AU2015204346B2 - A target - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a degradable target for small arms and other weapons systems. The target comprises a structure comprising at least one targetable face, with a substantial portion of the structure being formed from a material that is degradable once the target is deployed. 1/2 10 1 2C 14E 16B 12B 18A 14D 14B 18B 12A 14F 14A 14G 16A 12D Fig. 1

Description

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A TARGET

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a target for small arms and, in particular, to an environmentally responsible target for small arms.

Background Art

[0002] The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is one of the largest organisations within Australasia. As with any large organisation, the ADF has a responsibility to minimise its impact on the environment, and it is also regulated by various Environmental Protection Agencies.

[0003] As part of its weapon training and soldier currency requirements, the ADF requires solders to fire various weapons systems (including small arms) at targets at ranges of up to about 500m, both on land and on water. Currently the ADF uses a variety of improvised targets for such training, especially in the maritime environment. Indeed, to the best of the inventor's knowledge, there is no target designed for small arms maritime use currently employed by the ADF. Thus, when maritime targets are required they are improvised with materials that are not environmentally friendly or biodegradable, and such training exercises either result in significant environmental pollution or necessitate a significant effort to retrieve the improvised targets (if such is possible).

[0004] It would be advantageous to provide a more environmentally responsible target for small arms.

Summary of Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a degradable target for marine use for small arms. The target comprises a structure comprising a plurality of targetable faces, the structure being configured such that the entire outer surface is defined by targetable faces such that a targetable face would be presented towards a shooter, regardless of the orientation of the target. The target is buoyant when initially deployed and the buoyancy of the target decreases following deployment, and a substantial portion of the structure is formed from a material that is degradable once the target is deployed.

[0006] The present invention advantageously provides a more environmentally responsible

target for small arms (and other weapons systems) than is presently available. As a substantial

portion of the structure is formed from a material that is degradable once the target is deployed,

the target will break down over time and thus will not cause significant environmental pollution

or necessitate a significant effort to retrieve the target post-use.

[0007] In some embodiments, substantially all of the structure may be formed from the material

that is degradable once the target is deployed, resulting in an effectively complete degradation of

the deployed structure after a period of time.

[0008] In some embodiments, the material may be water absorbent, and the material weakened

by its absorbing water. The rate of degradation of the target might be increased if the material

forming the structure became weaker with time.

[0009] In some embodiments, the material may be physically degradable into smaller portions

by environmental conditions experienced by the target once the target is deployed. For

example, if the target is deployed into a marine environment, the rate of degradation of the

target might be increased if the structure was broken down into smaller parts by the movement

of water around it.

[0010] In some embodiments, the material may comprise fibres that are biodegradable. As

such, an effectively complete degradation of the structure may be accomplished, with practically

nothing of the structure remaining to cause pollution (visual and environmental) after

degradation.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the at least one targetable face may have a shape that is

independently selected from the group consisting of: a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a

pentagon, a hexagon and a circle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the structure may comprise a plurality of targetable faces. In

some embodiments, each of the plurality of targetable faces may advantageously have the same

shape. For example, in embodiments where each of the plurality of targetable faces has a square

or triangle shape, the resultant structure is a triangular pyramid or cube, both of which structures

are symmetrical and which can therefore present a consistently sized targetable face to a user,

regardless of the orientation of the target.

[0013] As the target is primarily intended for marine use, the target is buoyant when initially

deployed onto a body of water. As such, the target will float on the surface of the water after its

initial deployment, where it can clearly be seen and used as a target. The buoyancy of the target decreases following deployment (e.g. as the material absorbs water), such that the target sinks over time and becomes less of an eyesore or a surface obstacle.

[0014] In some embodiments, the structure may be assemblable from a planar sheet of the

material. That is, the degradable target may be "flat-packed" for ease of storage pre deployment.

