Air-to-ground missile launched from drone Published Jan. 21, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Rachel Kocin 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFPN) -- For the first time, an air-to-ground missile was launched from a full-scale aerial target drone, or FSAT. The test was performed Jan. 9 by Airmen here with Detachment 1 of the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron. The FSAT is an unmanned QF-4 Phantom drone that was operated by remote control from a ground station, said Maj. John Markle, the detachment's operations officer. "This is the first air-to-ground missile fired off an unmanned full-scale aerial target," said Major Markle. "This test is an important part of the Det. 1 mission because it increases survivability of our Airmen going against (surface-to-air missile) threats. Furthermore, it's the first time the drone has been able to shoot back. "It makes airpower more lethal," said Major Markle. "This is a new high-speed, anti-radiation missile the Navy designed to defeat SAM threats; overall this mission is going to benefit the Department of Defense." "With this successful test, we have pioneered a new venue to test forward-firing ordnance without risk to valuable air assets or crew members," said Lt. Col. Joel Rush, Det. 1's commander. The detachment is currently testing F-35 Lightning components, and has conducted tests for the F-22 Raptor as well as the Patriot and HAWK SAM systems. (Courtesy of Air Combat Command News Service) Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page