A remotely controlled QF-4 full-scale aerial target crashed on takeoff on the drone runway at Tyndall AFB, Fla., on Wednesday, announced base officials. No personnel were injured during the incident, which occurred at 8:25 a.m. local time, according to the base’s release. Base and local safety officials closed the local highway, Highway 98, as a precautionary measure due to the fires resulting from the crash and the unknown status of the drone’s small self-destruct charge, states the release. The potential danger from the charge was short term since “it is powered by a short-life battery which will be fully depleted in 24 hours,” states the release. Tyndall officials said they’d release more details as they become available. The QF-4 was assigned to Tyndall’s 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group. This is the second incident with a QF-4 operating from Tyndall this month. On July 10, operators destroyed a QF-4 over the Gulf of Mexico for safety considerations as it was returning to the base.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.