Team Target celebrates 60 years of Air Superiority

Lt. Col. Lance Wilkins, 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron commander, speaks at the dedication ceremony of the BQM-167 Streaker display. The workhorse of air-to-air testing and evaluation is the Subscale Aerial Target known currently as the BQM-167 Streaker. A completely reusable target, this drone can be either land or water recovered by 82nd ATS Team Target personnel. Over the life of the BQM-167 program, more than 1,650 weapons have been employed against only 202 subscale targets. The static display was dedicated April 15, 2013 to mark the 60th anniversary of the last time a U.S. troop was killed from an air attack. “It is being dedicated today in honor of 60 years of Air Superiority, and it serves as a reminder that we must continue to shoot for excellence in air-to-air testing, evaluation, and if required...COMBAT,” Colonel Wilkins said. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lisa Norman)