Abstract:
Targets, a target range system, and methods for economical operation of a target range. A preferred method includes providing a target range site; providing a target resembling a conventional target in dimension and appearing, yet having a weight that is substantially less than the weight of the conventional target. The target has a plurality of interconnecting plates made of recyclable material and is devoid of hazards comprising munitions, fuels, and radioactive materials. The ingress and egress routes for the target are reduced as compared to routes for conventional targets and enable cost savings. The targets are also readily recycled, enabling additional economic advantage.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a divisional application to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/902,444 filed Jul. 29, 2004 now abandoned, entitled “Target Range Systems.” 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to targets and target ranges. More particularly, this invention relates to methods and apparatus for target ranges which facilitate placement and recovery of targets and reduce costs associated with the operation of target ranges. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Military target ranges typically utilize surplus jeeps, tanks, and other vehicles which have been prepared for use as targets. Such preparation typically includes draining fluids such as gasoline, oils, and coolants, and checking compartments to remove ammunition or other hazards left behind. When hit by artillery or the like, such targets tend to fracture and blow apart, requiring periodic maintenance, as by pushing the remaining parts together using a bulldozer. At the end of the useful life of the targets, a recovery team must travel through or be present directly on the range, gather the pieces for removal, and again travel through or be directly present on the range for removal. As such, the travel path must be inspected for unexploded ordnance and the like to ensure safe ingress and egress. Furthermore, the recovered debris must be inspected for hazards and otherwise processed, and is generally not readily accepted for salvage. 
     The present invention advantageously provides an improved target range system and related methods and apparatus that offer many improvements over conventional targets, target ranges, and operation of target ranges. 
     For example, the present invention advantageously utilizes target devices configured to facilitate installation and removal. The targets are devoid of initial hazards and may be airlifted into and from the target range to minimize ingress/egress routes and reduce installation and recovery costs. The targets are also configured to remain substantially intact, e.g., to not fragment or otherwise blow apart, and to be readily recycled at the end of their useful life. 
     With regard to the foregoing, in one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for operating a target range. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a target consisting of a first pair of plates each having a pair of grooves and a second pair of plates configured for being received by the grooves of the first plates, wherein the plates are made of a recyclable material and are devoid of hazards comprising munitions, fuels, and radioactive materials. The target is assembled by positioning the first plates in a parallel and side by side orientation and positioning each one of the second pair of plates within the grooves of the plates of the first pair of plates such that the plates of the second pair of plates are spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another to provide an assembled target. The assembly may occur off-range or on-range. The target is positioned on a target range and repeatedly subjected to impacts from ordnance or munitions, with the assembled target substantially remaining in the assembled state after such impacts. The target is then removed from the target range. The target may be removed in the assembled state or may be-dis-assembled prior to removal. 
     The method and the targets utilized therein enable significant economic advantages as compared to conventional methods for operating target ranges. Reduced costs are realized in the initial placement and the retrieval of targets, as the targets utilized in the method have reduced labor costs associated with their placement and retrieval. For example, the targets utilized do not require the careful inspection of conventional targets to remove hazards. Also, the targets are much lighter than conventional targets and may be positioned as by helicopter or by smaller ground vehicles, thus reducing the labor costs associated with clearing safe ingress and egress routes. In addition, the targets and their manner of use in the method avoid the maintenance normally associated with conventional targets and are readily recyclable at the end of their duty cycle, enabling further economic advantage as compared to conventional targets. 
     Thus, the invention provides a business method for economical operation of a target range, the method including the steps of providing a target range site; and providing a target resembling a conventional target in dimension and appearing, yet having a weight that is substantially less than the weight of the conventional target. The target has a plurality of interconnecting plates made of recyclable material and devoid of hazards comprising munitions, fuels, and radioactive materials. 
     An ingress route is provided for placement of the target on the target range site. The ingress route has a reduced dimension as compared to a conventional ingress route for the conventional target. The target is positioned on a target range site via the ingress route and repeatedly subjecting the target to impacts from ordnance or munitions. The target substantially remains substantially intact after such impacts. 
     An egress route is thereafter provided for removal of the target from the target range site. The egress route has a reduced dimension as compared to a conventional egress route for the conventional target and the target is removed from the target range site via the egress route. The reduced dimensions of the ingress/egress routes enable considerable cost savings, as the costs to clear ingress/egress routes of unexploded ordnance and the like represents considerable expense in both time and expense. 
