Abstract: Non-lethal ammunition for a riot gun assembles a bi-chambered projectile body and an impact nose, the assembly being spin-stabilized and nose-heavy such that the nose will impact first at the target. The rearward end of the assembly is mounted into the forward end of a shell casing having a high-energy gas expansion chamber, the mounting forming a low-pressure chamber at the rearward end of the projectile. A cup-shaped multi-port gas diffuser plug, spaced from the projectile body, directs burnt propellant gases from the expansion chamber into the low-pressure chamber to expel the projectile at a relatively low velocity. A sleeve interiorly of the gas diffuser plug closes the ports and is degraded by the burnt gases to provide a complete burning of the propellant.

Abstract: A training cartridge projectile for use in either a plastic cartridge case or a conventional metal cartridge case is disclosed that contains no explosive material. The projectile has an insert having a body portion and a front end, a container overmolded onto the body portion of the insert, a frangible ogive fastened to the front end of the tubular insert; and a payload module within the ogive in front of the container carrying a non-explosive signature material for providing a visual indication of projectile impact to an observer upon projectile impact with an object. The module includes a hollow frangible ampoule containing the signature material, and a generally disc shaped base member engaging the insert and closing the ampoule. The base member preferably has a set of axially extending vanes engaging the signature material during spin-up as the projectile is accelerated through the bore of the weapon firing the projectile.

Abstract: A reloadable munition having a reusable shell base having a hollow cavity on a bottom face to accept a propulsion system reload and a reusable projectile inserted into a top portion of the shell base, and a mechanical retainer for the propulsion system reload in the shell base to provide reloading and reusing of the munition by hand.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cartridge comprising providing a cartridge body with forward and rearward cavities interconnected by an aperture, providing a piston with a primer retaining cavity, inserting primer into the primer retaining cavity, securing the primer, placing a seal member around the piston, inserting the piston and seal member combination into the rearward cavity of the cartridge body, and crimping at least a portion of the cartridge body to the piston.

Abstract: The cartridge-type training round consists of a projectile and a cartridge shell into which the projectile is inserted. The projectile includes a one-piece cylindrical central body (2) and a one-piece basin-shaped projectile tip (5) that is pressed onto the central body and engages a circumferential engagement bead (7) with a circumferential engagement slot (8) located in the central body (2). The cartridge shell (20) is a one-piece basin-shaped part; it is also pressed onto the central body (2) and engages a circumferential engagement bead (22) with a circumferential engagement slot (23) of the central body (2). A receiver recess (25) is provided in an approximately cylindrical projection (24) that is inserted centered from the base to receive the propulsive charge (28) and its igniter (29). The round is of simple design, and may be manufactured inexpensively owing to its simple parts that may be largely of plastic without loss of function.

Abstract: A blank cartridge (1) comprises a cartridge casing (2) with a first primer (18); a piston (9) with a head (10) and an arm (11); and an expansion chamber located between said primer (18) and the head of the piston (10), wherein, following detonation of the primer, the piston slidably displaces substantially within the casing (2) of said cartridge (1).

Abstract: A modified cartridge assembly including a projectile having a gas generator proximate its aft end. The projectile includes an aft closure having a cavity filled with gas generating material. The gas generating material is ignited around the time the projectile exits the weapon's muzzle. The gas generating material then burns while the projectile is in flight, spewing pressurized gas into the wake region immediately behind the projectile. The pressurized gas reduces the projectile's base drag.

Abstract: A two piece, two-stage, rechargeable, reusable, reduced-energy mechanically operating cartridge is provided for launching a bullet of various compositions from a dedicated or modified firearm. The cartridge unit is comprised of a primary case, a piston sleeve, a propellant unit, and a bullet choice of a solid light weight material for inanimate-target applications or a “marking” version for non-lethal live-target training applications. Cartridge includes a piston sleeve and a primary case coupled together via a channel and cog locking/traveling/unlocking system. The primary case includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive a propellant unit or propellant connection and provides the channels to receive piston sleeves cogs for a locking/traveling/unlocking feature. The piston sleeve includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive configured bullet.

