On Tue, 01 Jun 2004 21:18:49 GMT, Doug...
wrote:

Also, recall that several different types of planes have been used as
unmanned drones in target practice over the Southern California desert.
Not only do you need to test new weapons, to make sure they'll work
properly, you also need to train crews on the actual use of these
weapons. Which means you occasionally need to be able to shoot down
real jets.

This isn't done just anywhere, though. You have to have a range that
you can drop big chunks of airplane on without smashing houses, cars,
livestock, and people.

The Navy does it at China Lake, as part of their missile testing.
They're using QF-4s right now. If the USAF uses drones, it's probably
only at Eglin.

Does anyone know if the Crusader was ever used regularly in drone
service?

I don't think so, because we sold them to the Philippines. They even
took the F-8B, which was at Dryden. It was a two-seat airplane but
its biggest distinction was that it was the last US fighter with a
pushrod and cable flight control system.

Mary

--
Mary Shafer Retired aerospace research engineer