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CHAPTER 8

TARGETS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT Aerial targets and associated equipment are used in gunnery and 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. The weapons system community selects a target that closely simulates enemy threats. Target selection must be carefully made to test the effectiveness of a particular weapons system. Emphasis is placed on selecting suitable targets for weapons evaluation and fleet training as weapons become more specialized and their performance evaluation more complex.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES When you have completed this chapter, you will be able to do the following:

1. Identify tow targets and associated equipment. 2. Describe the operating theory of the tow target. 3. Identify aerial targets and associated equipment. 4. Identify the purpose of the air-launched decoy. 5. Identify the purpose of target logbooks, aerial target expenditure reports, and the target

performance reporting system. 6. Identify safety precautions to follow when working with targets and associated equipment.

TARGETS, SYSTEMS, AND EQUIPMENT Target systems are divided into three categories: tow targets, aerial targets, and land target systems (Table 8-1). Within each category there are different types of targets, as described in the following paragraphs.

Table 8-1 Target Categories and Types

Target Subscale Aerial

Targets Land Targets Tow Target Systems Subsonic Supersonic

AQM-37C X

BQM-34S X

BQM-74E X

GQM-163A X

MLT X

TDU-32A/B X

TDU-32B/B X

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Tow Targets The TDU-32A/B and TDU-32B/B targets are banner-type aerial tow targets used for air-to-air and surface-to-air gunnery or missile firing training exercises. The target is towed from a fighter and attack (F/A)-18 aircraft using a tow banner adapter as authorized by the Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) Flight Manual, Command Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) A1-F18AC-NFM-000, and the Naval Tactical Reference Publication (NTRP) 3-22.4-FA18A-D. This aerial tow target banner is authorized for ground launch only; shipboard launch is not authorized. The TDU-32A/B and TDU-32B/B aerial tow target banner (Figure 8-1) consists of a 40-foot-long by 7-foot 6-inch-wide rectangular fabric panel attached to a weighted steel tow bar. A 60-foot nylon webbing safety bridle connects the tow bar and panel to the towline. The tow target tow bar is counterweighted to hold the banner in a vertical position during flight. To enhance visual tracking, targets have a 12-inch orange border and a 48-inch orange bull's-eye centered on the white portion. The leading particulars are listed in Table 8-2. The TDU-32B/B target is identical to the TDU-32A/B target except the panel assembly of the TDU-32B/B is made of laser retro-reflective material that will reflect radiofrequency (RF) signals and retro-reflect laser radiation.

Figure 8-1 TDU-32A/B and TDU-32B/B aerial tow target banner.

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Table 8-2 Leading Particulars TDU-32A/B TDU-32B/B Weight 87 pounds 87 pounds

Volume 5.3 cubic feet 5.3 cubic feet

Panel Length 40 feet 40 feet

Height 7 1/2 feet 7 1/2 feet

Bridle Assembly Length 60 feet 60 feet

Height 1 inch 1 inch

The TDU-32(series) targets are ground-drag launched from the runway (Figure 8-2) by the tow aircraft and trailed in the air approximately 1,575 feet behind the tow aircraft. The target is designed to operate from sea level to 30,000 feet at a maximum of 220 knots calibrated air speed (KCAS). Recovery is accomplished by releasing the target in a recovery area at an altitude and speed specified in the tow aircraft NATOPS flight manual.

Radar Reflectivity The TDU-32A/B panel assembly contains properties that will reflect RF signals compatible with fire control radar systems.

Laser Retro-Reflectivity The TDU-32B/B panel assembly contains properties that will reflect RF signals and retro-reflect laser radiation.

Figure 8-2 Tow banner staging configuration.

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Towline and Towline Wire Rope Leader The towline is used to tow the TDU-32(series) tow target banner for air-to-air and surface-to-air gunnery or missile firing training. The towline is composed of a 1,500-foot length of 11/64-inch-diameter armored towline with various attaching components. The towline wire rope leader is used to attach the towline to the tow aircraft via the towline banner adapter. The towline leader is comprised of a 75-foot length of 3/8-inch steel wire rope with various attaching components (Figure 8-3). Aerial tow target towlines and towline wire rope leaders have been developed in cooperation with the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division Warminster (NAWCADWAR) Warminster, Pennsylvania, and the Air Force Armament Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Maintenance instructions for the towline and towline leader are found in the Maintenance Instruction with Illustrated Parts Breakdown Organizational, Aerial Tow Target Banner TDU-32A/B and TDU-32B/B, NAVAIR 28-10A-23.

