General Dynamics EF-111 Raven

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An EF-111A Raven aircraft supplies radar jamming support while en route to Eglin Air Force Base during the multi-service Exercise SOLID SHIELD '87.

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[edit | edit source]

  • 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)

See Also[edit | edit source]

Related Development[edit | edit source]

Comparable Aircraft[edit | edit source]