[0015] In some embodiments, the structure is assemblable immediately before deployment. In

such embodiments, the target may be stored in any convenient manner (e.g. flat-packed with

other targets) and quickly and easily (preferably with no additional tools being required, as

discussed below, for example) assembled for deployment.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of deploying a degradable

target. The method comprises assembling a structure comprising at least one targetable face

from a material that is degradable once the target is deployed and deploying the structure,

wherein the target is buoyant when initially deployed and the buoyancy of the target decreases

following deployment.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method of the second aspect of the present invention, the

deployed structure is the degradable target of the first aspect of the present invention. Other

embodiments of the method of the second aspect of the present invention are described below.

Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with respect to

the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a degradable target for small arms in accordance

with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the target of Figure 1 in a pre-assembled "flat

packed" form.

Description of Embodiments

[0021] The present invention provides a degradable target for small arms (as well as other

weapons systems), intended primarily (although not exclusively) for marine use. The target

comprises a structure having at least one targetable face, with the structure being configured

such that a targetable face would be presented towards a shooter, regardless of the orientation of the target. The target is initially buoyant when deployed and its buoyancy decreases following deployment. Aa substantial portion of the structure is formed from a material that is degradable once the target is deployed.

[0022] Targets of the present invention are environmentally responsible because they will

degrade over a period of time post-deployment. Typically, they will rapidly degrade. Typically, they will biodegrade. As will be described in more detail below, general attributes of targets in

accordance with specific embodiments of the present invention include that the targets are

suitable for water or land-based activities, during the day or night; have a relatively low volume

for storage/stowage; are lightweight, easily transportable and easy to assemble and deploy

(including by hand from helicopter, ship or small vessel whilst underway); and are economical.

[0023] The degradable targets of the present invention are intended for use in marine-based

applications such as training exercises and currency requirements for helicopter door gunnery,

navel shoots and Special Forces applications. As noted above, these applications do not

presently have a specifically designed target, but instead rely on improvised and potentially

environmentally unsound targets. The target is buoyant when initially deployed so that it can

easily be seen by the shooters, with the buoyancy of the target decreasing following deployment.

[0024] In such maritime uses, the targets of the present invention are advantageous over existing

targets at least in that the target rapidly degrades post-deployment, with the target progressively

sinking below the surface of the water and breaking down such that it is unrecognisable as a

man-made object and presents no collision risk for other vessels. In contrast, existing marine

targets would need to be collected to comply with environmentally sustainable practices (if this

is possible), which would take time and resources to do so.

[0025] The present invention is not limited to targets having marine-based applications,

however, but may also provide land based targets. For example, it may be more cost effective to

leave the land based targets behind after an exercise rather than retrieve them, in which case,

degradability of the targets is highly desirable. This may be particularly beneficial for activities

that are resource intensive, such as Combined Arms and Special Forces Activities. Further, the

present invention is not limited to targets that are used for small arms, but may also provide

targets for use with large calibre weapons, smart or semi-smart munitions, and weapons that

require specific infrared signatures for engagement during day or night activities.

[0026] The present invention is a degradable target. The target degrades because a substantial

portion of the structure of the target is formed from a material that is degradable once the target

is deployed. In the context of the present invention, degradable is to be understood to mean that a substantial portion of the structure will break down when exposed to the environmental conditions where the target is deployed. Such environmental conditions include the actions of water (e.g. rain, mist, fog or movement of sea water), sunlight (especially UV light), microbes, etc. Once broken down, these smaller parts dissipate into the environment where they typically have no detrimental environmental effect.

[0027] In the context of the present invention, "a substantial portion" is to be understood to

mean that that a majority of the structure of the target will degrade over time once the target has

been deployed. In keeping with the environmentally responsible nature of the present invention,

typically substantially all, or at least the vast majority, of the structure of the target will degrade,

with effectively no pollutants (e.g. visual or environmental) remaining. In some embodiments,

for example, more than two thirds of the structure will degrade over time once the target is

deployed. In some embodiments, that proportion may be greater, for example, greater than three

quarters, about 80%, about 85%, about 90% or about 95% of the structure will degrade over

time once the target is deployed. As noted above, in some embodiments, substantially all (i.e.

about 100%) of the target's structure will degrade over time once the target is deployed.

