NORAD F-111

What would have been the big challenges for the F-111 as a NORAD interceptor aircraft? Seems simple enough; big engines, big radar, missiles, long range. Perhaps the swing wing presents a barrier, leading me back to the A-5.

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I'm curious why would the swing wing be a barrier ? If the swing wing allowed for "short field" operations then I would see some possible advantages ? (Although I'm not convinced that "short field" capability was a NORAD requirement ?)
 
I'm curious why would the swing wing be a barrier ? If the swing wing allowed for "short field" operations then I would see some possible advantages ? (Although I'm not convinced that "short field" capability was a NORAD requirement ?)
Not a barrier, just an unnecessary feature for a NORAD interceptor. The plan for the F-111 interceptor was the same as the later F-14, where a degree of dogfighting capability as well as a lower landing speed were needed. For NORAD you're only mixing with Bears and Backfires, and operating from long airfields.

All of Canada's main NORAD air bases were long runways. For example, CFB Cold Lake's shortest runway is 8,270 feet, the other two are 10,000 feet or more.

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However the northern secondary bases were shorter https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resolute_Bay_Airport
 
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