General Dynamics EF-111 Raven
From Canadian Power Wiki
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)
- 20th Tactical Fighter Wing – RAF Upper Heyford
