AGM-142 & F-111

The future of the F-111 beyond the next 6 years is in so much doubt at the moment that I don’t see it ever happening. I suspect we will wait for the F-35 and something more modern like the JASSM or JSOW.

Despite the problems, and despite the fact that the F-111 will probably be retired within the decade, I read recently that the programme is still alive, although the weapon is far from being operational (possibly years). So it might be that the AGM-142 will only be around for about 2 years before it’s carrier is retired!

BALMAIN

It’s terribly old technology. Big weapon means few can be carried on one sortie, has relatively short range and poor reliability after a few captive flights (guts of seeker and guidance gets shaken apart in severe acoustic environment).