GB856153A - Towed aerial target - Google Patents

Abstract

856,153. Towed aerial targets. SOC. D'ETUDES ET DE CONSTRUCTIONS ELECTRIQUES, MECHANIQUES ET METALLURGIQUES. March 24, 1959 [March 25, 1958], No. 10134/59. Class 4. A towed aerial target comprises a longitu- 4inal frame member A of square or round section which supports a plurality of spaced transverse frames B upon which is mounted an unstressed skin comprising a plurality of sleeves. Stabilising planes E are mounted at the rear end and the nose comprises a solid core of cast iron or steel connected to frame A by shock absorbing means consisting of a cylindrical cavity formed in head C containing a viscous substance such as grease, co-operating a piston being mounted on member A, the head C and member A being secured together by brass or aluminium rivets which shear when the target strikes the ground upon release from its towing cable as will be described. A landing skid D is provided. A towing bridle F, which in operative position is located at F 1 , is pivotally mounted on frame A and is connected to the towing cable, not shown, by an explosive bolt. The rear end G of the target houses a braking parachute which is withdrawn by a pilot parachute when a rear closing panel is released. In operation, if it is desired to release the target in flight, the towing cable is released from the towing aircraft with the result that the target commences to fall nosedown with the cable and yoke swinging rearwardly. When the yoke reaches its rearmost position it becomes automatically locked, the explosive bolt is fired to release the cable and the rear closing panel is jettisoned to withdraw the pilot and subsequently the braking parachute. Upon impact with the ground the instruments contained in the target are protected by the nose shock-absorber.