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TARGETS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT Aerial targets and associated equipment are used in gunnery, rocketry and for missile practice by ships and shore installations. They are also used in air-to-air firing exercises. Firing at targets that simulate moving aircraft improves the battle efficiency of the Navy and provides useful information for evaluating armament control/weapons systems under development for operational use by the fleet. Target systems are divided into three categories: aerial targets, land targets, and tow target systems. The chart below depicts a matrix of targets by category and type. In the following paragraphs we will discuss aerial targets and tow target systems. Tow target systems are divided into two subsystems: aerial tow reeling machine and launchers and aerial tow. Both systems are discussed in the following text.
TOWED TARGETS, SYSTEMS, AND EQUIPMENT There are two basic classes of tow targets—textile and rigid tow targets. Textile tow targets are flexible targets woven from a synthetic fiber, such as nylon. Rigid tow targets are made of a rigid material, such as fiberglass. They are shaped and constructed to prevent drag and withstand severe air loads when towed at high speeds. This type of target is normally finned stabilized. All rigid targets provide an auxiliary aid for the radar fire control system in the attacking aircraft. RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING Maintenance performed on targets is based on the concept that maintenance should be performed at the lowest maintenance level capable of performing the work. All maintenance is performed in accordance with approved NAVAIRSYSCOM maintenance plans, maintenance instruction manuals, and maintenance requirement cards. Organizational maintenance activities are responsible for maintaining target logbooks, target discrepancy books, target performance reports, and the Visual Information Display System/Maintenance Action Forms (VIDS/MAFs). TARGET LOGBOOKS Logbooks are maintained for each target, and are the administrative means of providing managers with target age, status, operational history, modification, configuration, and transfer and receiving data. This information is maintained throughout the target's life cycle. Refer to OPNAVINST 8000.16 for a list of all applicable publications for target systems. TARGET DISCREPANCY BOOK The Target Discrepancy Book, maintained by maintenance control, for each target assigned is set up by target serial number, which must accurately reflect the status of all pending maintenance requirements as shown on the maintenance control and work center VIDS board. Discrepancy books are not maintained on tow banners and tow lines. The Aircraft Inspection and Acceptance Record, OPNAV 4790/141 separate flight records on target drones.
TARGET PERFORMANCE REPORTS The information contained on a Target Performance Report targets performance, and is consolidated into an automated database for Navywide use. Target performance data is submitted on OPNAV 8600/15.
TARGET EXPENDITURE REPORTING Target operating activities are required to transmit a message report within 24 hours of target loss listing target, serial number, calendar date, activity charged, weapons system used. All aerial towed targets TDU-32, TDU-34, etc.) may be transmitted weekly. Reports must be timely and accurate because they are used to determine allocations for the current fiscal year and out years.
There are many safety precautions associated with the target towing service. Some of these safety precautions are: • Preservatives and lubricants may NOT be used on tow cables. Friction caused by high-speed reeling-out generates heat. This heat can generate explosive vapors from the lubricants in the tow compartment.• A cable should be uncoiled by standing the coil on its edge, holding the end, and unrolling the coil. Do NOT attempt to take cable from either a coil or roll by pulling the cable when the coil or roll is lying flat. The cable will snarl and kink.• When you cut nylon towline, the ends have to be bound. Otherwise, apply enough heat to the cut ends to melt the nylon. This prevents raveling.• Safety tow webbing must be used between the target and the end of the towline. When the pilot shoots off the towline, this webbing can prevent it from becoming tangled in the target. Multistrand safety webbing’s (100 feet long) are used with banner targets. • The snarl catcher must NOT be used during air-to-air gunnery exercises. It may clamp on the towline before it reaches the end of the cable. This means there will be a long, free section of the cable whipping about behind the target.• All personnel involved in target towing operations must know the standard hand signals for controlling aircraft on the ground.• Perform a preflight inspection of all tow equipment.• Make sure you are clear of the cable when launching a target.• Do NOT wear loose clothing when operating rewind equipment. Keep your hands clear of moving parts when the equipment is in operation.• Observe RADHAZ precautions when working with cable cutting cartridges and tracking flares.• Exercise caution when it is necessary to work in close proximity of pneumatic, hydraulic, spring, or cartridge-operated components. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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