Aerial Targets

The PE 0305116F: Aerial Targets program is a key component of the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically supporting Operational Systems Development. Its primary goal is to ensure the effectiveness and readiness of warfighter weapon systems by providing realistic aerial target capabilities for live fire survivability and lethality testing, as mandated by Public Law Title 10, Section 2366. The program enables the validation of operational missile and weapon system effectiveness, supports fighter Operational Flight Program (OFP) updates, and is essential for the developmental and operational testing of surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles used by platforms such as the F-22A, F-35, F-18, F-16, and F-15.

Target Systems Development is the main project under this program element, with funding allocated to support enhancements and modernization of Full-Scale Aerial Targets (FSAT), Subscale Aerial Targets (SSAT), and their companion Target Control Systems (TCS). The objectives include developing and improving simulator capabilities, upgrading the QF-16 FSAT and BQM-167A SSAT, and updating TCS and specialized payload subsystems. These upgrades address requirements such as missile scoring, electronic attack (EA), infrared (IR) countermeasures, radar/IR signature augmentation, and chaff and flare dispensing systems. The program also invests in analytical, information management, and digital environments to support ongoing development and sustainment.

AF Subscale Aerial Target (AFSAT) Development focuses on enhancing the ability of subscale aerial targets to emulate emerging threats for weapon testing. In FY 2025 and FY 2026, funding is directed toward the Integrated Flight Controller (IFC), a microprocessor-based unit that controls flight functionality and maneuverability. These improvements are intended to increase target realism and effectiveness in testing scenarios, ensuring that U.S. weapon systems are capable of countering advanced adversary capabilities. The program leverages open, agile, and digital acquisition strategies for subsystem hardware and software development.

Target Control System (TCS) Modernization is a significant objective for FY 2026, with efforts aimed at closing existing capability gaps identified in previous capability analyses. Modernization activities include increasing simultaneous target command and control (C2), enhancing cybersecurity through encryption, extending the C2 range, mitigating frequency encroachment, and reprogramming systems for use on government-only frequencies. These upgrades are expected to reduce future infrastructure costs, improve operator and participant situational awareness, expand payload combinations, and enable autonomous terrain-following capabilities for aerial targets.

Next Generation Aerial Target (NGAT) is identified as an early-stage initiative to conduct systems engineering and risk reduction activities for future aerial target development. There are no planned activities or funding allocated for NGAT in FY 2025 or FY 2026, indicating that current efforts are focused on sustaining and modernizing existing target systems rather than initiating new development in this area.

The program also coordinates with other related budget lines, including procurement of target drones, initial spares, war consumables, and electronic attack payloads. Supporting lines ensure that the necessary components, consumables, and payloads are available to maintain and operate the aerial target systems effectively.

PE 0305116F: Aerial Targets is designed to keep pace with evolving threats and technological advancements by modernizing aerial target systems and control infrastructure. The program supports compliance with statutory testing requirements, enhances the realism and effectiveness of weapon system evaluations, and ensures that U.S. Air Force capabilities remain credible against current and future adversaries. The acquisition strategy includes sole-source contracts for AFSAT improvements and collaborative projects for TCS enhancements, with a focus on leveraging enterprise IT solutions and reducing redundant costs across weapon systems.