This 'Mini-FB' was a conversion from a F-111A with shorter wings and splitter plates painted as a 'Thunderbird' to a FB-111A with longer wings and sans splitter plates on the fuselage and was painted in the 'Dark Vark' scheme. The conversion was done by by MSgt. Tony Burnetta (NCOIC of the Sheet Metal Shop of the 509th FMS) at Pease AFB. The 'Mini-FB-111' was used by the local recruiters alongside a 'Mini F-16' more recognizable at airshows and other events. When the 509th FMS received the 'Mini-FB', the engine had been removed following an uncontrolled 'flight' in a swimming pool. Burnetta volunteered to rework the model's engine and did an excellent job. Sgt Dave Frizzi worked the fiberglass on the 'Mini-FB'. The 'Mini-FB' was used during parades and Open Houses. As a Squadron fund-raising at airshows, kids could have their pictures taken in the cockpit with a flight helmeth.During such an air show in the late '80s, Chief Ross, a long time life member of the AFSA in the Seacoast watched personnel from the 509th OMS taking pictures of children sitting in the 20 foot replica.

During his conversation with the OMS personnel, Chief Ross informed them that he was a AFJROTC instructor at Spaulding High School, in nearby Rochester, NH, and that if it was decided to get rid of the plane to let him know, and that perhaps the JROTC Corps could do something with it. Chief Ross was called a couple months later and asked if he wanted the plane, and where to deliver it. Personnel from OMS delivered the plane on a trailer that was also in need of repairs to Spaulding High School. It was now property of the 3519th Air Force Recruiting Squadron of Portsmouth, NH and NH-071 Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps.

After repairing the wiring on the trailer, the plane and trailer were taken to Sky Haven Airport in Rochester, NH for storage. The plane remained there for about a year as the JROTC tried to raise the estimated $10,000 for repairs. When it became clear that the JROTC would not be able to fund the repairs, Chief Ross brought this to the attention of AFSA Chapter 155/A155 during a meeting in early 1991. Chief Ross and the chapter leadership agreed at that meeting that the chapter would assume responsibility for maintaining the plane and trailer, and thus gain ownership. On May 3, 1991, then Chapter 155 President Larry Pittman accepted transfer of the plane from the 3519th AF Recruiting Squadron.Work to restore the plane and trailer began almost immediately at the Pittman's residence with the help of Raymond Drapeau and Bill Sowers, and Auxiliary members Brenda Pittman and Anne Sowers. Bill Sowers was able to make an arrangement with personnel of Ben's Auto Body in Portsmouth, NH to volunteer their time to repair the fiberglass and structural damage, and paint the plane. The work to restore the trailer was accomplished at Bill Sowers' residence in Portsmouth, NH.Through the tireless efforts of Chapter 155 members Larry Pittman, Ray Drapeau, Bill Sowers, and Auxiliary members Brenda Pittman, and Anne Sowers, and the volunteers at Ben's Auto, the plane was ready for public showing in little more than 12 months after the transfer from the Recruiting Squadron. The first public display of the plane under the AFSA Chapter 155/A155 banner occurred in July 1992 at the Operation Desert Storm parade in Portsmouth, NH. Since then it has represented the AFSA in local holiday and celebration parades in Dover, Rochester, Epping, Exeter, and Franklin New Hampshire, and Eliot, Maine. The 20-foot replica of the FB-111 continues to be a popular attraction and will certainly be during the Pease 2000 Air Show on August 5.

Thanks to the efforts of Curt Lenz of FB-111A.net and Joe Cloutier from the AFSA/Chapter 155, the mini-FB will be on display again at Pease.

The following pictures are courtesy of the Air Force Sergeants Association, Chapter 155/A155, Portsmouth, NH.

The mini-FB as it looks now in its red-white and blue color scheme.

When the AFSA received the mini-FB in the 'Dark Vark' scheme.

See the mini-FB going under fiberglass repairs.

The roll-out of the mini-FB in its new colors.

To learn more about the AFSA, Chapter 155/A155, Portsmouth, NH. Visit their website!