"The F-111 went into service some 37 years ago in 1968. What do you think the reliabilty and maintenance costs would be on your car if it was that old, if was still running? And would be expected to be driven into combat at any time, and it's drivers life could well depend on it's functioning correctly and returning him home?

Bad, bad, comparison "

510 Wells

I was not saying that the F111 was a bad a/c`. Quite the contrary. What I was inferring was that other a/c also have accidents/incidents depite the expensive ongoing maintenance costs & the Mirage 111 was no exception.

The aircraft here have had extensive avionics/airframe up grades at great cost to the Australian Taxpayer because they fullfill a unique role.

If my 37 year old car had the same sort of maintenance schedule it would be immaculate!