Abstract: A two piece, two-stage, rechargeable, reusable, reduced-energy mechanically operating cartridge is provided for launching a bullet of various compositions from a dedicated or modified firearm. The cartridge unit is comprised of a primary case, a piston sleeve, a propellant unit, and a bullet choice of a solid light weight material for inanimate-target applications or a “marking” version for non-lethal live-target training applications. Cartridge includes a piston sleeve and a primary case coupled together via a channel and cog locking/traveling/unlocking system. The primary case includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive a propellant unit or propellant connection and provides the channels to receive piston sleeves cogs for a locking/traveling/unlocking feature. The piston sleeve includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive configured bullet.

Abstract: A non-lethal projectile carrier includes a base having a plurality of hinges, each hinge including a tab; and a payload case attached to the base, the payload case comprising a plurality of petaloid members, each petaloid member including an opening in a rear surface for insertion of a corresponding tab; wherein upon exiting a gun tube the petaloid members open and fold toward the base. Each petaloid member includes a lip on one edge and an undercut on another edge so that adjacent petaloid members form lap joints. The hinges are defined by zones of small cross-sectional area in the base.

Abstract: Practice barrels for use with practice cartridges are described herein. An example practice device for use with self-loading grenade launchers includes a practice barrel having a practice cartridge chamber to receive a practice cartridge. A live cartridge does not correspond to the practice cartridge chamber. Additionally, the live cartridge is unable to be properly positioned within the practice barrel to prevent ignition of the live cartridge. Further, the practice cartridge chamber is cushioned to substantially absorb a breech energy to substantially prevent damage to the practice barrel.

Abstract: A propellant charge, a priming cap including the propellant charge and a weapons training system including the priming cap are characterized in that the propellant charge contains a soft friction agent. The propellant charge can contain at least one impact-sensitive explosive substance as a heavy-metal-free priming compound, and the soft friction agent can be marble, calcite, dolomite, soft carbonates and/or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A non-lethal ammunition comprising a projectile having a nose component, a driving band adjacent the nose component, and a base component, wherein a densified material is used to control weight distribution of the projectile to improve flight, stability and delivered impact energy of the projectile and the nose component includes features to maximize impact surface area. The projectile is positioned within a shell having a high pressure and low pressure propulsion system which minimizes velocity variance of the projectile.

Abstract: A training projectile includes at its head a hollow arched cavity or cap that defines a hollow cavity within the head of the training projectile, and that bursts when the projectile strikes a target. Into this cavity are placed a first chemically-inactive marking material and a second chemically-active marking material, whereby both marking materials are released upon bursting of the arched cavity. The first marking material creates, for example, a color effect by means of a colored powder; the second marking material produces a light effect by means of, for example, materials that interact to produce chemo-luminescence.

Abstract: The present gun barrel cleaning device provides a special cartridge with a casing filled with a carbon dioxide charge which forwardly propels a push pin having a sliding seal near the firing pin and a two-pieced break-away seal at the opposite end, which separates to push a cloth rag and metal brush through the bore when the cartridge is loaded into the gun and the gun is fired.

Abstract: An anti-personnel projectile launched from a weapon shell required at impact to have a low lethality consequence, in which the projectile is fitted in the shell in a shape characterized by a blunt end in the direction of flight and maintained in this shape by oppositely directed air resistance and propelling forces to obviate a change of shape during flight that might cause a serious injury.

Abstract: A case is formed of a side wall with a front and rear end. The case has a base. A projectile is formed of a side wall with a front end having a shaped section and a rear end with a base. The projectile is positioned within the case. The rear end of the projectile is spaced from the rear end of the case to form a rearward chamber. A firing assembly includes a charge within the rearward chamber and a firing means. An illumination assembly includes a source of illumination. An electrical assembly includes a timer and a switch. In this manner the source of illumination may be illuminated following igniting the charge and passage of time as determined by the timer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inert ballistic element and to a method for manufacturing it. Said method comprises the steps of: preparing a cylindrical tube, the ratio between the thickness and the outside diameter of said tube being equal or greater than 0.07; heating one end of the tube for a certain length until it is red hot; forging the end on a forging machine to form the tail and a part of the body of the ballistic element; heating the opposite end of the tube; and performing a second forging operation of the opposite part using a forging mould to form the nose of the ballistic element and to give the ballistic element its final shape. The forging operations are carried out with a forging machine equipped with a chuck that grips the tube by the non-heated end and pushes the tube into each nose or tail mould, which is divided into at least two shells that are moved by an opposite reciprocating motion.

