General Dynamics EF-111 Raven

The General Dynamics/Grumman EF-111A Raven was an electronic warfare aircraft designed to replace the B-66 Destroyer in the United States Air Force. Its crews and maintainers often called it the "Spark-Vark", a play on the F-111's "Aardvark" nickname until 1996.

The USAF contracted with Grumman in 1974 to convert some existing General Dynamics F-111As into electronic warfare/electronic countermeasures (ECM) aircraft. The USAF had considered the Navy/Marine Corps EA-6B Prowlers, but was reluctant to adopt a Navy aircraft. The EF-111 entered service in 1983 and served until it was retired in 1998. Afterwards, the Air Force began depending on Navy and Marine Corps EA-6Bs (and later EA-18Gs) for electronic warfare support.

Users

 * United States Air Force
 * 20th Tactical Fighter Wing – RAF Upper Heyford
 * 42d Electronic Combat Squadron (1984–1992)
 * 27th Fighter Wing – Cannon AFB
 * 429th Electronic Combat Squadron (1992–1998)
 * 430th Electronic Combat Squadron (1992–1993)
 * 366th Tactical Fighter Wing – Mountain Home AFB
 * 388th Electronic Combat Squadron (1981–1982)
 * 390th Electronic Combat Squadron (1982–1992)

Related Development

 * General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
 * General Dynamics F-111C Aardvark

Comparable Aircraft

 * Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler
 * Boeing EA-18G Growler
 * Panavia Tornado ECR
 * Sukhoi Su-24MP