General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark CP812/AJQ-20A Navigation Computer, measuring approximately 16″ x 8″ x 24″, with a plate to the rear: "CP812/AJQ-20A, F04606-84-G-1017, Spec. No. ZE00002, Ser. 586, P/N 671480-2, Mfr: 06481." The main panel, labeled "Nav and Attack," has indicators for present coordinates and destination longitude/latitude, true heading, ground track, ground speed, wind speed, miles to destination, and other important navigational data. Additionally, it features a "bomb release" indicator light and mode selection knobs. A counter to the rear indicates 1114 hours of use.
The F-111 Aardvark was developed following the May 1960 U-2 incident, in which a CIA U-2 reconnaissance plane was shot down over the USSR. The incident showed that even high-altitude aircraft were vulnerable to Soviet surface-to-air missiles, and spearheaded the production of lower-flying, supersonic aircraft like the F-111. The F-111 pioneered variable-sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, and automated terrain-following radar for low-level, high-speed flight. The medium-range, multirole combat aircraft was introduced to service in 1967.
