Tag Archives: Aircraft

QF-16 Drone Arrives at Tyndall AFB

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.

Air Force Updates F-22 Crash Response

The US Air Force took the unusual step of issuing a follow-up press release on the crash of a Tyndall F-22 last week.  Normally, the initial announcement, accompanied by the ominous “a board of officers will investigate…” is the last word heard. 

Despite initial media speculation, there are no indications that point to the life support system leading to this incident or playing any role in this crash. A thorough investigation is being conducted in accordance with standard Air Force and Department of Defense policy…

In this case, the Air Force appears to be a intentionally responding to speculation, apparently to squash possible connections to the recent “scandals” over F-22 safety.

F-22 Crashes in Florida, Pilot Ejects

An F-22 has crashed near Tyndall AFB, Florida.  The pilot was reportedly able to safely eject, and no one on the ground was hurt.

As with all incidents, the Air Force will investigate it and report on it in some months.  Notably, this one will likely draw significant attention, both due to recent “scandals” with F-22 safety and the relative cost of each of the less than 187 aircraft.  Actually, make that 186.

Is the US Air Force “Geriatric?”

The Associated Press penned a piece saying the US Air Force has been saddled by an aging fleet of aircraft thanks to “past inattention” and a “lack of urgency.”

For decades, the U.S. Air Force has grown accustomed to such superlatives as unrivaled and unbeatable. These days, some of its key combat aircraft are being described with terms like geriatric, or decrepit.

The article then details some of the aircraft the Air Force is flying, including the KC-135, B-52, and U-2 (1950s), and F-15, F-16, and A-10 (1970s).  Modern era Read more

Win an Olympic Gold Medal. Get a Ride in a Fighter Jet.

Olympic gold medalist in soccer Abby Wambach recently received a flight in an F-15 Eagle, courtesy of the Air National Guard in Montana.

“She was in the back seat, flying with Lt. Col. Larry Gardner, and she got to see some of the physical demands it takes to be a fighter pilot,” [Maj Cody] Smith said.

She also spoke to troops on diversity, encouragement, and “empowerment of women in the military.”

The Era of the Fighter Pilot Replaced by the Drone Pilot?

An Air Force Times article has an interesting summation of the feelings about RPA/UAV pilots in the Air Force:

Becoming a fighter pilot is still a hotly coveted goal at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.
 
But slowly, a culture change is taking hold.
 
Initially snubbed as second-class pilot-wannabes, the airmen who remotely control America’s arsenal of lethal drones are gaining stature and securing a permanent place in the Air Force.

The article then says part of the reason for the “draw” to the drone career is the very-public successes of drone missions:  Read more

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