BAE Systems to Convert F-4 Phantoms into Target Drones for U.S. Air Force.MOJAVE, Calif. -- BAE Systems BAE Systems British manufacturer of aircraft, missiles, avionics, naval vessels, and other aerospace and defense products. BAE Systems was formed (1999) from the merger of British Aerospace (BAe) with Marconi Electronic Systems. has received a $26.5 million contract to convert 20 F-4 Phantom fighter jets to full-scale aerial targets for the U.S. Air Force. The converted aircraft, designated QF-4s, provide the Air Force with full-size, remotely controlled aircraft that allow aircrews to train in highly realistic air combat maneuvering, including live weapons launch. BAE Systems will perform the modification work on 16 aircraft for the Air Force and four aircraft for the Navy at its facility in Mojave, California Mojave is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. The population was 3,836 at the 2000 census. The town is located at the northwest corner of the Mojave Desert, below the Oak Creek Pass. . Production will be completed by July 2009. "This award is the third of five options exercised under an Air Force contract signed in 1992 and in effect until 2013," said Mike Dismukes, acting vice president and general manager of Flight Systems for BAE Systems in Mojave. "It continues our position as a quality provider of QF-4s to the Air Force." To date, BAE Systems has converted 217 F-4s to the QF-4 configuration. BAE Systems will deliver the aircraft to Tyndall Air Force Base Tyndall Air Force Base is a base of the United States Air Force in Bay County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,757 at the 2000 census. The base is operated by the 325th Fighter Wing. , Florida. The drones will be used in development of new weapons systems and to ensure that current U.S. combat systems remain capable of neutralizing enemy aircraft. The contracting office is the 691st Armament Systems Squadron A squadron is a small unit or formation of cavalry, aircraft (including balloons), or warships. Army and Marines A cavalry squadron (horse or armoured) typically consists of three to five troops. at Eglin Air Force Base Eglin Air Force Base is the home of the United States Air Force 96th Air Base Wing of the Air Force Materiel Command, and is also headquarters for more than 45 associate units. , Florida. About BAE Systems BAE Systems is a global defense and aerospace company, delivering a full range of products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions, and customer support services support services Psychology Non-health care-related ancillary services–eg, transportation, financial aid, support groups, homemaker services, respite services, and other services . BAE Systems, with 88,000 employees worldwide, had 2006 sales that exceeded $25 billion. |
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