TARGET PERFORMANCE REPORTS
The
information
contained
on
a
Target
Performance Report targets performance, and is
consolidated into an automated database for Navywide
use. Target performance data is submitted on OPNAV
8600/15 (fig. 8-14).
TARGET EXPENDITURE REPORTING
Target operating activities are required to transmit a
message report (fig. 8-15) within 24 hours of target loss
listing target, serial number, calendar date, activity
charged, weapons system used. All aerial towed targets
(TDU-32, TDU-34, etc.) may be transmitted weekly.
Reports must be timely and accurate because they are
used to determine allocations for the current fiscal year
and out years.
REVIEW NUMBER 3 ANSWERS
A1.
The three aerial targets used by the Navy are
the AQM-37C, BQM-74C, and BQM-34A/S.
A2.
The AQM-37C has a speed range between
Mach 0.7 and Mach 4.0.
A3.
The AQM-37C is an air-launched target.
A4.
LR-64 liquid propellant is used in the
self-contained
propulsion
system
of
the
AQM-37C.
A5.
The aerodynamic destruct system of the
AQM-37C is used to prevent the target from
becoming a hazard to other aircraft and from
impacting the ground in undesired areas.
A6.
The
BQM-74C/E
is
powered
by
a
YJ400-WR-402
variable
speed,
turbojet
engine.
A7.
The A-6E and TA-4J aircraft are used to
launch the BQM-74C/E target drone.
A8.
The maximum speed of the BQM-34A/S target
system is 600 knots.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify safety
precautions to follow when working with aerial
targets and associated equipment.
There are many safety precautions associated with
the target towing service. Some of these safety
precautions are:
Preservatives and lubricants may NOT be used
on tow cables. Friction caused by high-speed
reeling-out
generates
heat.
This
heat
can
generate explosive vapors from the lubricants in
the tow compartment.
A cable should be uncoiled by standing the coil
on its edge, holding the end, and unrolling the
coil. Do NOT attempt to take cable from either a
coil or roll by pulling the cable when the coil or
roll is lying flat. The cable will snarl and kink.
When you cut nylon towline, the ends have to be
bound. Otherwise, apply enough heat to the cut
ends to melt the nylon. This prevents raveling.
Safety tow webbing must be used between the
target and the end of the towline. When the pilot
shoots off the towline, this webbing can prevent
it
from
becoming
tangled
in
the
target.
Multistrand safety webbing’s (100 feet long) are
used with banner targets.
The snarl catcher must NOT be used during
air-to-air gunnery exercises. It may clamp on the
towline before it reaches the end of the cable.
This means there will be a long, free section of
the cable whipping about behind the target.
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.
Make sure you are clear of the cable when
launching a target.
Do NOT wear loose clothing when operating
rewind equipment. Keep your hands clear of
moving
parts
when
the
equipment
is
in
operation.
Observe RADHAZ precautions when working
with cable cutting cartridges and tracking flares.
Exercise caution when it is necessary to work in
close proximity of pneumatic, hydraulic, spring,
or cartridge-operated components.
8-13
