Boeing delivered the Air Force’s first production QF-16C full-scale aerial target to Tyndall AFB, Fla., according to a base release. “We take great pride in this significant team achievement and are honored to provide the warfighter with this enhanced capability,” said Michele Hafers, test and training division boss at Eglin AFB, Fla. This QF-16, serial number 86-0233, arrived at Tyndall on March 11. It is a former Michigan Air National Guard F-16C Block 30 airframe, and is the first of 13 QF-16s scheduled for delivery as part of Lot 1 production of the new FSAT. QF-16s will replace the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron’s QF-4s that provide targets for weapons testing and training over the nearby Eglin Range complex. Boeing is under contract to convert up to 126 retired, early model F-16s to the QF-16 configuration.
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.