[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Barry - from my perspective, I'll tell you. Within general public circles, the GD F-111 was super famous in modern times as it is remembered as the face of the RAAF to many. Even recruitment advertising tapped its allure and presented the machine as a "prize" that new recruits could aspire to flying.

It was also famous not necessarily for its capabilities per sé as a strike bomber (with are undoubted, and in many aspects unequalled), but for its spectacular air show appearances where it made the dump and burn a must-see experience. I think that it literally made many air shows over the last few decades. It was a drawcard of the first magnitude. I reckon the public related to this aircraft almost with passion. I'm certainly one that is sad to see it slide into ignominy.

If adherence to a US military contract demanding their ultimate burial was so critical due to their sensitive nuclear role, how were seven of these aircraft ever saved at all for museums? Was there something intrinsically different about these lucky few?