From The Archives: USAFE Grumman/General Dynamics EF-111A On Training Flight Over Wales

Forty years ago, the cover of Aviation Week & Space Technology’s Aug. 5, 1985, issue featured the General Dynamics/Grumman EF-111A Raven electronic warfare aircraft flying a training mission over Wales. 

Nine of the aircraft had arrived in the European theater over the previous year, adding a wide arrange of radar countermeasures capabilities to U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE). They were assigned to the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron, which was training final complements of personnel and refining operational tactics. 

The squadron made its first deployment away from its home base at RAF Upper Heyford, England, in May 1985. Over a 15-year service life, the EF-111 participated in operations including  El Dorado Canyon, Just Cause and Desert Storm before its retirement in May 1998.

USAFE photo by Sgt. David S. Nolan.

Read a collection of features about the USAFE Electronic Upgrade -

U.S. Air Forces In Europe Builds Sustainability Through Electronics, page 42

EF-111A Deployment Provides Radar Countermeasures Ability, page 44

Read the full issue - August 5 1985 | Aviation Week

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