McDonnell / BAE QF-4 (Phantom II) Reusable Full-Scale Target Drone (1997)
The QF-4 is a full-scale reusable target drone operated by the USAF and based on converted production models of the F-4 Phantom II.
The QF-4 drone was put into operational service in 1997 as converted F-4 Phantom II models. It is a remote-controlled aerial target that has the benefit of being reusable. Remote controlling is handled by either a pilot at a nearby ground control station or can be fully under computer control via the Gulf Range Drone Control System. Either way, a chase plan is utilized during the exercises as a precaution. Other precautionary measures include the use of internally-held explosives aboard the QF-4. Should the system become unstable or unresponsive, ground forces have the ability to directly destroy the runaway unit if need be. Exercises are only accomplished over water sources deemed available to drone programs in the United States.
QF-4 drones are essentially full-working modified models of their F-4 forefathers. Modifications of the original McDonnell aircraft were handled by BAE Systems at the cost of $2.6 million per system conversion. The airframe has retained all visible similarities to the former and internal systems such as the General Electric turbojet engines (with reheat capability) are all accounted for. Performance specs include a top speed of Mach 2, a range of 1,300 miles and a service ceiling of 60,000 feet.
The QF-4 succeeded the QF-106 (based on USAF F-106 aircraft) in the USAF drone inventory. Some 86 total QF-4 drones are known to be in service as of this writing. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
McDonnell / BAE QF-4 (Phantom II)
Reusable Full-Scale Target Drone
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: BAE Systems / McDonnell Aircraft Company - USA
Initial Year of Service: 1997
Production: 86
Focus Model: McDonnell / BAE QF-4 (Phantom II)
Crew: 1
Length: 30.18ft (9.2m)
Width: 38.39ft (11.70m)
Height: 16.40ft (5.00m)
Weight (Empty): 0lbs (0kg)
Weight (MTOW): 61,796lbs (28,030kg)
Powerplant: 2 x General Electric turbojet engines with afterburn capability.
Maximum Speed: 1,599mph (2,574kmh; 1,390kts)
Maximum Range: 1,300miles (2,092km)
Service Ceiling: 59,652ft (18,182m; 11.3miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 0 feet per minute (0m/min)
Hardpoints: 0
Armament Suite:
None. Explosives are placed internally in the event that the drone becomes unresponsive and uncontrollable.
Variants:
F-4 - Original Phantom Production Series Designation.
Operators: the United States of America
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