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.