Figure 8-3 TDU-32(series) aerial tow target banner operational configuration.

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11/64-Inch-Diameter Armored Towline The 11/64-inch-diameter armored towline is constructed with 1 strand of 19 wires (1 by 19), and it is armor-wrapped and swaged. The armored towline has a breaking strength of 4,000 pounds and weighs 75.7 pounds per 1,000 feet.

3/8-Inch-Diameter Towline Wire Rope Leader The 3/8-inch-diameter towline wire rope leader is constructed with 7 compacted strands of 19 wires each (7 by 19). The towline leader has a breaking strength of 13,000 pounds and weighs 243 pounds per 1,000 feet. The TDU-32(series) tow targets, towline, and towline wire rope leader are retrievable and reusable when not expended during use. Certain inspections must be performed during their life cycle. These inspections are not required on a periodic basis, but rather on a preflight/postflight schedule. Refer to the aircraft and tow target preparation procedures for the TDU-32A/B and TDU-32B/B in Maintenance Instruction with Illustrated Parts Breakdown Organizational, Aerial Tow Target Banner TDU-32A/B and TDU-32B/B, NAVAIR 28-10A-23.

AERIAL TARGETS The Navy uses the BQM-74E missile target and the BQM-34S missile target. A simplified discussion of aerial targets is presented in the following paragraphs.

BQM-74E Missile Target The BQM-74E missile target (Figure 8-4) is a recoverable, remotely controlled, subscale, subsonic target capable of speeds up to Mach 0.75 and altitudes from 7 to 40,000 feet. It is propelled during flight by a single J400-WR-404 turbojet engine, which produces 240 pounds of thrust at full throttle at sea level. The target is designed to be surface launched from a zero-length ground launcher utilizing dual Jet Assisted Takeoff (JATO) (Figure 8-5).

Figure 8-4 BQM-74E missile target.

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When equipped with an air-launch kit, the target can be air launched from the G-1 commercial aircraft. The target is controlled through normal flight maneuvers with the capability of performing 75-degree angle banking turns. The target is normally controlled by a fixed or portable integrated tracking and control system transponder (Figure 8-6). The target is equipped with a parachute recovery subsystem and an active flotation subsystem. After water entry, these subsystems keep the target afloat for a minimum of 24 hours. The target has retrieval attachments that are compatible with shipboard or helicopter retrieval equipment. Target recovery is executed by parachute and can be accomplished either on land or at sea by boat or helicopter. The mission-peculiar equipment, installation, and checkout procedures are listed in Maintenance Instruction Manual, NAVAIR 01-BQM-74E-2-1. For further information concerning the basic BQM-74E target, consult the Maintenance Instructions Target Drone Navy Model BQM-74E, NAVAIR 01-BQM-74E-2-2.

BQM-34S Missile Target The BQM-34S missile target (Figure 8-7) is a recoverable, remotely controlled, subscale, subsonic target capable of speeds up to Mach 0.9 and altitudes from 10 to 50,000 feet. It is propelled during flight by a single J-69 or J85-100 turbojet engine, producing 1,920 or 2,850 pounds of thrust at full throttle at sea level, respectively.

Figure 8-5 BQM-74E missile target with JATO.

Figure 8-6 BQM-74E target control system.

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The target is designed to be surface launched from short-rail or zero-length ground launchers using a single JATO or air launched from DC-130 aircraft. The target is controllable through normal flight maneuvers with capabilities of performing up to five times the gravity force turns. The system transmits target telemetry on the tracking down-link signal. Target recovery is executed by deploying a two-stage parachute. Recovery can be accomplished on land or at sea. When recovery is made at sea, the target can be retrieved by boat or helicopter.

