74-1638 —

The poster says this is a "QF-4E." That would be the designation of a drone in normal USAF usage. This does not seem to be a drone. So?

Maybe so Paul, but "normal air force comoflage"Phantoms, or any aircraft for that matter, would never have red panels on stabilitor. That's hi visibility you don't want in combat.
I say, QF-4E.

Paul
if you look at the tail code TD is Tyndall AFB FL and 82 ATRS is the Aerial Targets Squadron
The USAF painted several F-4s as Heritage Flights to fly at airshows

Best F-4 photo in a long time *****

My understanding is even when converted to drones, they retain the ability to be flown by an on-board pilot, and are still flown for other duties before being expended as a target.

correct Darren, most of the use of the QF-4 is with testing new system of aircraft or ground radar/ ADS.their final mission is testing of weapons

the rear seat is removed as a drone
when as an operational drone there is a sidewinder warhead in the back seat just as insurance if the aircraft does not respond to the commands

Very interesting Sam, especially the Sidewinder Warhead!

if the drone goes rogue you want it destroyed in the air before it heads towards the population of the NW panhandle

...and it's a TISEO bird. Nice they saved one.

Awesome!