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| QF-16 arrives. Air Force photo |
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group marked an important milestone with the Monday arrival of the first QF-16 drone for developmental testing. It will enable the Air Force to transition from a 3rd generation, Vietnam-era aerial target performance to 4th generation threat replication, said Lt. Col. Lance Wilkins, 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron commander. The QF-16 is a supersonic reusable full-scale aerial target drone modified from an F-16 Fighting Falcon. At this time, the 53rd WEG uses QF-4s, made from 1960s F-4 Phantom, to conduct their full-scale aerial target missions. The targets allow the Air Force and allied nations to have a realistic understanding of what they could face on the battlefield. Boeing Global Services and Support will conduct testing on the QF-16. (Source:
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, 11/20/12)
