TARGET LOGBOOKS

Logbooks are maintained for each target, and are the administrative means of providing managers with target age, status, operational history, modification, configuration, and transfer and receiving data. This information is maintained throughout the target's life cycle. Refer to Volume II of OPNAVINST 8600.2B for a list of all applicable publications for target systems.

TARGET DISCREPANCY BOOK

The Target Discrepancy Book, maintained by maintenance control, for each target assigned is setup by target serial number, which must accurately reflect the status of all pending maintenance requirements as shown on the maintenance control and work center VIDS board. Discrepancy books are not maintained on tow banners and tow lines. Flight records on target drones are separated by the Aircraft Inspection and Acceptance Record, OPNAV 4790/141 (fig. 8-13).

Figure 8-13.-Aircraft Inspection and Acceptance Record. 8-11

TARGET PERFORMANCE REPORTS

The information contained on a Target Performance Report targets performance, and is consolidated into an automated data base for Navywide use. Target performance data is submitted on OPNAV 8600/15 (fig. 8-14).

TARGET EXPENDITURE REPORTING

Target operating activities are required to transmit a message report (fig. 8-15) within 24 hours of target loss listing target, serial number, calendar date, activity charged, weapons system used. All aerial towed targets (TDU-32, TDU-34, etc.) maybe transmitted weelky. Reports must be timely and accurate because they are used to determine allocations for the current fiscal year and out years.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify safety precautions to follow when working with aerial targets and associated equipment.

There are many safety precautions associated with the target towing service. Some of these safety precautions are discussed as follows:

Preservatives and lubricants may NOT be used on tow cables. Friction caused by high-speed reeling-out generates heat. This heat can generate explosive vapors from the lubricants in the tow compartment.

A cable should be uncoiled by standing the coil on its edge, holding the end, and unrolling the coil. Do NOT attempt to take cable from either a coil or roll by pulling the cable when the coil or roll is lying flat. The cable will snarl and kink,

When you cut nylon towline, the ends have to be bound. Otherwise, apply enough heat to the cut ends to melt the nylon. This prevents raveling.

Safety tow webbing must be used between the target and the end of the towline. When the pilot shoots off the towline, this webbing can prevent it from becoming tangled in the target. Multistrand safety webbings (100 feet long) are used with banner targets.

The snarl catcher must NOT be used during air-to-air gunnery exercises. It may clamp on the towline before it reaches the end of the cable. This means there will be a long, free section of the cable whipping about behind the target.

All personnel involved in target towing operations must know the standard hand signals for controlling aircraft on the ground.

Perform a preflight inspection of all tow equipment.

Figure 8-14.-Target Performance Report.

Figure 8-15.-Aerial Target Expenditure Report.

Make sure you are clear of the cable when launching a target. Do NOT wear loose clothing when operating rewind equipment. Keep your hands clear of moving parts when the equipment is in operation.

Observe RADHAZ precautions when working with cable-cutting cartridges and tracking flares. Exercise caution when it is necessary to work in close proximity of pneumatic, hydraulic, spring, or cartridge-operated components.