CHAPTER 8 TARGETS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT

CHAPTER 8 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. Table 8-1 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 LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify towing systems and associated equipment to include external gunnery tow systems, tow target reeling machine-launcher systems, and tow cables and associated equipment. Describe the operating theory of the external gunnery tow system. 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 fiber glass. They are shaped and constructed to prevent drag and withstand severe air loads when towed at high speeds. This type of target is normally fin stabilized. All rigid targets provide an auxiliary aid for the radar fire control system in the attacking aircraft. Table 8-1.—Target Categories and Types 8-1