AERIAL TARGETS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify aerial targets to include the missile target, target drone, and target system.

The Navy uses three aerial targets-the AQM-37C missile target, BQM-74C/E target drone, and BQM-34A/S and BQM-34E/T target system. A simplified discussion of aerial targets is presented in this section of the TRAMAN.

AQM-37C MISSILE TARGET

The AQM-37C missile target (fig. 8-8) is a realistic simulation of offensive missile and aircraft threats. It is used to conduct weapons systems evaluation, operationally train air-to-air missile crews, and exercise missile weapons systems. The AQM-37C missile target is an expendable, rocket-powered missile target capable of flying at various altitudes and cruise speeds. The target is designed for straight-and-level flight at selectable speeds from Mach 0.7 to Mach 4.0 at cruise altitudes of 1,000 to 100,000 feet, with a maximum range of approximately 155 nautical miles.

The AQM-37C is an air-launched target. It is launched from both carrier- and land-based aircraft. The launcher carries the target as an external store. The target's mission profile is determined by launch altitude, speed, and heading. This profile has controlled rocket engine thrust, cruise altitudes, and flight time parameters preset by ground crew personnel before flight.

The target is equipped with a gyro-referenced autopilot, radar augmentation, infrared augmentation, antennas, and an aerodynamic destruct system for flight _termination. It is powered by the LR-64 liquid propellant rocket engine, which is a self-contained

Figure 8-8.-AQM-37C missile target. 8-7

propulsion system. The maximum weight of the target, including radar augmentation, IR flare, and scorer, is 559 pounds.

Scoring System

The AQM-37C missile target contains the antennas and necessary interconnecting cables for the installation of the AN/DRQ-4 transponder. The primary purpose of the transponder is to receive a frequency-modulated signal from the missile, convert the signal to a new center frequency-modulated signal, and transmit the new signal to the miss-distance measuring system ground station.

The ground station receiver compares the shifted frequency of the target signal with the reference frequency of the strike missile signal. The outputs from the ground station accurately measure the miss distance between the target and the missile. The transponder is installed only in a target that is used for a surface-to-air missile with a telemetering head. The transponder is not used in an air-to-air weapons system. Only one telemetering missile at a time should be shot at a target. After the first missile has destructed, a second shot may be attempted if the target was not destroyed.

Aerodynamic Destruct System

The AQM-37C missile target's aerodynamic destruct system causes the target to enter a spiral dive to

impact. This prevents the target from becoming a hazard to other aircraft or impacting the ground in undesired areas. The destruct system is activated by any one of four conditions:

1. Flight timer setting (ground adjustable at 2-minute intervals after 4 minutes of flight time have elapsed)

2. Off-course flight (more than 10-degree heading deviation) for a period of 30 seconds or longer

3. Loss of electrical power or low-battery voltage

4. 12.5 seconds after jettison from the launching aircraft

For further details concerning the AQM-37C missile target, you should refer to Manual Operational Mission Planning Guide for Navy Model AQM-37C Missile Target, NAVAIR 01-90TBA-1T. Procedures for loading/unloading of the AQM-37C are contained in the appropriate aircraft airborne weapons/stores loading manual.

BQM-74C/E TARGET DRONE

The BQM-74C/E target drone (fig. 8-9) is a high midwing monoplane of conventional design with an inverted-Y empennage. The airframe is a modified monocoque structure made of aluminum alloy and

Figure 8-9.-BQM-74C/E target drone.

reinforced fiber glass construction. There is a vertical rack in the target nose section for mounting equipment. Equipment is mounted on both sides of the rack for convenient equipment removal, installation, and checkout. The target is powered by a YJ400-WR-403 variable speed, turbojet engine, which produces a minimum of 190 pounds (240 pounds of thrust E model) of static thrust at sea level. The 16.2-gallon fuel tank is mounted in the fuselage center section.

The BQM-74C/E target drone is air launched from either the A-6E or TA-4J aircraft. The target can be surface launched from the ground or a ship. The target flight path is remote controlled by radio commands. Target stabilization is maintained by a gravity-erected, two-axis, vertical displacement gyroscope. The target is equipped with a parachute recovery subsystem and an active flotation subsystem. After water entry, these subsystems keep the target afloat for a minimum of

24 hours. The target has retrieval attachments that are compatible with shipboard or helicopter retrieval equipment.

When the basic BQM-74C/E target drone is configured for mobile sea range (MSR) and on-range target (ORT) operations, specific mission-peculiar equipment is added. The mission-peculiar equipment and installation and checkout procedures are listed in Maintenance Manual Instructions, NAVAIR 01-BQM-74C-2-1. For further information concerning the basic BQM-74C/E target drone, you should refer to Maintenance Instructions Target Drone Navy Model BQM-74C/E, NAVAIR 01-BQM-74C-2-2.