F-106 57-0230, 59-0094 of the 87th FIS KI Sawyer AFB, MI with WSEM uploaded onto a launch rail in the bay of a 59-0094 [USAF Museum]

Falcon-armed interceptors took advantage of a training system referred to as the Weapon System Evaluator Missile (WSEM). WSEM rounds consisted of wingless SARH Falcon bodies housing special test equipment. No WSEM rounds existed for IR-guided Falcons, although TAC employed a captive training AIM-4D round. WSEM rounds recorded FCS inputs to the missile guidance systems, ensuring that the system performed nominally during a training intercept. The WSEM annotated signal inputs on rolls of tape for analysis after recovery.

Training consisted of mock intercepts against targets simulating incoming Soviet bombers and missile launches. Lockheed T-33s often served as targets for the interceptors, and in some cases expended chaff to evaluate crew and FCS performance in a non-cooperative environment. Crews conducted missile launches during qualification and as part of annual William Tell weapons competitions.
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