The first pilot less Target drones were developed for the US Army Air Force in the late 30's. Little more than large radio controlled models, they were used to train Anti Aircraft gunners. As war came, and with it the rapid development of anti aircraft systems, it became apparent that "real" aircraft were needed as targets for testing and training. Small batches of many types were converted into pilot less aircraft including the P-51, B-26 and B-17. Tests of missile systems such as the Surface to air Nike Ajax and Air to air Hughes Falcon were carried out on these types.

 

As the jet age developed, and air warfare became increasingly missile based, the target drones needed to have a realistic performance. Jet or Rocket drones were produced such as the Ryan Firebee (still in limited use today) during the 50s and 60s but again, there was no substitute ultimately for a real type. Again, small batches of early jet types such as the F-80 and F-84 were converted for pilot less flight.

 

As part of the F-15 development program during the early 70s, the QF-102 was introduced, 6 being converted. Subsequently, a further 130 or so F-102A/Bs were converted to pilot less target drones, designated PQM-102.

 

Again, in order to provide realistic training and test conditions for the ever increasing missile capabilities, further large scale conversions were undertaken. From 1979, 218 F-100 Super Sabres were converted to QF-100 Target Drones, followed from 1991 the first of over 200 QF-106A/Bs.

 

In February 1992, Tracor Flight Systems was presented a contract for the conversion of 10 pre-production F-4 Phantoms to the "next generation" Target Drone, the QF-4. These duly completed a test and evaluation program at Tyndall AFB and Tracor were awarded the Lot 1 contract for another 36 conversions which were completed between June 1995 and May 1997. The pre production batch included 5 QF-4E, 3 QRF-4C and 2 QF-4G conversions. Lot1 also included a number of QF-4Es and 2 QRF-4Cs. The remainder and all aircraft from the follow up Lot2 and Lot3 contracts have all been based on the F-4G, presumably since these were the last in service and hence in the best condition.

 

Conversion of each QF-4 takes around 18 weeks and takes place at the Tracor facility at Mojave Airport, California. On arrival, each Phantom is visually inspected before all hydraulic and air systems are bled. The airframe is then stripped down for inspection and modification. Mechanical and electrical installation then proceeds with servos and control wiring for the control systems being required, as well as modifications to the hydraulics. The control equipment itself is supplied via the Ogden Air Logistics Centre at Hill AFB. This is installed on racks designed and built by Tracor themselves. Further modifications include an additional autopilot system, telemetry equipment in a fairing on the spine, various antennae, an automatic flight control system and a flight termination system. An Interim Vector Scoring System is installed, including its six small aerials, to evaluate "near miss" missile passes. The flight termination system consists of a AIM-9 warhead set up to fire its charge into the fuel system in the event of loss of control. Converted airframes retain their original color scheme but with the addition of bright red panels on wing and tail to increase conspicuity. Some equipment is not installed at Mojave but by USAF personnel at Eglin or Tyndall, this probably being sensitive ECM or threat warning equipment.

 

On completion, the airframe is test flown by one of Tracors 2 QF-4 rated pilots. The flight usually lasts around 50 minutes and includes general handling and supersonic speed tests. If all is well the aircraft is delivered to Tyndall for any additional installations and tests required.

 

The QF-4 is fully capable of Combat Air Maneuvering with or without a pilot. Missions can be fully automated from take off to landing, including 4g barrel rolls and 6g slices. The aircraft is of course also fully supersonic. Formations of up to 4 can be flown unmanned, relying on GPS systems to maintain spacing. The ability to fly with a pilot is used to program mission profiles, maintain currency and for some limited DACT missions, for example at "William Tell" competitions.

 

The QF-4 is fully operational at both Tyndall and at Holloman AFB and is the only (known) full size target drone in use with the USAF at present. Tracor have recently been involved with Lockheed Martin in the development of an unmanned version of the F-16 which will probably result in the QF-16 for the future. In the meantime, the mighty Phantom works on.

 

 

 

QF-4 Drone Photo Gallery