The QF-4, a prodigious remote-controlled fighter, is born from the innards of the legendary F-4 Phantom, brought to life by BAE Systems.
The QF-4 Phantom: Supersonic Phantom of the United States Navy and Air Force
Commissioned by the United States Navy and the United States Air Force, the QF-4 is resurrected as a supersonic speed aerial target. Manufactured by BAE Systems, this full-scale artifact glides through the skies over Tyndall, Florida, and Holloman, New Mexico, serving as a host to air-to-air weapons system trials.
This white remote-control flyer epitomizes the daring maneuvers of aerial adversaries, offering unprecedented realism in every deployment. The QF-4 can be controlled remotely or, if preferred, with the supervision of a security pilot.
Like an intrepid acrobat in the licensed skies over water, the QF-4 performs its flights without a crew. It possesses an explosive device to ensure that should it become uncontrollable; it is not a threat to lives on the ground.
The QF-4 Phantom: An Air Target Equipped for Comprehensive Assessment
The QF-4 is not simply a moving target in the skies. It is armed with electronic and infrared countermeasures designed to challenge even the most advanced of fighters and weapons thrown at it. This perfect reproduction of a full-scale aircraft can be controlled both by computer and manually, offering a battle scenario as real as technology allows.
An ever-alert pursuit plane follows the QF-4 during the most critical moments of the flight. This security umbrella ensures that incidents do not occur in the event of an unwanted failure of the remote control system.
This mobile control station on the runway becomes the base of operations for this remote-controlled fighter, overseeing every aspect of the QF-4’s takeoff and landing.
The QF-4 Phantom: Legacy of the famous F-4 Phantom II
The QF-4 is a direct heir to the F-4 Phantom II, a fighter introduced into service in 1961. Originally intended as a defender of the US Navy fleet, its effectiveness was soon recognized by the US Air Force.
The F-4 became the Air Force’s premier fighter bomber during the 1960s and 1970s, adding to its record reconnaissance and anti-aircraft missile suppression missions.
The QF-4, following in the footsteps of the QF-106, has become the favorite aerial target of the Air Force. This fearless loner is operated and maintained by the 82nd Air Target Squadron, part of the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group at Tyndall AFB.
The QF-4 Phantom: Essential for the development of air-to-air weapons systems
Reaching its initial operational capability in 1997, the QF-4 has proven indispensable to air-to-air weapons systems testing and development in the United States.
This true aerial target has played a key role in evaluating and improving air combat weapons and technologies, offering a realistic scenario for fighters under test.
The QF-4 continues to push the limits of warfare technology, preparing the United States military for any aerial challenge that may arise on the battlefield of the future.
