Navy drops F-111B carrier fighter over weight and landing limits
By The BriefBrief
The Navy’s F-111B carrier fighter program was abandoned after the aircraft proved too heavy and difficult to land. The F-111B exceeded 80,000 pounds and required a wingspan about 7 feet wider than the Air Force version just to slow enough for carrier landings, leading the Navy to walk away in May 1968.
WHO:US Navy
WHAT:The US Navy abandoned the F-111B carrier fighter program due to excessive weight and landing performance requirements.
WHEN:Reported Sep 12, 2026 at 9:00 PM ET
WHERE:USA
WHY:The aircraft exceeded 80,000 pounds and needed a wingspan about 7 feet wider than the Air Force version to slow enough to land on a carrier.
