The Phoenix Drone: A Flying Edsel Born from Controversy

In the early 1960s, both the Navy and Air Force were in search of new combat aircraft that could meet their unique requirements. The Navy needed a carrier-based interceptor capable of engaging Soviet bombers at long distances, while the Air Force required a supersonic, ground-hugging penetrator to evade enemy radar and surface-to-air missiles.

In an effort to save millions of dollars by using a common airframe for both missions, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara proposed a joint program known as the Tactical Fighter-Experimental (TFX). The plan was to design one aircraft that could perform multiple roles, but this approach led to controversy and disagreements between the two services.

The Navy had an unequivocal answer: No. They wanted a dedicated carrier-based fighter jet, not a multi-purpose aircraft designed for both air-to-air combat and ground-attack missions. On the other hand, the Air Force saw the TFX as an opportunity to develop a single aircraft that could perform multiple roles, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance.

The General Dynamics entry was selected as the winner of the competition, despite objections from a military selection board that favored Boeing's proposal. The resulting aircraft, known as the F-111, was a swing-wing jet with a unique design that allowed it to change wing shape for different flight regimes. However, this innovative design came at a cost, and the F-111 program was plagued by technical issues and escalating costs.

The F-111 was ultimately branded as a 'flying Edsel,' a term coined due to its reputation as an unsuccessful aircraft that failed to meet the needs of either service. Test pilot George Marrett, who flew the F-11, described it as 'the worst aircraft I had ever flown.'

In retrospect, the controversy surrounding the TFX program highlights the challenges of designing one aircraft to perform multiple roles. While proponents argued that a single aircraft could provide greater savings and operational flexibility, critics countered that this approach would compromise the performance and effectiveness of each individual mission.

The debate over the F-111 serves as a reminder of the complex trade-offs involved in military aviation procurement. As the controversy surrounding the F-35 joint strike fighter continues to unfold, it is essential for policymakers and program managers to consider the lessons learned from past experiences, such as the TFX program. By carefully weighing the pros and cons of different design approaches, we can strive to develop aircraft that meet the unique needs of each service while also providing greater value and affordability.

F111 phoenix drone