The Mighty QF-4 Full Scale Aerial Target. Notice the lack of a "control stick actuator."
Posted on 05/24/2004 4:55:38 PM PDT by BenLurkin
MOJAVE - BAE Systems has been awarded a $17 million Air Force contract to convert at least 13 F-4E aircraft into QF-4 full-scale aerial targets, company officials announced.
Converting the aircraft to unmanned drones will be performed at BAE Systems Flight Systems facilities at the Mojave Airport. The work is expected to be completed in 2006, with options potentially totaling $230 million over 10 years.
This is the third BAE Systems contract from the Air Force for the drones since 1992. The company is the exclusive provider of QF-4 drones to the Air Force.
QF-4 drones are used for weapon system developmental and operational testing by the United States and allied militaries. The full-scale drones are F-4 fighter aircraft modified to be remotely piloted targets in testing and training exercises.
The aircraft are modified with equipment that allow them to fly unmanned in maneuvers at the Eglin Gulf Range in Florida and White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
"Our warfighters deserve the best," said Paul Nafziger, BAE Systems Flight Systems vice president and general manager. "Each new air-to-air and ground-to-air weapon is tested against our realistic target during its development. This ensures that new weapons have proven effective against a realistic threat before the warfighter uses them in combat."
The contract, awarded April 11, comes as BAE Systems consolidates its Mojave operations, moving from 14 separate buildings around the airport into four.
The move was made possible by the acquisition of a larger complex, owned by Avtel Services, at the southeast end of the airport. The 37-acre complex includes a 73,000-square-foot hangar and several adjacent buildings.
In turn, Avtel Services will lease one of BAE Systems' hangars for its operations.
The new, larger facilities will enable BAE Systems to provide a wider range of modifications and allow the company to seek out new possibilities for future growth, company officials said. The Mojave site specializes in converting jet fighters into drones, building sub-scale drones and modifying and upgrading aircraft.
The move to the new facilities is expected to be complete by the end of summer.
No increase in employment is anticipated at this time, officials said.
The Mighty QF-4 Full Scale Aerial Target. Notice the lack of a "control stick actuator."
"control stick actuator" sounds similar to the computer problem I've been having - specifically in the "carbon based interface unit".
(Thanks for the pic!)
Well, I figured "control stick actuator" (also known as a CSA, in the Air Force) was a lot better than saying "flightsuit filler." :-)
Also, a good way to clear computer troubles (besides replacing the carbon based interface unit) is to cycle it through "O-F-F" and "O-N" mode a few times. ;-)
Reminds me of the QF-4 that crashed at the Pt. Mugu Airshow two years ago. It was flown by a pilot at the time though it had been refitted for remote controlled flight. The tragedy claimed the lives of two pilots.
I don't know...the computer will never fully replace the decision-making capability of the "man in the loop."
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