Abstract: A training cartridge (5) and gun barrel insert (1) assembly, wherein: a) the training cartridge (5) comprises a sleeve (17) shaped and configured to fit the breech of a gun and which holds a primer (21) and bullet (20) assembly; the assembly being located at the rear portion of the cartridge (5); a channel (22) extending forward from the bullet (20) and a recessed front channel portion (4) for receiving the sub-calibre barrel portion (3) of a corresponding gun barrel insert (1); and b) the corresponding gun barrel insert (1) comprises a sleeve (2) shaped and configured to fit at least in part into the barrel (10) of a gun; the sleeve (2) being located around a sub-calibre barrel (3); wherein the sub-calibre barrel (3) extends rearward beyond the sleeve (2) in order to project into the recessed front channel portion (4) of the corresponding training cartridge (5) .

Abstract: A non-lethal cargo projectile comprises a projectile body; a fuze adapter attached to a front of the projectile body; a fuze attached to the fuze adapter; a boattail attached to a rear of the projectile body; a pressure tube extending from the fuze adapter to the boattail; a decelerator and drogue chute disposed aft of the fuze adapter; a flexible line that connects the pressure tube to the decelerator; a center disc disposed aft of the decelerator and drogue chute; a rear disc disposed aft of the center disc, the center disc and the rear disc defining a payload volume therebetween; a second flexible line that connects the rear disc to the boattail; at least one shearable fastener that fastens the projectile body to the fuze adapter; and at least one vent extending from the boattail to the fuze adapter.

Abstract: A reloadable non-lethal training cartridge is provided comprising a cartridge case, a rear high pressure chamber removably disposed within the base thereof, and a non-lethal payload portion removably disposed adjacent the forward end of the cartridge case. The rear high pressure chamber is provided with a base capable of interacting with a removal tool, such as a hexagonal shaped base capable of interacting with a standard socket. Further, the non-lethal payload portion is comprised of a base and a non-lethal payload, the non-lethal payload and base being removably attached such that one or both of said components may be reused. In addition, the non-lethal payload may be weighted, so as to increase the accuracy thereof.

Abstract: A less lethal projectile comprising a hollow body filled with a high density filler, a closure to seal the filler in the body and a bore-rider stabilizer attached to the rear of the closure. The bore rider stabilizer comprises a material having a low coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A projectile of non-lethal composition includes an outer casing that is substantially sealed prior to impact with a target both when the projectile is in a static condition and when the projectile is in a dynamic condition. A marking material is encapsulated within the outer casing prior to impact. The outer casing is configured to deform and unseal upon impact such that the marking material disperses forward via hydraulic action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expelling a projection from an air gun by striking a primer cap filled with a shock-sensitive explosive compound, causing the cap to explode, which in turn rapidly compresses a volume of air located between the projectile and the cap, causing the projectile to exit from the barrel of the air gun at a high rate of speed.

Abstract: A projectile head is provided for a training cartridge having a propulsion unit, with an integrated projectile tail section, which can be used equally for training cartridges as well as combat cartridges of the same caliber size, wherein the projectile tail section is connectable to the projectile head with the aid of an extension on the projectile tail section, the extension is insertable into a receptacle in the projectile head, and the extension contains a recessed area, open on the front, for receiving a warhead detonator. The projectile head has a receptacle in the projectile head for receiving the extension of the projectile tail section, and an end stop which extends into the receptacle. The end stop is for contacting a warhead detonator present on the projectile tail section during assembly of the propulsion unit and the projectile head to prevent the extension from reaching a fully assembled position in the receptacle.

Abstract: Firearms are used for self defense and sport. Self defense requires immediate access to a loaded firearm. A safety cartridge is designed to prevent an unauthorized person from firing a loaded pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun. The safety cartridge is placed in the firing chamber of a loaded firearm containing live ammunition. The firearm owner may quickly use his weapon for self defense or in a police action by ejecting the safety cartridge or by rotating the cylinder. An attempt to fire the loaded firearm by an unauthorized person initiates the safety cartridge causing the resulting primer gases to propel the slug down the gun barrel until it is stopped by action of the spring which is attached to both the cartridge case and the slug causing it to jam preventing injury to the firearm owner or children. Removing the fired safety cartridge requires skill.

