How the U.S. Air Force Turns an F-16 Fighter Into a Drone
WEBNov 19, 2019 · Every year the service modifies F-16 fighters into F-16 drones, transforming them from hunters to the hunted. The resulting drones, known as QF-16s, are then shot down for target practice.
US Air Force plans self-flying F-16s to test drone wingmen tech
WEBMar 28, 2023 · US Air Force plans self-flying F-16s to test drone wingmen tech. By Stephen Losey. Mar 28, 2023. Project Venom aims to load autonomous software in six piloted F-16s for testing. If it works,...
QF-16 Program Explained: Why The USAF Turns F-16s Into Drones ... - MSN
WEBUS Air Force converts retired F-16s into target drones for test missions and pilot training. QF-16 drone program enables testing of new weapons and countermeasures for airborne threats....
The US Air Force is turning old F-16s into pilotless AI-powered ...
WEBJun 27, 2020 · Since 2010, the US Air Force and Boeing’s QF-16 programme has been converting old F-16 fighter jets into unmanned drones, which can fly preset routes without a pilot.
QF-16 drones provide live fire, joint training
WEBSep 8, 2021 · The QF-16 drone proves to be an invaluable asset to the 325th Fighter Wing by acting as a moving target for pilots’ live-fire training, with the added bonus of multiple aircraft being controlled safely from the ground.
U.S. Air Force Secretary Will Fly In AI-Controlled F-16
WEBApr 10, 2024 · U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said, during a recent senate hearing on the service’s 2025 budget, that he will fly in one of the F-16s that are being used to test autonomous technology.
US Air Force Invests $49.7M to Convert F-16s Into Target Drones
WEBNov 30, 2021 · The US Air Force has awarded Boeing a $49.7 million contract to convert retired F-16 fighters into unmanned aerial target vehicles. Fifteen F-16 Block 25 and Block 30s will be converted into QF-16 full-scale aerial targets under the contract awarded last week, the outlet added.
F-16s to Be Modified for Autonomous Testing - Lockheed Martin
WEBApr 2, 2024 · The U.S. Air Force VENOM program will modify F-16 aircraft to rapidly evaluate autonomous capabilities as a step towards a new age of aviation.
What It Takes to Turn a Vintage F-16 Into a Drone - WIRED
WEBNov 19, 2019 · To get these jets into flying, and dying, shape, Air Force engineers resurrect old F-16s from a 2,600-acre boneyard in Arizona. Then Boeing rigs them with $1.9 million in Drone Peculiar...
How Self-Flying F-16s Will Enable Future Fighter Drones
WEBMar 27, 2023 · A group of 20-somethings built a GPS-independent drone in 24 hours—and caught the eye of US special operations forces