[0028] The rate of degradation of the target will depend on the nature of the target and the

environment into which it is deployed. Typically the target will be designed to degrade as

rapidly as possible, as engagement activities would usually only last for a relatively short period

of time (e.g. about 1 to 2 hours). For example, in marine-based applications, the target may be

designed to degrade within a period of between about 30 minutes and about 6 hours (depending

on the environmental conditions and sea state at the time), after which time the target sinks

below the surface and breaks down. Over a period of 1-2 hours, for example, the target will

progressively float lower in the water until eventually it is completely submerged, resulting in

no eye-sore or above surface obstacle. Over a further 48-72 hours of water contact, the target

breaks down into smaller units (e.g. fibres, as discussed below) such that it is unidentifiable as a

man-made object. The smaller units may themselves be further degraded, for example when

they are themselves biodegradable. Throughout its degradation, the target should pose no

hazard to marine life and the environment.

[0029] In land based applications, the target is not exposed to the physical degradation

processes caused by sea movements, for example, and the target may therefore degrade more

slowly. However, exposure to environmental conditions post-deployment (e.g. rain, sunlight

and microbes) will still cause such land-based targets to break down over a period of

approximately 2-90 days, depending on weather conditions.

[0030] The target of the present invention comprises a structure. The structure may have any

three dimensional form, provided that it is suitable for use as a target in the environment into

which it is deployed. The structure should ideally be strong enough to withstand a reasonable

amount of weapons engagement without disintegrating so that the target has a reasonable

lifespan. The structure should be of a size such that it is clearly visible from distances of up to

about 500m and presents at least one targetable face (discussed below) having dimensions

appropriate for a target. Small arms targets, for example, typically have a height of between

about 80cm and 120cm and a maximum width of between about 80cm and 120cm.

[0031] Other requirements of the structure will be dependent on the intended use of the target.

For example, in the marine-based applications discussed above, the structure must be able to

withstand deployment from a helicopter that is hovering some distance above the water's

surface (for example), various sea states and multiple engagements without sinking for a

minimum period of about 30 minutes. Such a structure would therefore need to be more durable

than would, say, a structure for use in land-based exercises, during which the expected amount

of small arms fire the target is likely to receive is relatively low.

[0032] The degradable target of the present invention comprises a structure comprising at least

one targetable face. The targetable face may also have any form, provided that it is visually

distinguishable from its surrounds once the target is deployed, and of an appropriate size for the

particular exercise. The targetable face is typically substantially planar, but may be curved in

some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the structure may be substantially

spherical in shape, with the targetable face being defined by the portion of the sphere visible to

the person aiming their weapon towards the target.

[0033] Each targetable face of the structure does not necessarily have to be defined by a solid

surface. For example, a target may have a cubic structure with only five faces, the other face

being open. However, the structural integrity and strength of such a structure would be

compromised compared to that of a structure having all of its targetable faces defined by solid

surfaces. Further, in the event of any markings being present on the targetable faces, these

markings would not be visible to a shooter who was facing the open face of the structure.

Finally, the buoyancy of such structures would also be compromised.

[0034] Typically, each targetable face in the structure has the shape of a triangle, square,

rectangle, pentagon, hexagon or circle. Provided that a structure can be formed from the

combination of shapes of the targetable faces, the shape of each targetable face does not need to

be the same. In some embodiments, for example, the structure may be a cuboid, with the targetable faces being squares and rectangles. In some embodiments, for example, the structure may be a cylinder, with the targetable faces being circles and rectangles (as viewed by the shooter).

[0035] Whilst the structure may have only one targetable face (e.g. if it is cone shaped, with the

circular base of the cone being the targetable face), it will typically have a plurality of targetable

faces. Typically, the entire outer surface of the structure will be defined by targetable faces so

that a targetable face would be presented towards the shooter, regardless of the orientation of the

target.

[0036] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of targetable faces has the same shape (e.g. a

square or triangle shape). Such embodiments are likely to result in structures that may be easier

to assemble and which may act to "self-right" in rough seas, because the targetable face presented to the shooter will have the same shape, regardless of what orientation the structure is

actually in. For example, triangular pyramids (having 4 triangular shaped targetable faces) and

cubes (having 6 square shaped targetable faces) would present the shooter with effectively the

same shaped targetable face, regardless of the orientation of the structure. Whilst structures

having more than 6 targetable faces could be used, any benefit of doing so would need to be

weighed up against their complexity of assembly and the amount of material required to form

them.

