McDonnell Douglas QF-4E PhantomQF 4E Phantom airplane model. The QF 4 is a remotely controlled target, which simulates enemy aircraft maneuvers. The aerial target can be flown by remote control or with a safety pilot to monitor its performance. The QF 4 is flown unmanned when missiles are fired at it, and only in specific over water airspace authorized for unmanned flight. When flown unmanned, an explosive device is placed in the QF 4 to destroy the aircraft if it inadvertently