This stamp issue marks the retirement of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) most prominent aircraft –the F-111 “Pig”. After 37 years service, this stalwart of aviation combat is being replaced from 2010. The aircraft represent a range of military functions and capabilities and includes F-111’s replacement.
The F-111 “Pig” is a twin-engine, swing-wing aircraft that can take off and land at relatively low speeds. The aircraft gets its nickname from its ability to hunt at night with its nose to the ground due to its terrain-following radar. The aircraft was introduced to the RAAF in 1973.
Technical details:
- Date of issue: 22/Feb/2011
- Denomination: 2 x 60c se-tenant, 1 x $1.20, 1 x $3
- Printing process: lithography
- Design: Simone Sakinofsky, Australia Post Design Studio
- Stamp size: 37.5mm x 26mm
- Sheets: 50 stamps (2 x 25)
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Source
1. “Air Force Aviation”. Stamp Bulletin, Australia Post, Jan-Feb 2011. Pag. 14-15.
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