AQM-37C Missile Target The AQM-37C missile target (Figure 8-8) is an air-launched, supersonic, preprogrammed, non-recoverable aerial target capable of flying at various speeds and altitudes. The current launch aircraft is the fighter (F)-16 Falcon. The target is capable of speeds from Mach 0.7 to 4.0 at altitudes of 1,000 to 100,000 feet and has a range of approximately 155 nautical miles. The target is powered by an LR-64 liquid-propellant engine using mixed amine fuel and inhibited red fuming nitric acid. The AQM-37C requires specific hypergolic storage and certification as described in the Department of the Navy Explosive Safety Management Policy Manual, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) Instruction 8020.14(series)/Marine Corps Order (MCO) P8020.11. The target can be flown with or without ultrahigh frequency (UHF) command control. When command control is installed, limited control capability (right and left turns, dive, and pullout) is available to increase profile accuracy. A number of mission-essential installation sets may be installed to augment the target for radar cross section, scoring, tracking, and command destruct capability.

GQM-163A Supersonic Sea Skimming Target The GQM-163A supersonic sea skimming target (SSST) (Figure 8-9) is a nonrecoverable, supersonic aerial target capable of speeds in excess of Mach 2.5 and cruise altitudes from 15.0 to 66.0 feet. The GQM-163A is surface (land) launched. The GQM-163A system target air vehicle is also capable of operating with current augmentation, scoring, and range hardware. The GQM-163A program is in full rate production (FRP) following engineering, manufacturing, and development (EMD) and a low initial rate production (LRIP) phase. The basic contract was awarded in June 2000 for six EMD target vehicles, which included the design, development, test, and delivery of a high-fidelity supersonic sea

Figure 8-7 BQM-34S missile target.

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skimming aerial target. This contract included requirements for target vehicle launch equipment, support equipment, and technical data. NAVAIR intends to continue GQM-163A spiral upgrades/evolutionary development to keep pace with evolving threat characteristics.

AIR-LAUNCHED DECOY Air-launched decoys are air-launched vehicles whose purpose is to minimize, nullify, or confuse enemy air defense systems. The tactical air-launched decoy (TALD) and the improved tactical air-launched decoy (ITALD) are air-launched, aerodynamic vehicles that provide operating forces with increased capability in the areas of reconnaissance, surveillance, and electronic counter-countermeasures.

Figure 8-8 AQM-37C missile target.

Figure 8-9 GQM-163A supersonic sea skimming target.

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The TALD (Figure 8-10) provides false imagery to defense acquisition systems by using chaff, electromagnetic, and radar signature augmentation. There are three TALD vehicles: A/B37U-1(V) 1, a chaff vehicle; A/B37U-1(V) 2, a radar passive/active RF vehicle; and ADM-141, a radar passive/active RF vehicle. While form, fit, and function remain the same within each version, manufacturing differences have produced variants. The TALD consists of a nose cone, left and right antenna/wing assemblies, an empennage, a vertical stabilizer, left and right stabilizers, a vertical fin, a flight computer, a pilot battery, and a main battery. All versions are approximately 92 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 10 inches high. The chaff vehicle weighs approximately 380 pounds, while all RF passive and active versions weigh approximately 400 pounds. A computer within each vehicle is preprogrammed with flight profile data prior to loading. It provides flight management and control of the vehicle through a series of planned maneuvers after launch. All three versions of the TALD are compatible with and can be launched from the BRU-42 improved multiple ejector rack (IMER) or a BRU-42 improved triple ejector rack (ITER). The ITALD (Figure 8-11) is a preprogrammed, powered RF passive/active vehicle used to deceive and saturate enemy integrated air defenses during strike aircraft operations. It is a preplanned product improvement that adds turbojet propulsion; radar-controlled, low-level flight; and global positioning system (GPS) navigational capability to the ITALD. Its official designation is ADM-141C. The ITALD is approximately 92 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 10 inches high and weighs approximately 375 pounds. The wing assemblies consist of fiberglass extrusions with receiver antennas installed on the lower surfaces and a transmitting antenna located in each wing. When deployed by the pressure actuation and wing actuator assemblies, the wings provide the decoy with aerodynamic lift during flight. A computer within each vehicle is preprogrammed with flight profile data prior to loading. It provides flight management and controls the vehicle through a series of planned maneuvers after launch.

