Boeing will convert stored retired F-16s to QF-16 drones. (Gerard Frawley)
The USAF has awarded Boeing a US$69.7m (A$76m) contract for the initial engineering, manufacturing and development of QF-16 full scale aerial targets.
The USAF requirement calls for up to 126 F-16s to be converted to QF-16 drones, with the aircraft being drawn from retired F-16A stocks. The first QF-16 is due to enter service from 2014, replacing a dwindling supply of QF-4s used as manned fighters or unmanned drones to support US flight test, evaluation and weapons programs.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
Login
Become a Member
To continue reading the rest of this article, please login.Forgot password?
To unlock all Australian Aviation magazine content and again unlimited access to our daily news and features, become a member today! A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
Boeing says QF-16 design and development will take place in St Louis, while ground and flight testing and production will be completed at the Boeing’s at Cecil Field, Florida.
Boeing has teamed with BAE Systems on the QF-16 program.
iscover
