Original 16mm film of the F-111B carrier trials that took place on July 23 & 24, 1968 aboard Coral Sea.

This footage is quite rare and unique and a gem of Naval Aviation. The F-111B was a naval variant of the Air Force F-111 Aardvark, imposed by Congress as a multi-service. However, too many compromises had to be made to this aircraft to make it suitable for the fleet. Ultimately, it was rejected by the Navy (and the F-14 Tomcat program moved forward). One primary concern was its weight (78,000) and losing an engine appraoching the carrier and late wave off capability. It was also a huge aircraft, which also was problematic for fleet life.

However, despite the fact that the F-111B was canceled, Congress had already funded carrier trials. So, in kepeping with tradition of spend it or lose it, the trials were conducted on the Coral Sea, since she was the available large deck carier at the time.

Watching the footage, you will find that the F-111B actually looked quite graceful while landing, and pretty much jumped off the bow at the end of the cat stroke.

The footage is color, and was very well filmed. The leader states "General Dynamics"; the contractor for the F-111B. At the very end, a C-1 COD lands to pick up a whole bunch of brass. At least two admirals and an Air Force General. .

• The video is ALL about the F-111B on the Coral Sea
• Great launch and recovery sequences
• Cool shots of aircraft moving around the flight deck
• Deck edge elevator movement
• And more....
• 20+ minutes running time.

• DVD price is $19.99 for Vets.
• Add $4.60 shipping per order. Payment can be made via Paypal (talachan@verizon.net) or by check/money order/cash:

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• Produced by GRS Videos™. GRS Videos is dedicated to the preservation of Naval Aviation film footage. This passion began when the son of a recently deceased Korean War veteran told me how he had thrown away all of those "old 8mm films of planes flying off of a ship". Yes, I cried. Our heritage MUST be preserved. As a veteran of Naval Aviation, I have a strong interest in ensuring that our stories are not forgotten. If you have footage (16mm, 8mm, VHS, Super 8, Beta, or Digital) contact me at PLAT_Collector@verizon.net. I will also gladly trade any footage I have for new footage (any format). So, if I have Naval Aviation footage you want, and you have something I do not have, contact me and I am confident we can work something out. I am always looking for new PLAT mishaps and home movies/video of carrier operations and life on carriers. All proceeds go into obtaining and preserving more Naval Aviation footage. Gary R. Schreffler served on USS Midway (with HS-12) from 1984-1991.