The A/A47U-3A system consists of an
RMK-19 A/A47U-3 reeling machine launcher, a
PEK-84/A47U-3 reeling machine-launcher control, and
the applicable interconnection cable assemblies. The
system uses saddle-mounted aerial targets from 7 to 12.5
inches in diameter that weigh up to 225 pounds. Target
towlines, which have constant diameters or stepped
diameters with combinations of monofilament and/or
stranded wire, are used. The system operates with
various towline splices, ranging in diameter up to 0.250
inch and with flexible lengths up to 106 inches. Typical
towlines consist of 10,000 feet of 0.190-inch diameter
3 by 7 stranded steel cable (5,400-pound tensile
strength) or 42,000 feet of 0.097-inch diameter 1 by 7
stranded steel cable (2,060-pound tensile strength). The
reeling machine-launcher system has a nominal reeling
speed capability of 3,500 feet of towline per minute.
Adjusting the power unit blade angle limitations
increases the speed to a maximum of 5,000 feet per
minute.
Figure 8-4.—Cross-sectional view of tow cables.
The system is manually controlled by the operator,
and it provides launcher up/down, brake on/off, and reel
in/out functions. You can control target reeling and
recovery speeds by manually adjusting the power unit
blade angle. Operation of the system is controlled from
the PEK, which is located in the cockpit of the launching
aircraft.
The A/A47U-4 tow target reeling machine-launcher
system is identical to the A/A74U-3A except for weight
and size. The lighter weight and smaller size design of
the A/A47U-4 was developed to adapt this towing
system to a variety of aircraft.
If you want more information on the A/A47U-3A
tow target reeling machine-launcher system, refer to
Tow Target Reeling Machine-launcher System
A/A47U-3A, NAVAIR 28-10A-16.
TOW CABLES AND ASSOCIATED
EQUIPMENT
Steel cables used in target towing are manufactured
specifically for that purpose. Three of the several types
of cables used are discussed here: the 3/32-inch, 7 by 7
cable; the 1/8-inch, 7 by 19 cable; and the 1/8-inch,
1 by 19 armored cable.
REVIEW NUMBER 1 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS Q1. THROUGH Q8.
A1. The two basic classes of tow targets are the textile and rigid tow targets.
A2. Textile targets are made of woven synthetic fiber such as nylon.
A3. The rigid tow target is an auxiliary aid for the radar fire-control system in the
attacking aircraft.
A4. The TDU-32A/B and TDU-32B/B textile targets are effective low-cost devices for
air-to-air and surface-to-air gunnery training.
A5. The TDU-32B/B target is 90-percent radar reflective.
A6. The TDU-32A/B is 7 1/2 feet by 40 feet.
A7. Rigid tow targets are specifically designed to simulate high-speed aircraft.
A8. The TDU-34/A tow target is a passive radar target that can be adapted to
internally carry other payloads.
8-4
