The last unmanned QF-4 Phantom targeting drone flew as an F-35 target this month at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. Manned Phantoms will continue to be flown through December, when the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron Detachment 1 will finish its transition to flying QF-16s, according to a 49th Wing release. The QF-4 was also flown at Tyndall AFB, Fla., but the last was shot down in May 2015. The 82nd ATRS has been flying the QF-16s since September 2014. The use of the modified F-16s “initiates the next chapter in advanced aerial targets, predominantly in support of more technologically superior air-to-air weapons test and evaluation programs,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Inman, the former 82nd ATRS commander, in the release.
The Air Force has approved Airmen to start training with the EA-37B Compass Call Mission Crew Simulator, BAE Systems announced. The system will provide realistic training and mission rehearsal for EA-37B crews, who perform long-range electromagnetic warfare missions.