     In another aspect, the invention relates to a target range system. The system includes a tract of land suitable for use a target range; and a plurality of three-dimensional targets positioned on the tract of land. Each target has a first pair of plates each having a pair of grooves and a second pair of plates configured for being received by the grooves of the first plates and supported by the first pair of plates. The plates are made of a recyclable material and are devoid of hazards including munitions, fuels, and radioactive materials. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a target having a first pair of plates each having a pair of grooves and a second pair of plates configured for being received by the grooves of the first plates and supported by the first pair of plates. The target is substantially self-supporting and the plates are made of a recyclable material and are devoid of hazards including munitions, fuels, and radioactive materials. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features of preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed description of preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale, wherein like reference numbers, indicate like elements through the several views, and wherein, 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a target according to one preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an end view of the target of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of a side component of the target of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of an end component of the target of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a target according to an alternate embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an end view of the target of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of a side component of the target of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a target according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an end view of the target of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of a side component of the target of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view of an end component of the target of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a target according to a still further embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of a side component of the target of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a plan view of an end component of the target of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of components of a preferred embodiment of a jig used for assembly of targets in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of a jig made with the components of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is an overhead view of the jig of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIGS. 18-25  show assembly of a target using the jig of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIGS. 26-28  show preferred manners of transportation of targets. 
         FIG. 29  shows steps in a preferred method for operating a target range. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention relates to an improved target range system and related methods and apparatus that offer many improvements over conventional targets, target ranges, and operation of target ranges. The invention enables significantly reduced range operation costs. For example, the targets utilized avoid the significant costs associated with inspection and preparation of targets associated with conventional targets. Also, the targets are much lighter and economical to transport and have reduced costs associated with their placement on the range and removal from the range. In addition, the targets are readily recyclable, with the revenues from recycling representing another manner of cost reduction. 
     Together, the targets and their utilization on a range which encompasses reduced transportation and installation/maintenance/removal requirements, and enhanced recycling characteristics, provide an overall range operation method having significant cost and environmental benefits as compared to conventional target ranges and the operation thereof. 
     The system preferably utilizes target devices configured to facilitate installation and removal thereof. The targets are devoid of initial hazards and are relatively lightweight and are more readily transported and may be airlifted into and from the target range to minimize ingress/egress routes and reduce installation and recovery costs. The targets are also configured to remain substantially intact, e.g., to not blow apart, and to be readily recycled at the end of their useful life. For example, and with initial reference to  FIGS. 1-14 , there are shown preferred examples of targets  10 - 16  for use with a target range system in accordance with the invention. 
     Each of the targets  10 - 16  are three-dimensional targets of modular construction, assembled from a plurality of interlocking plates of a material that is readily recyclable such as metals, preferably steel, or plastics. The targets  10 - 16  also offer 360° profiles that resemble the profiles of conventional targets such that the targets are suitable for training exercises involving both ground and air initiated ordnance. The targets  10 - 16  and other suitable targets are targets which are available under the trademark GREENTARGET from EOD Technology, Inc. of Lenoir City, Tenn. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , the target  10  includes a pair of side plates  20  and  22  and a pair of end plates  24  and  26 . Each of the plates  20 - 26  is preferably of a steel or plastic plate material. The plate material and thickness thereof is preferably selected to correspond to the type of ordnance expected to engage the target and other considerations associated with the range, such as ricochet potential of the ordnance and proximity of the target to range borders and the like. The plates  20 - 26  are configured to interconnect with one another to render the target  10  in a rigid and substantially self-supporting condition. The plates  20 - 26  are preferably configured such that the target  10  resembles a military tank in general appearance. However, it will be understood that the plates may be otherwise configured to provide targets having a wide variety of appearances. 
     As seen in  FIG. 3 , side plate  20  is preferably of one-piece construction and defines a central portion  30  and a pair of end portions  32  and  34  on opposite sides of the central portion  30 . Grooves  36  and  38  are defined at the juncture of the end portions  32  and  34  to the central portion  30  and are configured for receiving the end plates  24  and  26 , each of which are preferably of plate material of the same thickness. Thus, for ¾ inch steel plate, the grooves are preferably about 1 inch wide, and cut at an angle α of preferably about 60 degrees. A plurality of apertures  39  are defined along an upstanding edge of the central portion  30  to serve as attachment points for connection of a lifting member, such as a cable, chain, or the like for transporting the target  10  as explained in more detail below. The side plate  22  is preferably of identical construction to the side plate  20 . 
     For the purpose of example only, the side plate  20  preferably has the following dimensions: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Distance (inches) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 A 
                 79 
               