Figure 8-10 Typical TALD component locations.

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A nose cone assembly serves as the aerodynamic forward end of the ITALD vehicle structure. The nose cone assembly contains the RF augmenter antenna and a Luneburg lens, which increases the radar cross capability and an extended flight envelope for expanded missions. The ITALD has enhanced terrain tracking capability, as well as GPS waypoint navigation and extended flight envelope for expanded missions. The ITALD is only compatible with and can be launched from the BRU-42 (ITER).

MOVING LAND TARGETS The moving land target (MLT) (Figure 8-12) is based on commercially available two- and four-wheel drive pickup trucks of various manufacturers. Design is based on, but not limited to, the Chevrolet 1500 or S10 and equivalent General Motors Corporation models, Dodge 1500 or Dakota, and Ford F150 or Ranger. The MLT will be capable of manned and unmanned operation in off-road settings on sand or solid, relatively flat ground, or on paved roads at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. The vehicle will be capable of autonomous operation on a previously learned track and can be remotely started with oversight remote control. A complete MLT system includes a vehicle with all essential navigation/command and control (Nav/C&C) equipment installed and a remote ground control station (GCS) capable of communicating and monitoring with the on-board vehicle control system. The MLT will be deployed to engage targets for training aviators and aircrew personnel on Navy and Marine Corps tactical training ranges (TTRs), such as Naval Strike Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1). Live ordnance, including .50-

Figure 8-12 Moving land target.

Figure 8-11 Typical ITALD component locations.

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caliber and 20-millimeter guns, laser-guided training rounds (LGTRs), enhanced LGTRs, and Hellfire, are used at TTRs.

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 NAVAIR maintenance plans, maintenance instruction manuals, and maintenance requirement cards. Organizational maintenance activities are responsible for maintaining target logbooks, target discrepancy books, and target performance reports and should ensure that all maintenance is documented on the Maintenance Action Form, OPNAV 4790/60, in accordance with Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP), Commander, Naval Air Force Instruction (COMNAVAIRFORINST) 4790.2(series).

Target Logbooks All activities that have reporting custody of target systems should maintain target logbooks and associated records for their assigned target systems in a proper and up-to-date status. Target logbooks provide a history of maintenance, operation, and configuration control of the target. The logbook is a hardcover, loose-leaf ring binder containing separators and page insert forms. The logbook should be maintained digitally by use of a disk that is included. The original accepting activity, upon acceptance of the target, should initiate the target logbook. The logbook should be kept in the maintenance or production control office, and any classified logbook information should be safeguarded in accordance with applicable security regulations. When the target is transferred, the logbook should be transferred with the target. The logbook should be brought up-to-date before the transfer and be kept neat and clean. Entries should be printed in black ink (no felt-tipped pens should be used) or typewritten. The target logbook is maintained throughout the target's life cycle.

Target Discrepancy Book The target discrepancy book is designed to provide maintenance personnel with an accurate, comprehensive, and chronological record of all operations, discrepancies, and maintenance performed on a specific target. Maintenance control maintains a target discrepancy book for each target assigned, with the exception of tow banners and towlines. The target discrepancy bookwhich is set up by target serial numbermust accurately reflect the status of all pending maintenance requirements as shown on the maintenance control or workcenter visual information display system (VIDS) board.

Target Performance Reporting System NAVAIR has designated the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAVAIRWARCENWPNDIV) as the central repository for electronic storage of all target inventory data. The Target Performance Reporting (TPR) system user rights and profiles are constrained by program job responsibilities and location. The target applications reside on a secured website. To obtain a username and password, visit the All Weapons Information System (AWIS) website at https://awis.navair.navy.mil.

