The 1960 specification by the US Department of Defense for the TFX (tactical fighter, experimental) stated the need for an aircraft that was to fulfill all the fighter and attack needs of the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. Of course, it's impossible to be all things to all people, and the specification demanded such long range and heavy weapons load that the resultant aircraft was far too large and unmaneuverable to be effective as a fighter. Thus, following numerous developmental and early service problems, the General Dynamics F-111 matured into an extremely capable long-range strike aircraft. It was the first production aircraft to have swing wings, giving it optimal performance at various speeds and altitudes. The pilot and navigator sit side-by-side in a jettisonable cockpit/capsule that can serve as a boat or survival shelter after ejection.
