The first QF-16 — an F-16 modified to be used as a target drone — has arrived at Tyndall AFB for testing.

The QF-16 is a supersonic reusable full-scale aerial target drone modified from an F-16 Fighting Falcon. At this time, the 53rd WEG uses QF-4s, made from 1960s F-4 Phantoms, to conduct their full-scale aerial target missions.

If the drone is put into production within a reasonable time, the QF-16 will mark the first time an active US Air Force combat airframe will be able to shoot down itself in training.  Prior target drones — including the current QF-4s — were put into use after their active counterparts were retired.