!!
Great stuff! Brings back lots of great memories, especially the bit at 1:44 :)
I'm glad you liked!!!!
I can remember when the 20TFW flew F-100's at Wethersfield. Those were the days.
Such a shame that most of the RAF/USAF bases are now closed. Short sighted too.
There's a memory. I arrived at Upper Heyford just before the F-111E did, June 1970, to work in the new avionics shop and was surprised to see F-100's stationed there. I remembered them from their Thunderbird days when I was a kid.
Great video,would have loved to have gone to UH.Remember seeing barks low level round the lake district,and they used to do approaches into Warton before flying to the range on the Isle of Man.
I sympathize for the citizens living in Lower Heyford and any area near RAF (USAFE) UH. If I wasn’t busy working I loved getting a coffee and watching the ground crew pre- flight the 111 prior to departing. Wearing ear protection of course.
I remember most of these planes from when I was stationed there in the mid 70's
I was at Upper Heyford 81-85 (Hospital). Lived in Brackley my last two years there.
Went to Heyford COT from Lakenheath 79-81.
Hey bgm1958, I had a 10 day stay in the UH hospital in 85 for a chest injury. Great care, wonderful doctors and nurses.
The75meters
Glad to hear it. We did the best we could with our resources. I was NCOIC of the Family Practice clinic in '85.
My dad was hospitalized in 83 I think for chest pains before being medevac'd back to the states for treatment. or possibly Germany.
I took care of him then.
Fondest memories were as a crew chief, running ground to the cockpit after an engine change, and specially at night standing under the horizontal flaps when they would hit zone 5 and the blue then pure white flame would shoot out 50 feet and the ground and your stomach was rumbled. Awesome feeling. I loved working nights on the flight line..
Thanks for all your hard work on these temperamental machines. My dad was a crew chief in yellow section in the early 70s on 056 as well as Phase inspection. 20BHS in the 80s before retiring in 86 and then worked at the Class VI (liquor) store until the base closed.
Was a dependent there from '73 to '76. My father was the "First Shirt" of AMS.
My friend Flew one, Amazing Machine. Its hard to believe 3 can fit into one bunker , 17 tons of fuel on board too.
Am currently working at the airfield, in a building right at the back of the base, next to the ammo dump, I think it was 77th Squadron HQ or something, we also have access to a HAS which is eerie!!
wow..just found this video..i was stationed there in71 i think we had f100 saber s and the 111s replaced them..roommate and i were the first two instrument techs to qualify to fix them..fixed the first one that broke...lots of repairs ...planes did not have 100 hours on em..great memory. got a lot f good storys..lived in chipping norton..cool
I was at Upper Heyford in the 80s (20th AMS). Spent many a cold winter's night on the back of an F1-11 😕
I'm proud to have been stationed at RAF Lakenheath, on the mighty F-111F ThunderVark! Now that jet had POWER!
@Michael Vechnak My late parents lived in Watton, Norfolk and one of their neighbours worked on the F-111s at Lakenheath. On the safety equipment I seem to remember. I seem to remember his name was Joe (Lyon I think).. He had some stories about the aircraft, especially on a couple of flights he had in it. Also how they used to chase the RAF Tornadoes !!
Love the landing gear on these
8:20 is awesome, night afterburner.
It was very impressive to experience. Ear protection would've help, luckily I was able to put a finger in my ear.
I was stationed at UH from '88 to '90 as LE/K9. Just got back from seeing "Balls-09" on static display at the Forward Air Controller's Museum in Fort Worth. Was hoping there was a clip of her on these videos.
86-90 in the 79th. My bird didn't show up in video 68-032 but you did a great job catching what a F-111 REALLY sounds like! I miss that sound!!
Sorry we couldn't get her on video for you. I first saw 032 in Jan 88. 1990 with the 55th and 1991 with the 77th. Thanks for all your hard work. It always surprised me to hear on the radio, a jet returning code 1. IFE's were pretty common. Hot brakes. The bak-12s got a good work out. All in all, an amazing airplane supported by some very dedicated crews. Everyone that got the F-111 into the air deserves a medal.
Actually 032 does show up at 2:11
I had not heard that sound since March 1974 when I shipped out to NJ to process out. I do miss the big noisy Ardvarks which to me, looked like a wild turkey when they came in for a landing. 20th CES 71 to 74.
2168th Comm Sq, March '76 to Sept '77, Ground Radio Maintenance.
I was CC on 68-035 back in 80-82. It was a blue tail back then. We were way on the other side of the runway(by the alert pad). Working swing shift, you had better have your sh** together. If you missed the last bus, it was a 1-2 mile hike back to the barracks. You could forget about midnight chow. Luckily we did had a beer mach. in the CQs office.
035 was one of the first two to arrive at Heyford. The other being 045 who never made it to retirement. :( I've rode my 10 speed from Ardley to the parking lot across from Base Ops. That's a long ride, I couldn't imagine walking that far on base especially if it was raining. We may have crossed paths at some point while you were there, i.e. BX, Commissary, Class XI. I ended up stocking the shelves on weekends at the Class XI store from 87-89, maybe 90. You guys kept me busy!! :) I was also a bagger at the Commissary during my Junior/Senior year of High School. 90-91. Fun times at Upper Heyford. My favorite color being blue, the 55th was my favorite but I also like Tigers so the 79th, I had a soft spot for. The 77th, I've spent a lot of time with them as an Aviation Explorer (high school explorers group sponsored by the 77th). They were all equally favorited, but blue had a minuscule edge. "Victory By Valor"
I was there Nov 80-Oct 82. .. Packing & Crating
This is the only airplane I worked on in my 10 years with the USAF. I thought It was a great airplane. My boss said it was a weapons platform but I always thought it was an airplane. Most people would not believe the noise that thing made just idling on the ground. It was just slightly above the pain level for me. I was an Instrument / autopilot tech. The sofictication of the autopilot system was amazing. I don't think that some pilots understood it very well. I didn't understand it until I became an instructor.
I worked in the instrument / autopilot shop for the FB-111A and then went to Upper Heyford in 1970. I was originally trained for the analog systems in the B-52 and KC-135 and somehow miraculously retrained for the digital systems in just two months in Denver summer of '69. How many times have I tried to remember the system that the FB had that the 111E didn't. I think it was the star tracker but who knows now. Such a long time ago! I do remember what a nightmare it was in the autopilot shop waiting for the digital tape drives to wind their reels to where the next set of instructions might be. The civilian tech guys were constantly working on those tape drives all day, day after day.
@@bwinmaine I entered the USAF in Oct 1970 and was sent to Chanute in Dec to attend the school for instrument repair. At that time we could have been organizational or intermediate level repair people. I was sent to Cannon AFB to become "O" level instrument repairman. After about a year we were combined with the autopilot people to become O level only both systems repair people. I grew to like to fix autopilot systems better than the instrument systems.