[0037] In a specific embodiment, the structure is a triangular pyramid having 4 triangular

shaped targetable faces which are each about 90cm high and about 100cm wide at their base.

[0038] The target must be visible to a shooter, at distances of up to about 500m away. As such,

in some embodiments, one or more of the targetable face or faces may comprise high visibility

markings. Such high visibility markings may have any form, provided that they contrast with

the environment surrounding the deployed target. In some embodiments, for example, the high

visibility markings may comprise a striped pattern of two or more distinct colours (e.g. red and

yellow). In some embodiments, for example, the high visibility markings may comprise a

pattern (e.g. a triangular pattern) of two or more distinct colours.

[0039] In keeping with the environmentally friendly objectives of the present invention, any

such high visibility markings are typically provided by a water soluble ink. During degradation,

the ink diffuses out from the material and is rapidly dispersed into the surrounding environment.

[0040] In the target of the present invention, a substantial portion of the structure is formed from

a material that is degradable once the target is deployed. The material for use in the present

invention may be any material that will degrade (preferably relatively quickly) once exposed to the environmental conditions at the site of deployment. As discussed above, the material may be caused to degrade by environmental factors such as rain, humidity (including mist and fog), sunlight, sea movement and microbial action. Typically, the material is water absorbent, where absorbing water causes the material's structural strength and integrity to weaken. Typically, the material is physically degradable into smaller portions by environmental conditions experienced by the target once the target is deployed. Once in its weakened state, sea movement (in the case of a marine deployment) or wind has a greater degrading effect on the structure than when it was initially deployed. Thus, as the material absorbs water from its deployed environment, it becomes more susceptible to being broken down into smaller parts, with those smaller parts continuing to be degraded (possibly at a faster rate due to their relatively larger surface area). In embodiments where the smaller parts are biodegradable, microbial degradation will become more rapid as the structure is broken down into smaller parts, resulting in a substantially complete biodegradation of the material.

[0041] In some embodiments, for example, the material comprises fibres that are biodegradable.

When initially deployed, the fibres form the material, but the physical actions and

environmental conditions discussed above break down the structure of the material such that the

fibres are dissipated into the environment. Once this occurs, microbial action completely

degrades the fibres, as discussed above.

[0042] As noted above, given the environmentally responsible focus of the present invention,

typically substantially all of the structure is formed from the material that is degradable once the

target is deployed. As such, once degradation is complete, substantially nothing of the structure

remains intact in the environment.

[0043] In some embodiments, the material is a cardboard. Cardboard has been found to be

strong enough to form a structure capable of holding its shape (sometimes in relatively rough

seas) whist sustaining weapons fire, but is lightweight and extremely efficient at degrading

within water or moist environments. As the target is ideally fabricated of environmentally

sustainable and recycled products, the structure may be made from recycled, environmentally

friendly cardboard (e.g. combined with water soluble inks and adhesives). The cardboard may

include various recycled fibres that are non-toxic and completely biodegradable.

[0044] The strength of the cardboard used to make the structure will depend primarily on its

thickness and density. In some embodiments, the cardboard has a thickness of between about

1.5mm and about 9mm, for example, between about 2mm and about 8mm, between about 3mm

and about 7mm or between about 4mm and about 6mm. In some embodiments, the cardboard has a thickness of about 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 3.5mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 5.0mm,

5.5mm, 6.0mm, 6.5mm, 7.0mm, 7.5mm, 8.0mm, 8.5mm or 9.0mm. In some embodiments, the

cardboard has a density of between about 20kg/m3 and about 100 kg/m3 , for example, between

about 30kg/m3 and about 90 kg/m 3 , between about 40kg/m3 and about 80 kg/m3 , between about

kg/m 3 and about 70 kg/m 3 or between about 50kg/m 3 and about 60 kg/m3 . In some

embodiments, the cardboard has a density of about 20kg/m 3, 30 kg/m3 , 40 kg/m3 , 50 kg/m 3, 60

kg/m 3 , 70 kg/m 3 , 80kg/m 3 , 90 kg/m3 or 100 kg/m 3

.