Abstract: A two piece, two-stage, rechargeable, reusable, reduced-energy mechanically operating cartridge is provided for launching a bullet of various compositions from a dedicated or modified firearm. The cartridge unit is comprised of a primary case, a piston sleeve, a propellant unit, and a bullet choice of a solid light weight material for inanimate-target applications or a “marking” version for non-lethal live-target training applications. Cartridge includes a piston sleeve and a primary case coupled together via a channel and cog locking/traveling/unlocking system. The primary case includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive a propellant unit or propellant connection and provides the channels to receive piston sleeves cogs for a locking/traveling/unlocking feature. The piston sleeve includes a substantially non-deformable jacket defining a cavity to receive configured bullet.

Abstract: A non-lethal ammunition utilizes dense powder ballast and a two-stage firing sequence for launching non-lethal projectiles of a caliber range from approximately 5.56 mm through approximately 40 mm. The non-lethal ammunition comprises a non-lethal cartridge. The non-lethal cartridge comprises a dense powder ballast and one or more non-lethal projectiles. The dense powder ballast is more massive than the non-lethal projectile providing sufficient payload mass to operate the weapon mechanism while launching the non-lethal projectile at velocities compatible with non-lethal applications. A two-stage ignition system fires the non-lethal ammunition and subsequently fires the more massive dense powder ballast. The firing events are separated by a time delay of less than a second. The non-lethal ammunition provides non-lethal projectile capability for semi-automatic and automatic weapons.

Abstract: Projectile systems are provided herein employing an inhibiting and/or marking substance for impairing/marking a living target, such as a human or animal target. In preferred embodiments, the projectile system includes a generally frangible projectile that is optimally filled to at least about 50%, with the substance to be delivered to the target, such that the substance is radially dispersed into a cloud upon impact. In one implementation, the substance delivered comprises a powdered inhibiting substance, such as a powdered pepper. In one implementation, the powdered inhibiting substance comprises a substance having one or more capsaicinoids.

Abstract: A Shotgun Cleaning Shell for cleaning the bore of a shotgun, wherein the shell comprises: a cylindrical shell case, a head connected to an end of the case, a seal connected to the other end of the case, a bead contained within the case, a cord wherein an end of the cord is connected to the bead, at least one cleaning member connected to the cord, a squeegee connected to the other end of the cord, a tubular member connected to the squeegee and wherein the bead is contiguous the other end of the tubular member, a propellant device attached to the head and within the tubular member, wherein, the propellant device propels the bead through a bore of a shotgun, the bead exiting the bore, and wherein a user can propel the at least one cleaning member and the squeegee along the bore of the shotgun.

Abstract: An anti-personnel projectile launched from a weapon shell required at impact to have a low lethality consequence, in which the projectile is fitted in the shell in a shape characterized by a blunt end in the direction of flight and maintained in this shape by oppositely directed air resistance and propelling forces to obviate a change of shape during flight that might cause a serious injury.

Abstract: A non-lethal cartridge having sufficient discharge energy for use, without modification, in conventional firearms. When used with a firearm with a rifled barrel, the cartridge comprises a non-lethal projectile having a grooved outer surface and a dense powder ballast. Upon discharge, the dense powder ballast is dispersed. When used with a smooth bore firearm, the cartridge also comprises a cylindrical casing having rifling grooves on the inner surface thereof. These grooves will impose a spin on a projectile fired from the cartridge casing. The dense powder ballast will provide sufficient initial inertial mass to permit proper functioning of the firearm, but disperses and dissipates a portion of the discharge energy, simulating the recoil impulse and permitting the non-lethal projectile to simulate the trajectory of standard ammunition.

Abstract: A safety system for preventing a handheld firearm from discharging an inadvertently loaded live ammunition projectile or bullet during a training exercise or the like by safely venting through a series of substantially perpendicular vent holes in the barrel, the pressure needed to propel the bullet down and through the barrel towards the target—so as to retain the bullet in the bore and cause the firearm to shut down.

