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
TOWED TARGETS, SYSTEMS,
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
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