[0045] The degradable target of the present invention may include components other than the

structure, where such other components do not adversely affect the performance of the

degradable target. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one targetable face

comprises reflective material so that the target is locatable during night time shooting exercises

or when lit up using infra-red targeting systems. Such reflective material may be in the form of

a reflective tape that may, for example, be on the flat-packed unassembled structures, or stuck to

the targetable faces of the structure pre-deployment. Typically, such reflective material is

degradable once the target is deployed, although as it forms only a small proportion of the total

target, it may not be of paramount importance for the reflective material to be degradable.

[0046] Other components which may be used with the targets of the present invention include

Cyalume lamination, which is the current practice for night time activities, and infrared

paper/materials for guidance systems to detect.

[0047] The degradable target of the present invention may be provided in an assembled form,

but would typically be provided in a more space effective pre-assembled form. For example, the

structure may be assemblable from a planar sheet of the material. Such "flat-packed" structures

are easily stowed in the holds of ships and are relatively easy to handle. In some embodiments,

each target transports flat packed at a size of approximately 0.70-1.20m wide x 0.7-1.20m long

x 0.02m high (for example, 0.75-0.95m (e.g. 0.90m) wide x 0.8-1.0m (e.g. 1.0m) long x 0.02m

high) and weighs less than 500 grams (e.g. has a weight of approximately 350 grams). A

number of such "flat-packed" structures may be stacked together and, whilst flat packed, the targets can fit on existing transport crates.

[0048] Typically, when provided in a pre-assembled form, the planar sheet of the material

comprises folds that define edges of the targetable faces. These folds can facilitate a rapid

assembly of the structure and lead to less time wastage or inconsistent assembly of the

structures. In some embodiments, instructions may be printed on the targetable faces (e.g.

adjacent to the fold lines), indicating which way the particular fold needs to folded in order to assemble the structure.

[0049] Typically, the planar sheet of the material comprises one or more tabs adapted to be received within complimentary one or more recesses, thereby holding the structure together. Advantageously, by providing such locking means, no additional (potentially environmentally unsound) components are required to hold the structure together (e.g. staples, cable ties, etc.).

[0050] Ideally, the structure is assemblable immediately before deployment. For example, when required for use, a flat packed target may be removed from its protective cover and folded into its assembled shape (e.g. a pyramid shape) using the inbuilt cardboard locking lugs. The target can then be deployed for use, for example, from the side of a ship, small vessel or hovering helicopter.

[0051] In some embodiments (typically for land-based applications), the structure may be adapted to be attached to another structure (e.g. using tabs and recesses similar to those discussed above), thereby forming a larger degradable target. Such a larger target may, for example have the shape (and size) of a vehicle, tank, boat, etc.

[0052] As noted above, the present invention also provides a method of deploying a degradable target. The method comprises assembling a structure comprising at least one targetable face from a material that is degradable once the target is deployed; and deploying the structure. In some embodiments, the deployed structure is the degradable target of the present invention. In some embodiments, the structure is assembled as described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0053] Shown in the accompanying figures is a Small Arms Maritime (SAM) target in the form of degradable target 10. In Figure 1, target 10 is shown in an assembled form and in Figure 2, target 10 is shown in a disassembled "flat-packed" form. Target 10 has a structure that is made completely of recycled cardboard, and contains only soluble inks and adhesives. The cardboard includes various recycled fibres that are non-toxic and completely biodegradable. Target 10 has been designed to meet the ADF's requirements for helicopter door gunnery training and currency, navel small arms training and currency and Special Forces (SF) amphibious assault training.

[0054] A flat-pack target (i.e. as seen in Figure 2) measures approximately 0.70-1.20m x 0.7 1.20m x 0.02m (e.g. 0.75-0.95m x 0.8-1.0m x 0.02m) and weighs less than 500 grams. Whilst flat packed, the targets 10 can fit on existing transport crates. This construction technique provides for a strong and rigid lightweight sheet that is extremely efficient at degrading within water or moist environments.