Abstract: A “crash-bang” shotgun cartridge assembly has a projectile consisting of a weighty and frangible ballast on its leading edge, a flash-bang charge, and, in the rear, a delay fuse which is lit by the detonation of the propellant charge in the cartridge. The weight of the ballast insures greater stability in flight, and accuracy in targeting, thus extending the range of the crash-bang cartridge. In addition, the weighty and frangible ballast disintegrates into low mass, low energy (and therefore less-lethal) fragments when the flash charge detonates.

Abstract: A practice projectile allows for the release of flame or smoke and bang upon impact to simulate a successful deployment of the tactical cartridge. The practice projectile includes three main components: a center vent tube, a plurality of vent holes, and a plurality of vent plugs. The center vent tube compensates for the physical properties of the tactical mortar cartridge and provides a passage for an efficient release of smoke upon a fuze function. The vent holes are positioned at the rear end of the projectile body to sufficiently release pressure, flame and smoke upon a fuze function. The vent plugs seal the vent holes to protect the interior of the projectile during storage, handling, and launching.

Abstract: The invention relates to a training cartridge for an automatic rapid-fire weapon. Said training cartridge (1) has a central channel (4) running therethrough which accommodates a propellant charge (6) in the rear area of the cartridge (1) and is closed at the rear by a detonator charge (7) for the propellant charge (6). The training cartridge and weapon barrel are configured in such a way that no live ammunition can be fired from said weapon barrel. The channel which is open at the cartridge tip is preferably used during the firing of the training cartridge to receive a mandrel (28) of a gas choke (22) which is mounted in the weapon barrel (21). The propulsion gases which escape through the opening (8) at the cartridge tip propel the training cartridge backwards towards the weapon bolt and expel said cartridge from said bolt of the rapid-fire weapon. The bolt is simultaneously primed for the next shot.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device which is inert and “thermally-equivalent” to actual ordnance. The device can travel with live ordnance and track the propellant temperatures in order to get a more precise propellant temperature for the ordnance. The device comprises a thermally equivalent inert grain instrumented with thermocouples, connected to a data recorder, and packaged in scaled-down ordnance hardware. The hardware is scaled down to enable the device to more easily travel with live munitions.

Abstract: A shot shell such as would be utilized in a shotgun or the like, wherein the cartridge forming the shell has a collapsible extension removably or permanently engaging the shot end of the cartridge, with the cartridge configured to provide a un-compressed length of, for example, 2.50 inches (the minimum length of shell for conventional automatic or semi-automatic, magazine fed shotguns. The collapsible extension is configured to be compressed when placed in a spring-fed magazine, so as to provide increased magazine capacity when compared to standard length shells, while expanding when removed by from the magazine during a loading cycle, so as to facilitate reliable placement of the shell into the breach from the magazine. The collapsible extension in the loaded cartridge of the present invention is configured to be ejected from the barrel upon firing of the cartridge. The present system thereby provides a means to increase the capacity of conventional automatic or semi-automatic (i.e.

Abstract: An improved method of propelling a paintball, which is housed in a cartridge using an explosive force to propel the paintball forward, exiting the bore of the training firearm. The only thing to exit the bore of the training device will be the paintball. This new method of propelling a paintball will enable more realistic training firearms to be developed in order to provide Military and Law Enforcement agencies with the most realistic training possible. The present invention will consist of propelling non-lethal ammunition through a retrofitted firearm, or a specially manufactured firearm, which will only fire the present invention.

Abstract: Non-killing cartridge manufactured of cloth and metal shots to be used as forcible measures and fired with a firearm. The metal shots are arranged into shot bags, and the cartridge may be packed into a shell of a conventional firearm. When firing with a firearm, the cartridge first flies one meter in the packed form, whereafter it opens. Upon hitting, its area is sufficiently big so that no penetration occurs.

Abstract: A highly pliant projectile intended to be deployed from a firearm is adapted to be elongated during transit through the firearm. The propellant gases act upon a piston element which is coupled to a force transfer member that is positioned in a cavity within the projectile body so that propulsion forces are applied to the forwardmost part of the projectile, causing it to elongate, thereby reducing its diameter so as not to interfere with the walls of the firearm.

