The 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron at Tyndall and Holloman AFB (Detachment 1) operates the Department of Defense's only full-scale aerial target program, maintaining an inventory of 24 modified QF-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft for this purpose. It also provides BQM-167 subscale aerial targets to gulf range customers at Tyndall AFB. Full and subscale aerial targets are provided to Air Force, Navy and Army customers for developmental and operational tests. The 82nd provides target support for the Air Force Weapon System Evaluation Program, the Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, and Combat Archer. The squadron also maintains three 120-foot drone recovery vessels and two smaller patrol vessels to recover aerial and support range safety and salvage operations. Squadron aircrew also operate the Air Force's only two DeHavilland E-9A "Widget" airborne surveillance/telemetry relay aircraft. These aircraft provide ocean surface surveillance and relay missile and target telemetry for over-the-horizon coverage of the Gulf Range and also support over-land telemetry missions for WSEP at Holloman AFB and the UTTR near Hill AFB, Utah. The squadron is a mix of highly experienced contract personnel and active-duty Air Force personnel.
Detachment 1, 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron (Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.) operates QF-16 full-scale aerial targets for use at the White Sands Missile Range. The squadron manages all contract operations of its QF-16 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 US Army's Patriot system.