F-111 Digital Flight Control System (DFCS) 1st Flight 

The DFCS replaced the three flight control computers. The goal of the program was for the DFCS-modified aircraft to match the flying qualities of the unmodified F-111.

@@kenhas87B I became an AFCS instructor for Sikorsky Aircraft on the SH60B in 1980. It had a digital AFCS computer that was replaced about thirty years later because they could no longer get the processor to repair the computer. What was the reason for upgrading the AFCS computers if the handling qualities remained the same. Reliability? Parts maintenance?

@@jnbfrancisco Your suggested reasons are exactly correct. Reliability, parts availability and anticipated reduced maintenance were the reasons for the proposed upgrade. The intent was to make the aircraft fly exactly like the existing F-111 fleet to minimize re-training impacts on the operational squadrons. Of course the pre-flight, systems and EPs would have required re-training but the flying qualities of the modified aircraft were essentially the same as the operational F-111s.

@@kenhas87B I became very impressed with the sofictication of the automatic flight control system on the F111 after I became a field training instructor at Mt Home AFB. I think that some pilots didn't understand the AFCS either If I could have returned to the maintenance of the F111s, I would have done another 10 years in the USAF. I loved to fix that wonderful airplane. I didn't chose to be an instructor and couldn't get out of it so I quit.

He tried his best to make sure folks who worked with the plane had mementos of their time with the plane.

After my F-111 flying days were over, I was assigned to work on F-111 modification programs at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, I got to work with Ben in the early 90's. It was a great experience

@@michaelprusak6188 Which versions of the Vaark did you fly?

This is the first I heard of DFCS. Did it go into production? I knew of navigation upgrades but didn’t know of this.

@@christoney2491 I worked with your father on this project. He was very good to work with and ensured the success of the test program. I was surprised to see the video posted, brought back memories.

Funny thing is the F-14 came about because of the F-111. They had a Navy version of the F-111B they tested and took to the ship. Because of the size, weight and maintenance issues (difficult to perform aboard the ship), and GD's inexperience with shipboard designs, they contracted with Grumman for what would become the F-14. The Navy really liked the swing wing feature, so that was made a requirement for the F-14. It's also a reason it was sometimes called the "Titanium Deck Awning" when it had an issue that prevented them from sweeping the wings back after landing on the ship.

The requirement for pilots entering flight training was 20/20 . The pilot in this video was a major, so he had at least 11 years of active duty, After that they want vision that's correctable to 20/20. I needed glasses after 8 years of flying.

Thank you for your explanation.

@@michaelprusak6188 That is exactly how it went.

all the g's

It was at McClellan AFB....SMALC

@@byt290 It was at the General Dynamics plant in Fort Worth, Texas. That is where the aircraft was modified with the new flight control system, and the first flight was conducted at the contractor facility.