Why was the F-111 called TFX?

Short answer

TFX stands for Tactical Fighter Experimental, the program that produced the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark. The USAF and Navy both wanted new aircraft when McNamara became Secretary of Defense in January 1961, and on 14 February he ordered a single-aircraft study for both requirements.

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

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A name that described the task

TFX stands for Tactical Fighter Experimental. That was the name under which the program later known as the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark was developed.

Two services, one aircraft

The US Air Force and Navy were both looking for new aircraft when Robert McNamara was appointed Secretary of Defense in January 1961. On 14 February 1961, McNamara formally ordered the services to study the development of a single aircraft that would meet both requirements. What the two services wanted shared the need to carry heavy weapons and fuel, reach high supersonic speed, have two engines and two seats, and possibly use variable-geometry wings. That was the program's goal: a single aircraft meeting both requirements.

From competition to contract

In November 1962, McNamara chose General Dynamics' proposal for its greater commonality between the Air Force (F-111A) and Navy (F-111B) versions. General Dynamics signed the TFX contract in December 1962.