WO2016187651A1

WO2016187651A1 - A target

Info

Publication number: WO2016187651A1
Application number: PCT/AU2016/050369
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shaun FISK
Original assignee: Fisk Shaun
Priority date: 2015-05-23
Filing date: 2016-05-17
Publication date: 2016-12-01

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.

Description

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 various ranges, both on land and on water. Currently the ADF uses a variety of purpose made or improvised targets for such training, with their designs being purely functional (e.g. easily targetable, durable, buoyant, etc.) and, apparently, little thought given to their residual effects on the environment. Current maritime targets, in particular, are not environmentally friendly or biodegradable, and maritime training exercises therefore either necessitate a significant effort to retrieve the improvised targets (if such is possible) or result in significant environmental pollution.

[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 small arms. The target comprises a structure comprising at least one targetable face, 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 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 advantageously present a consistently shaped and sized targetable face to a user, regardless of the orientation of the target.

[0013] In some embodiments (e.g. when the target is intended for marine use), the target may be buoyant when initially deployed. 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. Typically, 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 substantially planar sheet of the material. The degradable target may, for example, be assemblable from a "flat- pack" 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 able to be 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 forming the target, comprising assembling a structure comprising at least one targetable face from a material that is degradable once the target is deployed, and deploying the target.

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

[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 ideally suited 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. In embodiments suitable for marine-based applications, the target of the present invention is typically buoyant when initially deployed in the water so that it can easily be seen by the shooters. In some embodiments, the buoyancy of the target decreases following deployment.

[0024] In such marine-based applications, 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.

[0026] Although primarily intended for use with small arms, the present invention is not so limited, and 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.

[0027] 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 into progressively smaller parts 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 can dissipate into the environment where they typically have no detrimental environmental effect.

[0028] 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. almost 100%) of the target's structure will degrade over time once the target is deployed.

[0029] The rate of degradation of the target will depend on the nature of the target and the environment into which it is deployed. Typically, in marine-based applications, the target will 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.

[0030] In land-based applications, the target is not exposed to the physical degradation processes caused by immersion in water and sea movements, for example, and the target may therefore degrade more slowly. Land-based targeting exercises can also happen over longer periods of time and are usually in restricted areas, so a rapid degradation of the target (i.e. as is the case in the open ocean) is not as important. 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 2-120 days, depending primarily on weather conditions.

[0031] 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 70cm and 200cm (e.g. between about 80cm and 120cm) and a maximum width of between about 70cm and 200cm (e.g. between about 80cm and 120cm).

[0032] When deployed into water, such a structure would initially float between about 70cm and 200cm above the water, which should be easily seen by the shooters.

[0033] 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 may be 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 exposure to degrading environmental conditions is likely to be significantly less.

[0034] The degradable target of the present invention comprises a structure comprising at least one targetable face. The (or each) targetable face may have any form, provided that it is visually distinguishable from its surrounds once the target is deployed, and is 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.

[0035] The or 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.

[0036] Typically, the or 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).

[0037] 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 define targetable faces so that a targetable face would be presented towards the shooter, regardless of the orientation of the target.

[0038] 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, for example, because the targetable face presented to the shooter will have essentially 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.

[0039] In a specific embodiment, the structure is a triangular pyramid having 4 triangular shaped targetable faces which are each about 80cm high and about 100cm wide at their base. In another specific embodiment, a larger structure is a triangular pyramid having 4 triangular shaped targetable faces which are each about 160cm high and about 200cm wide at their base.

[0040] 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, and may be customisable for any particular application. 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. In some embodiments, targets intended for use on land may, for example, include a silhouette of a solider against a highly contrasting background. In some embodiments, the high visibility markings may include specific areas to be targeted, with a proportion of the direct hits being measurable (e.g. by counting the number of holes in the respective areas of the targetable face after the exercise has been completed). [0041] 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.

[0042] 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/moisture 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, eventually resulting in a substantially complete biodegradation of the material.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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/m³, between about 40kg/m³ and about 80 kg/m³, between about 50kg/m³ and about 70 kg/m³ or between about 50kg/m³ and about 60 kg/m³. In some embodiments, the cardboard has a density of about 20kg/m³, 30 kg/m³, 40 kg/m³, 50 kg/m³, 60 kg/m³, 70 kg/m³, 80 kg/m³, 90 kg/m³ or 100 kg/m³.

[0047] 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 may comprise 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 also 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.

[0048] Other components which may be used with the targets of the present invention include Cyalume illumination, which is the current practice for night time activities, and infrared paper/materials for guidance systems to detect.

