Abstract: Disclosed is a target apparatus for realistically simulating battlefield conditions comprising an inflatable target capable of receiving repeated fire without deflating. The target is mounted on a trolley and moves along a predetermined path and can be rapidly inflated by a source of pressurized air and maintained in an inflated condition. At least one transducer is positioned within the target to detect the passage of a projectile through the target and to differentiate between different caliber projectiles based on their different pressure wave energy levels. An externally positioned projectile position detection apparatus may also be provided.

Abstract: Training apparatus for sporting equipment such as rifles in which at least one transducer which is pressure or weight sensitive is attached to the equipment at a position or positions where the pressure of body weight or contact is critical. The apparatus includes a display having an indicator or indicators connected to the transducer so as to give an indication of the body pressure or weight at the transducer. In one form of the invention, the indicators comprise a series of colored lights associated with each transducer so as to visually indicate insufficient, correct or excessive pressure or weight at the transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a firing range, in which transducers located adjacent the target area detect the airborne shock wave from supersonic projectiles. The position at which each projectile passes through the target plane is determined from the relative time of arrival of the associated shock wave at the transducers. A visual display of the target and the projectile position is provided for the use of range personnel.

Abstract: A trolley for moving along a mono-rail track comprising two superimposed tubes, the trolley being provided with means for carrying a target, and being further provided with pairs of drive wheels which are inwardly inclined to rest on upper parts of the lower tube forming the track, the pairs of drive wheels having a "V" configuration. Additional pairs of substantially horizontal wheels engage opposite sides of the lower tube below the drive wheels. The drive wheels are driven by individual hydraulic motors, connected in series, and the hydraulic circuit for controlling the motors can be operated to achieve a braking effect on the wheels. Jockey wheels engage the top tube of the track. An additional spring pressure applied, hydraulic pressure released brake acts on the upper tube.

Abstract: A target material comprises a rubber sheet coated with a thermoluminescent material. When a bullet penetrates the target, as a result of the temperature rise the thermoluminescent material thermoluminesces indicating where the bullet went. A range is disclosed in which images of targets are projected onto the target material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for training in marksmanship. The apparatus uses a computer to determine the position of strike of a projectile on a target and further detects a hit on the target, especially in the region of the edge of the target where the projectile position determination computer may produce some errors. The physical hit detection system of the present invention will "override" the computer in those instances where the projectile barely touches the edge of the target and the computer "sees" the projectile as having missed the target or vice versa.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating the location in a measurement plane through which a projectile passes. The apparatus includes an array of at least three transducers responsive to the airborne pressure wave produced by the projectile and positioned at predetermined locations along a line parallel to the movement plane. The apparatus further includes a device for measuring the velocity of the projectile and another for measuring the velocity of sound in air in the vicinity of the transducers. A computing means, responsive to the array of transducers, the velocity measuring means and the propagation of sound determination is provided which determines the location in the measurement plane through which the projectile passed and provides an output indicating that location. Also disclosed is a means, in combination with the position detecting means, for detecting and providing a positive indication of a projectile hit on a target member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for use in marksmanship training. The apparatus includes means for detecting and indicating a position in a measurement plane in the vicinity of a target through which a projectile passes. In addition, the apparatus includes means for measuring the velocity of the projectile in the vicinity of the target. The measured velocity is compared with a predetermined expected velocity to determine if the projectile passed through the measurement plane in free flight or if it had ricocheted prior to passing through the measurement plane. The apparatus will then afford the marksman both an indication of where the projectile passed relative to the target and an indication of whether the projectile has struck the target on a ricochet.

Abstract: A target apparatus, having a framework covered by sheets of material to form a chamber the sheets of material being penetrable by a projectile, such as a bullet, fired at the target. A plurality of transducers are positioned at respective spaced-apart locations within the chamber and lying on an arc of a circle, for detecting shock or pressure waves in the chamber caused upon penetration of the sheets of material by the projectile. Time differences between instants of detection of a shock or pressure wave by the transducers are measured, the location at which the projectile penetrated the sheet of material being determined from the time differences. Preferably, a bull's-eye or aiming mark is provided on the target, the center of which is aligned with the center of the circle on which the transducers lie. Apparatus is also disclosed for determining the speed of sound in air within the chamber, enabling the projectile penetration point to be determined with particular accuracy.

