The FB-111A made its first debut in the Strategic Air Command's 1970 Bombing and Navigation Competition 'Giant Voice II' held at McCoy AFB, FL., from 13 to 20 November 1970. Two FB-111As manned by crews from the 340th Bombardment Group at Carswell AFB, TX, entered the competition for the first time and one captured first place in bombing during the competition while the other aircraft took second place in navigation, and second place in the over-all bombing/navigation category. One aircraft (67-0194), piloted by LtCol. Robert S.Russell with Maj. Arben R.Ely as navigator, won first place in the final bombing mission and registered two perfect scores in the four-segment navigation mission. The other aircraft (68-0243), flown by LtCol. Joseph S.Lother with Maj. Billy R.Seals as navigator, ended in second place both in navigation and the over-all bomber categories. In addition to the two competition aircraft the 340th had two FB-111A on static display (68-0245 and 0246).

The FB-111A crews from the 340th BG had no opportunity to win the Fairchild Trophy awarded to the top SAC bomber-tanker unit for points in combined bombing and navigation, as the unit did not have tankers participating.

Twenty-eight bombers, including the two FB-111As, three RAF Vulcan and twenty-three B-52s ran navigation courses and simulated bombing missions over the South Central United States. Simulated bombing ranged from 1,000 to 30,000 feet altitude with aircraft speeds in excess of 560 miles per hour.

All competition bombing was done by transmission of a radar-scored electronic impulse called a "bomb-tone", rather than by the actual dropping of bombs. Each aircraft had two high-level and two low-level releases. As each plane neared its target, the navigator pressed a button sending out the electronic "bomb tone", which in turn was received and recorded as a "hit" by ground stations below.

Professionalism of the crews was clearly indicated by Major Arben R.Ely, navigator, when he pointed out that he had only 80 hours flying time in the FB-111A prior to the competition, compared with 4,000 to 5,000 hours for some of the navigators in older aircraft. Proficiency of the crews was also evident when the two FB-111s scored three of the seven "shacks" (bulls eyes) scored.

The air crews had only four months to acquaint themselves with the aircraft and prepare for the competition. The fact that the FB-111A placed so high in its first SAC competition spoke highly of both the aircraft's capability and the crew's proficiency. A major contribution to the accomplishments was made by the FB-111A's computerized Mark IIB Avionics System which provided instantaneous automatic solutions to the problems of navigating and bombing.

'Giant Voice II'

Twenty-eight crews representing Strategic Air Command bomber wings and the Royal Air Force, plus their support and maintenance personnel of some 2,000 strong, were ready to face what may be the most formidable challenge of their military careers, the 1970 SAC Aircraft Combat Competition. The contest officially opened at 5:00 PM, on Nov. 16, 1970 in the competition hangar in front of of some 40 general officers, including Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. John D.Ryan, and SAC Commander-in-Chief, Gen Bruce K.Holloway, which were among the approx. 2,000 visitors to the base.

As in past competitions, slips of papers inscribed with take-off position numbers were placed in the Fairchild Trophy. Wing commanders were called forward to select a number which will determine their aircraft's take-off position. Bombing targets in the southern end of the continent did escape undamaged as Radar Bomb Scoring (RBS) sites located there tested the accuracy of the crews which have been preparing for the contest for the past few months. The RBS units positioned near Wheatley, Ark. and Arcadia, La. tracked the SAC and RAF bombers as they approached the simulated targets and scored the accuracy of the 'bomb drops'. Each crew would fly two scored missions which will encompass pin-point navigation, coupled with simulated bombing from both high and low altitudes. Tanker crews would fly one mission and compete for navigation honors. The combined total of bombing and navigation points accumulated by a tanker and bomber were determining the winner of the Fairchild Trophy, the competition's top award. The Saunders Trophy was awarded to the tanker unit scoring the most points in navigation.

The 93rd Bomb Wing from Castle AFB, Ca. put 1,325 of a possible 1,650 points on the board, taking top honors and the Fairchild Trophy. The 5th Bomb Wing from Minot AFB, N.D., walked away with The Mathis Trophy and the best Navigation Trophy. The Saunders Trophy was awarded to the 11th Air Refueling Squadron from Altus AFB, Ok. for total points attained on the navigation mission.

Best bombing honors went to the 340th Bomb Group's, from Carswell AFB, Tx. The Carswell unit placed second for the Mathis Trophy, awarded to the top bomber unit based on combined results in bombing and navigation; and second for the Navigation Trophy. They had no chance at the Saunders Trophy or even the the most outstanding award, The Fairchild Trophy, since both included tanker scores.