INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS

The insightful articles, inspiring narrations and analytical perspectives presented by the Editorial Team, establish an alluring connect with the reader. My compliments and best wishes to SP Guide Publications.

— General Upendra Dwivedi, Indian Army Chief

"Over the past 60 years, the growth of SP Guide Publications has mirrored the rising stature of Indian Navy. Its well-researched and informative magazines on Defence and Aerospace sector have served to shape an educated opinion of our military personnel, policy makers and the public alike. I wish SP's Publication team continued success, fair winds and following seas in all future endeavour!"

— Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Indian Navy Chief

Since, its inception in 1964, SP Guide Publications has consistently demonstrated commitment to high-quality journalism in the aerospace and defence sectors, earning a well-deserved reputation as Asia's largest media house in this domain. I wish SP Guide Publications continued success in its pursuit of excellence.

— Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Indian Air Force Chief

       

BAE Systems delivers 300th F-4 drone for US Air Force

Issue No. 22 | November 16-30, 2012

BAE Systems successfully converted its 300th F-4 Phantom fighter jet into an unmanned flying drone for the US Air Force. The achievement is a significant milestone in the 16-year-long QF-4 programme, which provides full-scale, remotely-controlled aerial targets that the Air Force uses for weapons testing and aircraft training.

The QF-4 work is conducted at BAE Systems’ 11,500-square-metre hangar in Mojave, California. Approximately 100 employees provide a range of services to transform decommissioned F-4s into QF-4s, a complex process that typically takes about six months. Depending on the condition of the F-4s, the services may include systems engineering and integration; electrical, mechanical, and software engineering; and various types of structural alterations.

“Our proven performance on this programme exemplifies our global capabilities to upgrade and modify aircraft,” said Gordon Eldridge, Vice President and General Manager of Aerospace Solutions at BAE Systems. “We have been the sole provider of QF-4s for the Air Force since 1996. Congratulations to the entire Mojave team, which now has more than 35 years of combined experience and a solid track record of success.”

There are 14 more QF-4s scheduled for delivery by the middle of 2013.