[0049] 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 substantially planar sheet of the material (e.g. as a "flat pack"). 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 between about 0.7-2.0m wide x 0.7-2.0m long x about 0.02-0. lm high (for example, between about 0.7- 1.2m or 0.75-0.95m (e.g. 0.9m) wide x 0.7-1.2m or 0.8-1.0m (e.g. 1.0m) long x about 0.05-0.1m (e.g. about 0.1m) high) and weighs less than about 5 kilograms (e.g. a weight of approximately 1.5 kilograms). A number of such "flat-packed" pre-assembled targets may be stacked together and, whilst flat packed, can fit on existing transport crates. The "flat-packed" form of larger versions of the structure may, in some applications, need to be folded in half in order for it to have an easily manageable size. An early step during assembly of such versions would be to unfold the flat-packed structure.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Typically, the pre-assembled form of the material (e.g. the substantially planar sheet of the material) comprises one or more tabs adapted to be received within complimentary one or more recesses, which enables the assembled structure to be held 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.).

[0052] Ideally, the structure is assemblable immediately before deployment. For example, when required for use, a flat packed target may be removed from a 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] As noted above, the present invention also provides a method of deploying a degradable target. The method comprises forming the target by assembling a structure comprising at least one targetable face from a material that is degradable once the target is deployed; and deploying the target. In some embodiments, the target is the degradable target of the present invention (optionally including any of the additional components and features described above). In some embodiments, the structure is assembled as described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0055] 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 (not shown). 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.

[0056] A flat-packed small target (i.e. as seen in Figure 2) measures approximately 0.96m x 1.0m, is about 10mm thick and weighs about 1.4 kg. Whilst flat packed, the targets 10 can fit on existing transport crates, with about 6 targets being contained in a pack. A flat-packed large target may, by way of comparison, measure approximately 1.72m x 1.0m, be about 30mm thick and weigh about 5kg. Only 2 of such targets would typically be contained per pack.

[0057] 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 and land-based environments. 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, so that it can then be deployed for use. This process takes no more than 20 seconds, with the structure of the target being held together using the inbuilt cardboard locking lugs (described below). Whether it is deployed from the side of a ship, small vessel or hovering helicopter, its triangular pyramidal shape ensures the target 10 will always right itself and float correctly.

[0058] 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 18 A, 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.

[0059] 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 14D, 14E, 14F and 14G to fold and causes fold lines 14A, 14B and 14C 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.

[0060] 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 20A 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 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 18 A. The head portion 24 of lug 16B can then be deformed (by folding) such that it can be slid through slot 18 A, 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.

[0061] Once deployed the target 10 floats approximately 0.8m above sea level (by way of comparison, the large target referred to above would float approximately 1.6m above sea level). This combined with the target's 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 illumination would be required. [0062] 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.

[0063] The targets 10 can also be used for land based applications. On land the targets breakdown over a period of approximately 2-120 days, depending on weather conditions.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Specific advantages of degradable targets in accordance with embodiments of the present invention 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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

CLAIMS:

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

a structure comprising at least one targetable face;

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/m³ and about 100 kg/m³.

9. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the at least one targetable face 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 the structure comprises a plurality of targetable faces.

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

12. The degradable target of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of targetable faces has a square or triangle shape.

13. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the target is buoyant when

initially deployed in water.

14. The degradable target of claim 13, wherein the buoyancy of the target decreases once the target is deployed.

15. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the at least one targetable face comprises high visibility markings.

16. The degradable target of claim 15, wherein the high visibility markings are provided by a water soluble ink.

17. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the at least one targetable face comprises reflective material.

18. The degradable target of claim 17, wherein the reflective material is degradable once the target is deployed.

19. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the structure is assemblable from a substantially planar sheet of the material.

20. The degradable target of claim 19, wherein the substantially planar sheet of the material comprises folds that define edges of the targetable faces.

21. The degradable target of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the substantially planar sheet of the material comprises one or more tabs adapted to be received within complimentary one or more recesses, to thereby hold the structure together.

22. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the structure is assemblable immediately before deployment.

23. The degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the structure is adapted to be attached to another structure, to thereby form a larger degradable target.

24. The degradable target of claim 23, wherein the larger degradable target has a shape of a tank or boat.

25. A method of deploying a degradable target, the method comprising: forming the target, comprising assembling a structure comprising at least one targetable face from a material that is degradable once the target is deployed; and

deploying the target.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the target is the degradable target of any one of claims 1 to 24.