F-111 Destruction Scandal
The latest development is that the original tender for the destruction of the 13 remaining F-111Gs has been expanded in its scope. The 13 G models are now identified as the "Core Scope". To this has been added an "Optional Scope" which provides for the destruction of 1 F-111A and up to 14 F-111Cs. What this means is that if the so-called "Optional Scope" is fully invoked, all remaining F-111s can be destroyed without further refernce or tenders being called. The only F-111s left will be the 5 already announced for display at ADF establishments plus another 2 which are rumoured to be going to the USAF Museum.
Given previous advice that any organisation wishing to display an F-111 would be required to pay $1M to have the aircraft demilitarised, one has to wonder who will be paying to demil the aircraft that are to be destroyed? If the scrap merchant has to pay the demil cost then obviously the scrap value of the aircraft would be negated, even if the demil costs were substantially discounted. More likely, we the taxpayers will be required to absorb the demil costs so that someone can profit from the destruction of taxpayers' property.
If the taxpayer has to foot the bill for the demil costs, wouldn't it make more sense to gift the aircraft to established museums which have indicated interest in displaying an F-111? At least then the taxpayer would have something to show for the huge investment that has gone into these aeroplanes. If the destroy/display option were presented to the people who have maintained these aeroplanes with pride for 37 years, I doubt if any would prefer to see them destroyed.
If you agree that this is a scandal, please say so to your local Federal member.
Rgds