Abstract: A hit detection device for use in a marksmanship evaluation device for providing positive and negative reinforcement of shooting techniques immediately after each shot is fired. The hit detection device comprises a transducer spaced apart from a target member and detects and provides a hit indication output when the target is hit. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer in combination with electronic circuitry provide discrimination such that a hit indication output is only provided when the target member is actually hit by a projectile directly and no output is provided if the target is hit by a ricochet or is disturbed by any other external source such as the wind, sonic booms, etc. In a further preferred embodiment, the target member is three-dimensional and at least partially surrounds the transducer to shield the same from air pressure disturbances caused by projectiles passing by but not actually hitting the target member.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable apparatus which is foldable for storage and stackable when folded, and deployable to provide stable support for a planar target member for target shooting purposes. The apparatus has a generally box-like main frame of tubular members, including skid rails extending longitudinally of the main frame, upper longitudinal rails generally parallel to the main frame skid rails, upright members connecting the main frame skid rails and the upper longitudinal rails at least at the forward and rear ends of the main frame, and lower cross-bars extending transversely to and interconnecting the main frame skid rails.

Abstract: In a target equipment in which transducers are provided to detect the pressure wave generated by a projectile the transducers being connected to a timing and calculating device adapted to calculate from the time delays between the instants of reception of the pressure wave the trajectory of the projectile, a signal transmitter, comprising a spark generator, is used to transmit sonic signals which are detected by the transducers. The signal transmitter can be used to indicate the precise location or shape of the target and this information is stored in the computer memory.

Abstract: In a target equipment in which transducers are provided to detect the pressure wave generated by a projectile the transducers being connectead to a timing and calculating device adapted to calculate from the time delays between the instants of reception of the pressure wave the trajectory of the projectile, a signal transmitter, comprising a spark generator, is used to tansmit sonic signals which are detected by the transducers. The signal transmitter can be usd to indicate the precise location or shape of the target and this information is stored in the computer memory.

Abstract: Apparatus for training in marksmanship which provides positive and negative reinforcement of shooting techniques immediately after each shot is fired. The reinforcement may take a number of forms, preferably comprising a plurality of indications concerning each shot fired. The indications may comprise at least an approximate indication of where a projectile fired at a target has passed relative to the target and/or a positive indication of whether the projectile has actually hit the target and/or whether the projectile has ricocheted prior to reaching the zone of the target. Specific apparatus for performing each of these functions is disclosed. Indication may also be given concerning whether the trainee marksman is correctly gripping the weapon being fired.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a firing range, in which transducers located adjacent the target area detect the airborne shock wave from supersonic projectiles. The position at which each projectile passes through the target plane is determined from the relative time of arrival of the associated shock wave at the transducers. A visual display of the target and the projectile position is provided for the use of range personnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a firing range, in which transducers located adjacent the target area detect the airborne shock wave from supersonic projectiles. The position at which each projectile passes through the target plane is determined from the relative time of arrival of the associated shock wave at the transducers. A visual display of the target and the projectile position is provided for the use of range personnel.

Abstract: To determine the position of a bullet relative to a target an array of at least six transducers is provided, the transducers being in two parallel rows of three in a common plane. The instants of detection of the shock wave generated by the bullet are measured and the position of the bullet is calculated from the measured values.

Abstract: A night effects simulator to permit night firing under simulated battlefield conditions. A group of targets are first at least momentarily illuminated for observance by the trainees. A second illuminating means is provided for illuminating said target responsive to said target hit, with the second illuminating means displaying on said target a light visually distinguishable from the light provided by said first illuminating means. A third illuminating means simulates return fire from the target, and displays on the target a light visually distinguishable from the light provided by the first and second illuminating means. The light for first illuminating the target may be blue and may be such as to silhouette the target to simulate moonlight conditions. The light for displaying a target hit may be white, and the light for simulating return fire may be red. Control means may be provided for sequencing the lights as desired.

Abstract: There is disclosed a target range and mechanisms for use on those target ranges.The mechanisms comprise a trolley for use in shooting ranges wherein the trolley is constructed and arranged to be movable backwards and forwards along a track and including a target moving mechanism adapted, in use, to carry a target and to move the target from an operative shooting position to an inoperative shooting position and wherein the target moving mechanism is adapted to move the target such that in use, the width of the trolley and target across the direction of intended movement of the trolley when the target is in the inoperative shooting position is not substantially greater than the width of the trolley and target across the direction of intended movement of the trolley when the target is in the operative shooting position.