Unmanned F-16 Breaks Sound Barrier In First Flight. NBC Nightly News broadcast that last week for the first time, the US Air Force has flown a “zombie F-16,” an unmanned version of the F-16 that has flown with pilots for “millions of hours.” During the test, the vehicle broke the sound barrier. While only six jets will be converted for the time being, the broadcast noted that this unmanned fighter could result in “a lot of good pilots out of work,” but “potentially” out of danger as well. According to the CBS Evening News, the unmanned jet was able to achieve “all the maneuvers” of the piloted craft. Instead of being a “hunter killer drone,” this jet is expected to be a “faster, more agile target” for pilot training, an improvement on the “Vietnam-era F-4” now used. The Air Force Times (9/25, Everstine) also notes that unmanned F-16, the QF-16, will be used for fighter pilot target practice. Once these flight tests are completed, the jets will be sent to Holloman Air Force Base for “air-to-ground control system and live-fire testing.” They are expected to be fielded next year.
Posted on: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 12:57:53 +0000
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