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The TPR system will provide the target community a method to track and manage target inventory and performance. The system allows users to add and edit targets, target ancillary/auxiliary systems (TA/AS), consumable inventories, and performance reports. The application comprises two sections:

Inventorysection provides users a method to manage inventory at a location

Performancesection provides users a method to report target performance information The NAVAIRWARCENWPNDIV AWIS project team provides system administration for the target reporting module. User administration is through the common AWIS user administration process. Each target facility has the responsibility for the following tasks:

Updating inventories within the target reporting system

Updating TPR with target performance data within 48 hours of expenditure, excluding weekends

The assistant program manager for logistics (APML) is responsible for ensuring that each target facility is maintaining the inventory and performance databases within AWIS.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Many safety precautions are associated with target towing. Some of these safety precautions include, but are not limited to the following list:

Uncoil a cable by standing the coil on its edge, holding the end, and unrolling the coil; personnel should NEVER attempt to take cable from either a coil or a roll by pulling the cable when the coil or roll is lying flat; the cable will snarl and kink

When cutting a nylon towline, bind the ends; otherwise, apply enough heat to the cut ends to melt the nylon and prevent unraveling

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

Stand clear of the cable when a target is launched

All hands should be kept clear of moving parts when the equipment is in operation

Exercise caution when working in proximity of pneumatic, hydraulic, or spring- or cartridge-operated components

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End of Chapter 8 Targets and Associated Equipment

Review Questions 8-1. What tow target is used for air-to-air and surface-to-air gunnery or missile firing training

exercises?

A. TDU-32A/B B. TDU-33B/B C. TOD-32A/B D. TOD-32B/B

8-2. The Navy currently uses what two subsonic powered targets?

A. AQM-37C and SPT-74E B. BQM-34S and BQM-74E C. BQM-34S and SPT-47C D. BQM-74E and AQS-47C

8-3. The BQM-74E missile target can be launched from which of the following launching

environments?

A. Aircraft B. Slingshot C. Submarine D. Whip antenna

8-4. The BQM-74E target is controlled through normal flight maneuvers with the capability of

performing 75-degree angle banking turns by what means?

A. Dual JATO B. Fixed or portable integrated tracking and control system transponder C. Predetermined flight plan D. Programmed flight profile before launch

8-5. The AQM-37C missile target has what approximate range?

A. 155 meters B. 155 nautical miles C. 511 kilometers D. 511 nautical miles

8-6. The GQM-163A supersonic sea skimming target has what minimum cruising altitude?

A. 15 feet B. 15 meters C. 66 feet D. 66 meters

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8-7. How many types of tactical air-launched decoy vehicles does the Navy use?

A. Two B. Three C. Four D. Five

8-8. What features does the tactical air-launched decoy use to provide false imagery to defense

acquisition systems?

A. Chaff, electromagnetic, and radar signature augmentation B. Left and right antenna/wing assemblies C. Radar passive/active radio frequency D. Reconnaissance, surveillance, and electronic counter-countermeasures

8-9. What air-launched decoy has the product improvement that added turbojet propulsion, radar

control, low-level flight, and global positioning system navigational capability?

A. ALM-I B. IALM C. ITALD D. TALD

8-10. Target logbooks provide a history of maintenance, operation, and what type of control of the

target?

A. Configuration B. Custody C. Maintenance D. Security

8-11. What activity is responsible for updating the target performance reporting system?

A. All Weapons Information System project team B. Assistant program manager for logistics C. Naval Target Performance Maintenance Activity D. Target facility

8-12. The target performance reporting system resides on what secured database system?

A. AWIS B. DECKS C. REPS D. TARS

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8-13. The target performance reporting system should be updated within what number of hours if the target is expended?

A. 24 B. 36 C. 48 D. 60

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CHAPTER 8TARGETS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENTLEARNING OBJECTIVESTARGETS, SYSTEMS, AND EQUIPMENTTow TargetsRadar ReflectivityLaser Retro-Reflectivity

Towline and Towline Wire Rope Leader11/64-Inch-Diameter Armored Towline3/8-Inch-Diameter Towline Wire Rope Leader

AERIAL TARGETSBQM-74E Missile TargetBQM-34S Missile TargetAQM-37C Missile TargetGQM-163A Supersonic Sea Skimming Target

AIR-LAUNCHED DECOYMOVING LAND TARGETSRECORD KEEPING AND REPORTINGTarget LogbooksTarget Discrepancy BookTarget Performance Reporting System

SAFETY PRECAUTIONSEnd of Chapter 8RATE TRAINING MANUAL USER UPDATE

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