Air Force photograph by Sara VidoniA QF-16 flies across the horizon May 12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The QF-16 is a Full Scale Aerial Target that has been modified to be flown with a pilot in the cockpit for training and also without a pilot as a target for live missile testing. The 82nd ATRS received their first QF-16 in September of 2014 and will continue to transition their full scale aerial target program to the new model over the next several months. The 82nd ATRS operates QF-4, QF-16 and BQM-167 targets to provide manned and unmanned aerial targets support for programs across the Department of Defense.
Air Combat Command declared Initial Operational Capability for the QF-16 Full-Scale Aerial Target Sept. 23, 2016.
The decision was approved by Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of ACC, for the total of 15 QF-16s currently available for target operations. The jets are assigned to Tyndall AFB and flown by the 82nd Aerial Target Squadron under the 53rd Wing.
The 82nd ATRS operates the only full scale aerial target capability in the Department of Defense. In accordance with U.S. law, Title 10, Section 2366 of the U.S. Code, a missile system must undergo lethality testing before it can enter full-scale production. The 82nd ATRS maintains DOD’s sole capability to execute the Title 10 requirement through the FSAT program.
The QF-16 is the introduction of 4th generation fighter capabilities in the aerial target mission. It maintains all inherent capabilities of the baseline F-16 including supersonic flight and nine-G maneuverability.
Air Force photograph by Sara VidoniA QF-16 takes off from the runway May 12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The QF-16 is a Full Scale Aerial Target that has been modified to be flown with a pilot in the cockpit for training and also without a pilot as a target for live missile testing. The 82nd ATRS received their first QF-16 in September of 2014 and will continue to transition their full scale aerial target program to the new model over the next several months. The 82nd ATRS operates QF-4, QF-16 and BQM-167 targets to provide manned and unmanned aerial targets support for programs across the Department of Defense.
“This leap forward in airframe capabilities, combined with advanced electronic pods, will allow us to properly test and evaluate our 5th generation aircraft and weapons,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Garrison, 82nd ATRS commander.
The newest aerial target was fielded to replace the QF-4, which flew its last unmanned mission Aug. 17 at Holloman AFB, N.M. The QF-4 will officially retire in December.
The 82nd ATRS is a geographically separated unit of the 53rd WG headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
