25-09-2013, 03:36 PM
Yes, target drones are commonplace, just not the F16 yet. For example (from http://www.fencecheck.com/content/index....get_Drones)
Quote:The QF-4 the "Q" prefix signifies a drone conversion is the latest of many distinguished Air Force fighters to adopt the drone role at the end of its days, following the Convair PQF-102 Delta Dagger (used from 1974 to 1985), North American QF-100 Super Saber (1983-1992), and Convair QF-106 Delta Dart (1990-1998). The F-4 was a logical choice to succeed the QF-106. Hundreds of surplus Phantoms were available following the type's phase-out. Its suitability for drone use had been proven by the Navy, which had operated QF-4s in its own drone program since 1972. And as the QF-106 had suffered several accidents due to landing-gear failure, the F-4s's ruggedness and reliability were selling points.
The Making of a Drone
QF-4 conversions are performed by BAE Systems in Mojave, California. Over 230 Phantoms have been "droned" since 1995, and conversions will continue through 2011
The most relevant literature regarding what happened since September 11, 2001 is George Orwell's "1984".