[0055] Target 10 is a triangular pyramid and therefore has four triangular-shaped targetable faces 12A, 12B, 12C and 12 D. Although not shown in the Figures for clarity, the targetable faces 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D would all have high visibility markings on them. Such marking may, for example, be a red and yellow pattern, which would contrast sharply with the colours typically found in a marine environment. In Figure 1, only faces 12A and 12B can be seen, with faces 12C and 12D facing into the page. In Figure 2, half of faces 12A and 12B and all of face 12C of the unassembled structure can be seen. Each target 10 comes flat-packed (see Figure 2) and sealed individually or sealed in packs of multiple targets (quantity as required). When required for use, the flat-packed target 10 is removed from its protective cover and folded into its assembled triangular pyramid shape, as described below. This process can take no more than seconds using the inbuilt cardboard locking lugs. The target can then be deployed for use. Whether it is deployed from the side of a ship, small vessel or hovering helicopter, its triangular pyramidal shape ensures the target will always right it-self and float correctly.

[0056] Referring in particular to Figure 2, the target 10 is provided with a number of fold lines 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F and 14G (fold lines 14F and 14G are on the underside of the target in Figure 2 and cannot be seen, but lie directly underneath fold lines 14E and 14D, respectively). The target 10 is also provided with two locking lugs 16A and 16B, which are adapted to interlock with slots 18B and 18A, respectively (only locking lug 16B and slot 18A can be seen in Figure 2), in the manner described below. The locking lugs 16A and 16B are part of in-folding flaps 20A and 20B (see Figure 2), which are adapted to be infolded along flap fold line 21 during assembly to provide surfaces onto which the adjacent faces can be received in order to strengthen the assembled target. The locking lugs 16A and 16B are defined by a cut line (e.g. a perforated line) in the folding flaps 20A and 20B, and can be released from the flaps by pushing or pulling the lugs/flaps in opposite directions. Locking lug 16B has a body portion 23, which has the same width as the slot 18A, and a head portion 24, which is significantly wider than the slot 18A. Although it cannot be seen in the Figures, locking lug 16A has a similar structure.

[0057] In Figure 2, only half of the structure can be seen. The uppermost side (i.e. that which can be seen in Figure 2) includes half of faces 12A and 12B, and all of face 12C. Similarly, the underside includes the other half of faces 12A and 12B, and all of face 12D. In order to assemble the target 10, a person infolds infolding flaps 20A and 20B (after releasing locking lugs 16A and 16B therefrom), and then moves the locking lug 16B towards the slot 18A at the same time as moving the locking lug 16A towards the slot 18B. This movement causes fold lines 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F and 14G to fold and causes fold lines 14A and 14B to straighten such that a three dimensional structure starts to be formed. Once the lug 16B is into a position where it is adjacent to slot 18A (and lug 16A into a position where it is adjacent to slot 18B), fold lines

14A and 14B will have completely opened such that faces 12A and 12B are substantially planar

and the triangular pyramid shape seen in Figure 1 has been formed.

[0058] Once assembled into this shape, the locking lugs 16A and 16B and slots 18B and 18A can be interlocked to lock the structure in its triangular pyramidal shape. To achieve this, flaps

A and 20B are infolded (if not already) such that they define mutual support surfaces for each

other and thus strengthen the join between faces 12A and 12B in the assembled structure by

providing an abutting surface area far greater than would be the case if just two edges of faces

12A and 12B were in contact with each other. Lugs 16A and 16B can then also be folded along

flap fold line 21 such that they lie over the top of the adjacent face (lug 16B will overlie face

12A and lug 16A will overlie face 12B). In this position, the body portion 23 of lug 16B will overlie slot 18A. The head portion 24 of lug 16B can then be deformed (by folding) such that it

can be slid through slot 18A, whereupon it re-expands (as is shown in dotted lines in Figure 1)

such that lug 16B is securely joined to face 12A via slot 18A. A similar method may be used to

secure lug 16A to face 12B.

