Three new ArHF (v(HF)=3) states, (3001), (3101), and (3111), have been observed between 11 350 and 11 420 cm(-1) by the hot band transitions from (0001) using intracavity laser induced fluorescence. The term values and rotational constants of these levels are: (3001) nu(0)=11 385.928 98(28) cm(-1), B=0.095 546(32) cm(-1); (3101) nu(0)=11 444.258 12(68) cm(-1), B=0.090 617(37) cm(-1); and (3111) nu(0)=11 456.076 51(36) cm(-1), B=0.091 863(14) cm(-1). Observation of the ArHF (3001) state provides the van der Waals stretching frequency for ArHF at v=3, namely 46.8945(4) cm(-1)=(3001)-(3000). This value shows an increase of 8.208 cm(-1) (21%) upon HF v=3 <-- 0 valence excitation. The stretching frequency for the T shaped ArHF is (3111)-(3110)=33.7055(5) cm(-1). This value is only 7% greater than that observed at v=1. The (v(HF)101) Sigma bend-stretch combination state, corresponding to (nu(s)=1) of the Ar-FH configuration, has not been observed at v(HF)=0-2. The stretching frequency here is (3101)-(3100)=31.8178(8) cm(-1). The soft-mode frequencies reveal strong bend-stretch coupling in the complex. Excellent agreement (within 0.3 cm(-1)) is found between experiment and prediction from Hutson＇s H6(4, 3, 2) potential [J. Chem. Phys. 99, 9337 (1993)], for the three new levels. Large basis set coupled cluster calculations [CCSD(T)] of the Ar-HF intermolecular potential surface, V(R,theta,r), are presented for r=0.6-2.0 Angstrom and theta=0-180 degrees on a grid with 15 degrees spacing. This is an enlargement of the HF valence coordinate of more than double the equilibrium value. The dependence of the intermolecular potential upon the HF valence coordinate, r, is very anisotropic, being maximal for theta=0 degrees and becoming essentially independent of r for theta greater than or equal to 45 degrees. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-9606(00)00516-X].