The U.S. Air Force is Actively pursuing unmanned aerial vehicle programs for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. However, the Air Force has not funded any substantial research into bomb or missile carrying 'lethal' UAV's, despite the recommendations of the USAF scientific board's New World Vistas, DARPA, and the Air Force 2025 project. With budget constraints and a reluctant to transition to an unmanned combat force, new advance technologies UCAVs are decades from operational status. By modifying the multi-role F-16 fighter into an unmanned aircraft, the USAF can quickly provide a cost-effective interim UCAV. Lockheed Martin has suggested the modification of 'boneyard' non- flying F-16 A-models into UCAVs. An investigation of this idea yielded several limitations and concerns that led to the formulation of an alternative F-16 UCAV proposal. Many of the limitations, concerns and costs associated with the Lockheed Martin F-16A proposal are eliminated or reduced by modifying currently flying block 40 and 50 F-16Cs and operational squadrons. With the addition of remote control equipment, a few squadron jets are converted into 'dual role' aircraft. The selected dual role F-16Cs can continue to fly as normal 'manned' aircraft or, if needed as unmanned remotely piloted UCAVs. Converting a few block 40 LANTIRN laser targeting pod equipped and block 50 Harm targeting system equipped F-16Cs in operational squadrons to dual role UCAVs will quickly provide a cost effective and capable interim unmanned military option. With low modification costs, no new infrastructure requirements, and no need for additional pilots or support personnel, the USAF should immediately start the developments, testing and conversion of a few F-16Cs into dual role UCAVs. As an interim unmanned military option, the F-16C UCAV will provide valuable insights and lessons or future advanced technology UCAV development and operations.


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    Design Considerations for Future Uninhabited Combat Air Vehicles

    Chaput, A. J. / Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development; Mission Systems Panel | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998


    Engine Requirements and Characteristics for Uninhabited Combat Aerial Vehicles

    Turco, J. B. / Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998



    Non Linear Adaptive Auto-Pilot for Uninhabited Aerial Combat Vehicles

    Akella, M. / Subbarao, K. / Junkins, J. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1999