Importance

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Abstract

The following specification discloses an aerial gunnery target that is adapted to be towed by an aircraft at high speeds for gunnery training and aircraft weapons qualifications. The assembly comprises a multiplicity of strands or cords such as twisted and plyed polypropylene lines. Each of said strands is secured at the forward end on a towing frame having various configurations which include circles, bars, radial extensions, and other configurations, including hexagons and triangles. The towing frame is pulled by means of a conventional towing cable and may have arms that extend outwardly upon deployment by aerodynamic forces, or may be rigidly constructed in the desired shape. The elongated multiplicity of cords extend backwardly from the frame to a terminal point, such as an analogous frame or a confluence point, such as a ring, where they are attached in coupled relationship, or any other terminal means for securing the ends of the elongated cord elements. The elongated cord elements avoid the coupling of vibratory motion from one cord element to another which results in the oscillatory flapping of targets constructed of conventional fabric. The cords are provided in an array such that they do not create aerodynamic lift and fluttering when being towed. They further prevent the erratic flight that is frequently encountered in conventional rigid targets when they are damaged by gun fire. The multiplicity of elongated cord elements provide a visual surface that appears to be continuous at a distance for target purposes. It also provides a target capable of taking substantial hits without being destroyed, due to the loose configuration of the strands or cords.

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First Claim