6514th Test Squadron

1973-1977 tested BQM-34 B,M,L drones also 34R, and 34F both air and ground launch, dco and rco training for same, also testing on avionics and recovery systems

1975-1979 at Hill AFB H-53 Helicopters performed drone recovery missions over test range using MARS system.

There was a C-130 A model for air deployment of the drones

1980-1992, we were involved with testing support for several different projects: Emitter Homing Technology utilizing the XBQM-106 airframe and a phased array seeker head designed by MIT's Lincoln Labs. Tacit Rainbow 750 - a launch and loiter munition similar to a cruise missile. We also flew AQM-34 drones against several new radar systems to simulate Russian Cruise missiles for testing and evaluating those new radar systems: New early warning radar systems including OTHB (Over The Horizon Backscatter), and the Navy's AEGIS cruisers. The AQM-34 drones were launched from the wing pylons of C-130 aircraft fitted with tracking and control systems for the drones. We also once flew a drone equipped with high resolution cameras and scanners as part of a Red Flag exercise to demonstrate real time battlefield assessment.

Jan 1991, spent 4 years with the 6514TS and 514TS. We had several C-130's. I believe 4. Two were set up to do the AQM-34/BQM-34 launches. Two were just trash haulers. tail numbers were 979, 526, 857, and last one I do not remember. 526 was an A model that went to the Hill AFB museum. We also had a couple H-53's configured for MARS. And two H-1's that were really old for use on the UTTR to recover the drones. After returning from a TDY in Turkey in 1994, we received an AWACS C-130 from the Coast Guard. It ended up going to Edwards. I got shipped off to Spangdahlem AB Germany a couple months later. Then they shut it down. Had the civilians working on the H-1's and one of the C-130's that carried the drones. We maintained the H-53's and 3 of the C-130's. Have many of the patches shown still stiched to my uniforms.