[0059] Once deployed the target 10 floats approximately 0.7-1.0m (e.g. approximately 0.80m) above sea level. This combined with the targets high visibility markings ensures easy viewing

from all effective engagement (e.g. small arms) ranges (<500m). If required for night time

activities the current practice of Cyalume lamination would be required.

[0060] After a period of 1-2 hours the target will progressively float lower in the water until

eventually it is completely submerged, resulting in no eye-sore or above surface obstacle.

Generally 60 minutes is adequate for the conduct of most shooting exercises. After a further 48

72 hours of water contact the target breaks down into fibres and is unidentifiable as a man-made

object. These periods are dependent upon the environmental conditions and sea state at the time.

Throughout its degradation the target poses no hazard to marine life and the environment.

[0061] The targets 10 can also be used for land based applications. On land the targets

breakdown over a period of approximately 2-90 days, depending on weather conditions.

[0062] The targets described above with reference to the accompanying figures have the

following characteristics:

1) Appropriate buoyancy,

2) High visibility,

3) Compact design for transportation,

4) Quick and easy assembly,

5) Rapid biodegradability when exposed to water, and

6) Sustainable and environmentally friendly production and use.

[0063] Specific advantages that degradable targets in accordance with embodiments of the

present invention have over existing targets include:

• the targets of the present invention are purpose designed, cost effective, environmentally

friendly and biodegradable alternatives to the currently used improvised targets;

• the targets of the present invention may be fabricated of environmentally sustainable and

recycled products and feature a unique combination of inks, adhesives and recycled

cardboards that enable an effectively complete breakdown of the target when exposed to

wet conditions for an extended period of time;

• the targets of the present invention may be used for both maritime and land-based

applications (where it may be more cost effective to leave the targets behind rather than

retrieve them);

• the targets of the present invention may be transported flat-packed and are light weight,

thus enabling them to be compactly stowed; and

• when needed, the targets of the present invention can be assembled within seconds and,

once assembled, can be easily deployed by hand from a ship, smaller vessel or from the

cabin of a helicopter.

[0064] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many

modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0065] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except

where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word

"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of

further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS:

1. A degradable target for marine use for small arms, the target comprising:

a structure comprising a plurality of targetable faces, the structure being configured such

that the entire outer surface is defined by targetable faces such that a targetable face

would be presented towards a shooter, regardless of the orientation of the target;

wherein the target is buoyant when initially deployed and the buoyancy of the target

decreases following deployment, and

wherein a substantial portion of the structure is formed from a material that is degradable

once the target is deployed.

2. The degradable target of claim 1, wherein substantially all of the structure is formed from

the material that is degradable once the target is deployed.

3. The degradable target of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the material is water absorbent and

whereby absorbing water causes the material to weaken.

4. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material is physically

degradable into smaller portions by environmental conditions experienced by the target once

the target is deployed.

5. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the material comprises fibres that

are biodegradable.

6. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the material is a cardboard.

7. The degradable target of claim 6, wherein the cardboard has a thickness of between about

1.5mm and about 9mm.

8. The degradable target of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the cardboard has a density of between

about 20kg/m 3 and about 100 kg/m3 .

9. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of targetable

faces has a shape that is independently selected from the group consisting of: a triangle, a

square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon and a circle.

10. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of targetable

faces has the same shape.

11. The degradable target of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of targetable faces has a

square or triangle shape.

12. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of targetable faces

comprise high visibility markings.

13. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of targetable faces

comprise reflective material.

14. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the structure is assemblable

from a planar sheet of the material.

15. The degradable target of claim 14, wherein the planar sheet of the material comprises folds

that define edges of the targetable faces.

16. The degradable target of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the planar sheet of the material

comprises one or more tabs adapted to be received within complimentary one or more

recesses, thereby holding the structure together.

17. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the structure is adapted to be

attached to another structure, thereby forming a larger degradable target.

18. A method of deploying the degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 17, the method

comprising:

assembling a structure comprising a plurality of targetable faces from a material that is

degradable once the target is deployed; and

deploying the structure wherein the target is buoyant when initially deployed and the

buoyancy of the target decreases following deployment.