Abstract: A process for producing electrically conductive surfaces on infrared emitting military targets, wherein the electrically conductive surfaces, when electrified, heat up and produce an infrared image on the face of the target, where the process accommodates imperfections inherent in the structural components of the target, said target being substantially constructed of relatively inexpensive coarse materials, such as strand board; wherein the process consists of building up pattern designs of multiple thin layers of an arc-sprayed zinc having an unusually high resistivity, until the pattern designs attain a resistance and wattage that will have a uniform desired surface temperature throughout the pattern design, said design producing a realistic signature infrared image.

Abstract: A thermal target which produces and emits an infrared image that simulates heat emitting equipment or personnel, wherein said image is formed by an electric current passing through a heatable resistive coating integral with the target, wherein said thermal target is comprised of a structural sheet, that is weather resistant and flame resistant, which is covered with an insulative coating onto which is applied an electrically resistive coating, which when heated creates an infrared image, where said resistive coating is in electrical contact with a conductive coating which distributes current over the target and is in electrical contact with a power supply.