This short training film (TF6746) covers the use of Terrain Following Radar (TFR) on a General Dynamics F111 Aardvark. The film opens with a pilot flying an F111 near some hills at a low elevation. The plane clears a hill, maintaining a relatively constant altitude over the earth. This is done using TerrainFollowing Radar (TFR). The film shows the instrument panel of the TFR system (02:28). A shot from the cockpit shows an automated guiding image that helps the pilot with flight navigation. Graphics show how the TerrainFollowing mode works, sending out a beam to identify upcoming obstacles. The command reference line appears on the system’s monitor, the Escope. Footage shows the F111 diving and climbing depending on the setting and the data collected by the TFR. The film uses animation to show how a profile picture and the command reference line are created and shown on the Escope. The system’s instrument panel shows what TFR settings the pilot has chosen (14:40). The plane’s Attitude Direction Indicator (ADI) reflects the system’s commands. Animation is used to demonstrate a TF descent, also called a “blind letdown” (17:58). On the ground, aircraft crew check the F111’s TFR equipment (21:35); the F111 taxis onto the runway for takeoff and runs through TFR safety checks. It then takes off. A shot from the cockpit shows the point of view of the pilot as the plane flies in the sky; the pilot enters the settings for an auto TF. The F111 flies next to mountains and utilizes the aircraft’s TFR, with the pilot reporting the results over his radio.

Terrainfollowing radar (TFR) is an aerospace technology that allows a verylowflying aircraft to automatically maintain a relatively constant altitude above ground level. It is sometimes referredto as ground hugging or terrain hugging flight. The term napoftheearth flight may also apply but is more commonly used in relation to lowflying military helicopters, which typically do not use terrainfollowing radar. The technology was originally developed by Ferranti for use with the TSR2aircraft. The system works by transmitting a radar signal towards the ground area in front of the aircraft. The radar returns can then be analyzed to see how the terrain ahead varies, which can then be used by the aircraft's autopilot to maintain a reasonably constant height above the earth. This technology is primarily used by military strike aircraft, to enable flight at very low altitudes (sometimes below 100 feet (30 meters)) and high speeds, avoiding detection by enemy radars and interception by antiaircraft systems. Normally, this radar is used by the navigator and allows the pilot to focus on other aspects of the flight besides the extremely intensive task of low flying itself. It can also enable lowaltitude flight at night and in other lowvisibility conditions.

The General Dynamics F111 Aardvark was an American supersonic, mediumrange interdictor and tactical attack aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic nuclear bomber, aerial reconnaissance, and electronicwarfare aircraft in its various versions. Developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics, it first entered service in 1967 with the United States Air Force. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also ordered the type and began operating F111Cs in 1973.The F111 pioneered several technologies for production aircraft, including variablesweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrainfollowing radar for lowlevel, highspeed flight. Its design influenced later variablesweep wing aircraft, and some of its advanced features have since become commonplace. The F111 suffered a variety of problems during initial development. Several of its intended roles, such as an aircraft carrierbased naval interceptor with the F111B, failed to materialize. USAF F111 variants were retired in the 1990s, with the F111Fs in 1996 and EF111s in 1998. The F111 was replaced in USAF service by the F15E Strike Eagle for mediumrange precision strike missions, while the supersonic bomber role has been assumed by the B1B Lancer. The RAAF was the last operator of the F111, with its aircraft serving until December 2010.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com