Abstract: An anti-personnel projectile launched from a weapon shell required at impact to have a low lethality consequence, in which the projectile is fitted in the shell in a shape characterized by a blunt end in the direction of flight and maintained in this shape by oppositely directed air resistance and propelling forces to obviate a change of shape during flight that might cause a serious injury.

Abstract: An ammunition article includes a molded plastic cartridge casing body having a first end and a second end, and a projectile attached to the first end of the cartridge casing body. The cartridge casing body is molded around at least a portion of the projectile. A molded plastic base for an ammunition article, a molded plastic blank cartridge, and a molded plastic cartridge casing body having a pronged web are also disclosed.

Abstract: An anti-personnel projectile launched from a weapon shell required at impact to have a low lethality consequence, in which the projectile is fitted in the shell in a shape characterized by a blunt end in the direction of flight and maintained in this shape by oppositely directed air resistance and propelling forces to obviate a change of shape during flight that might cause a serious injury.

Abstract: A specialty bullet is disclosed that is adapted to transmit a tranquilizing fluid upon impact with a target for purposes of immobilizing the intended target without causing great harm to the target or the surrounding area. The specialty bullet is sized and shaped like that of a conventional bullet so that it can be fired from a conventional firearm; however, the concept could work with innumerable types of ammunition. The disclosed invention includes a so-called “Collapsule” bullet, which is a molded, hollow cavity fabricated of a high-strength malleable plastic polymer that is filled with a tranquilizing fluid. The bullet is fitted with a so-called “Injectile,” which is a hypodermic injection spike (to transmit the tranquilizing fluid) that is backed and driven by an inertia base mass (i.e., lead core or other suitable) located at the base of the bullet.

Abstract: A training kit is designed for use with a firearm normally having a standard bolt that is provided at the forward end with a bolt recess for receiving and embracing the head end of a standard cartridge. The training kit is provided with a training bolt having a circular recess of a diameter that will not receive and embrace the head end of the standard cartridge thereby limiting placement of a standard cartridge beyond the reach of the firing pin. Rounds of reduced-energy training ammunition are provided with a head end of complementary dimensions that permits the head end to be seated within the recess of a conversion bolt, and therefore fired.

Abstract: A long-range training cartridge meets current US Army requirements. The long-range cartridge design enables its sub-projectile to be range limited to less than 8000 meters when fired at a 10-degree gun elevation. The long-range training projectile includes a three-piece aluminum or steel sabot with a similar exterior profile to the kinetic energy tactical sabot. The sabot encapsulates a light-weight sub-projectile comprised of a steel rod and an aluminum fin or cone. Since the sub-projectile is encapsulated in the sabot, it will not be subjected to differential pressures associated with interior ballistic gun gasses. As a result the sub-projectile will therefore have less bending and better flight characteristics. The sub-projectile meets the guidelines for target accuracy and precision at ranges beyond 3000 meters.

Abstract: A practice ammunition projectile comprises a head which bursts when the projectile strikes a target and contains a marking agent which optically indicates the point of impact after the head has burst. The marking agent consists of several chemical components (7, 8) which are each contained in separately breakable compartments (4, 5) within a burstable hood at the head of the projectile. When the compartments (4, 5) break open the components combine and undergo a chemical reaction which creates an optical mark. The hood is formed of an optically transparent material to enable the trajectory of the projectile to be tracked.

Abstract: The invention provides aerodynamic projectiles that include a projectile shell having an aerodynamic structure and a controlled center of gravity, which exhibit improved aerodynamics and resulting accuracy, and which are suitable for non-lethal uses. Methods of making such aerodynamic projectiles also are provided.

Abstract: A practice ammunition projectile comprises a head which bursts when the projectile strikes a target and contains a marking agent which optically indicates the point of impact after the head has burst. The marking agent consists of several chemical components (7, 8) which are each contained in separately breakable compartments (4, 5) within a burstable hood at the head of the projectile. When the compartments (4, 5) break open the compartments combine and undergo a chemical reaction which creates an optical mark. The hood is formed of an optically transparent material to enable the trajectory of the projectile to be tracked. An ammunition cartridge comprising a hollow projectile and a cartridge case with a propellant charge, the projectile comprising a projectile head designed to withstand the forces applied when the projectile is fired from a gun and designed to burst when the projectile strikes a target.