and wires at the end of the cable). Running a cloth along
the cable will help you locate broken wires, as they will
catch in the cloth. Never run your bare hand along the
cable because the broken wires will catch in the flesh.
Also, you should never use a knot to attach a target,
since the knot weakens the cable by 50 percent or more.
An eye splice is recommended for this purpose.
Mk 1 Target Leader
The Mk 1 target leader (fig. 8-5) is used to attach
targets and target-release messengers to the release
ring. In turn, the target ring is held by the Mk 7 Mod 4
target release. When the target is dropped, the leader
and ring drop with it.
REVIEW NUMBER 1 ANSWERS
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.
The leader is a 34-inch length of 5/32-inch
diameter 7 by 19 steel cable swaged into a yoke at one
end with an eye at the other end. To use the leader, you
attach the bridle eye of the target to the yoke of the
leader. Then, secure the eye end of the leader with a
shackle to the release ring or snarl catcher that slides
along the tow cable.
Mk 8 Target Release Ring
The Mk 8 target release ring (fig. 8-6) is made of
casehardened alloy steel and is about 3 inches long. The
smaller eye is 1/2 inch in diameter, while the larger eye
is 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should attach the target
leader to the smaller eye (securing eye). The larger loop
(hole) slides along the cable, and is held by the target
release when the target is towed with a reel.
Release rings are also used in drag takeoffs and
container launchings. In container launchings, you
8-5
Figure 8-5.—Mk 1 target leader.
Figure 8-6.—Mk 8 target release ring.
