82nd Aerial Targets Squadron [82nd ATS]

The 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron at Tyndall operates approximately 40 full scale QF-4 aircraft and 60 subscale targets(BQM-34 and MQM-107D) to provide manned and unmanned aerial targets for A/A WSEP, WIC syllabus requirements, William Tell, and USAF-directed OT&E and DT&E programs.

The squadron also maintains three 120-foot drone recovery vessels and two smaller vessels to recover aerial targets and support range safety, patrol, and salvage operations.

Squadron members also operate the USAF's only two E-9A airborne platform/telemetry relay aircraft that provide ocean surface surveillance and relay missile/target telemetry of missiles fired in over the horizon profiles on the Gulf Ranges.

The squadron manages an annual budget of $14 million to support three O&M contracts and more than 150 contract personnel.

Detachment 1, 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, NM, operates another 30 QF-4 full-scale aerial targets for use at the White Sands Missile Range. The squadron manages all contract operations of its QF-4 fleet as part of the overall O&M contract at Tyndall. It directs USAF operations of full-scale targets in support of DoD testing programs to include the U.S. Army's Patriot system.