               
                   
                 B 
                 18.5 
               
               
                   
                 C 
                 81 
               
               
                   
                 D 
                 87 
               
               
                   
                 B 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the end plate  24  is preferably of one-piece construction and defines a central portion  40  and a pair of end portions  42  and  44  on opposite sides of the central portion  40 . The end plate  26  is preferably substantially identical to the end plate  24 . Cutouts  46  and  48  are defined a the juncture of the end portions  42  and  44  to the central portion  40  and are configured for being received by the grooves  36  and  38  of the side plates  20  and  22 . 
     The cutouts  46  and  48  are preferably at an angled cut corresponding to the angle of the grooves  36  and  38 . The plate  24  may preferably include a plurality of apertures  45  adjacent the cutouts  46  and  48  for attachment of reinforcements, such as gussets  47  and  49 . In addition to gussets, it will be understood that suitable reinforcements may be utilized, including welded channels in the seams of the panels. Incorporation of the gussets  47  and  49  or other reinforcements help the target remain intact during lifting as by crane or helicopter during installation or removal of the target from a location. 
     As seen, the gussets  47  and  49  may be initially mounted to the plate  24  in a first orientation, as by fasteners which cooperate with the apertures  45 , and then relocated to a second orientation, shown in phantom. The first orientation is selected to position the gussets out of the way of the cutouts  46  and  48 , and the second orientation is selected to overlap the cutouts  46  and  48 , such as after installation of the end plate  24  onto the side plates  20  and  22  to bear against the side plates  20  and  22  to help maintain the end plate  24  in place. 
     For the purpose of example only, the end plate  24  preferably has the following dimensions: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Distance (inches) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 F 
                 16 
               
               
                   
                 G 
                 6.5 
               
               
                   
                 H 
                 87 
               
               
                   
                 I 
                 32 
               
               
                   
                 J 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                 K 
                 16 
               
               
                   
                 L 
                 17 
               
               
                   
                 M 
                 98 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     With reference to  FIGS. 5-7 , the target  12  is of similar construction to the target  10  and includes a pair of a pair of side plates  50  and  52  and a pair of end plates  54  and  56 . Each of the plates  50 - 56  is preferably of a recyclable material, such as steel or plastic plate material and are configured to interconnect with one another to render the target  12  in a rigid and self-supporting condition. The plates  50 - 56  are preferably configured such that the target  12  resembles a military tank. 
     As seen in  FIG. 7 , side plate  50  is preferably of one-piece construction and defines a central portion  60  and a pair of end portions  62  and  64  on opposite sides of the central portion  60 . Grooves  66  and  68  are defined on the central portion  60  and are configured for receiving the end plates  54  and  56 . A plurality of apertures  69  are defined along an upstanding edges of the central portion  60  outside of the grooves  66  and  68  to serve as attachment points for connection of a lifting member for transporting the target  12 . The side plate  52  is preferably of identical construction to the side plate  50 . 
     The end plates  54  and  56  are preferably identical to the end plates  34  and  36  described previously. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 8-11 , the target  14  includes a pair of side plates  70  and  72  and a pair of end plates  74  and  76 . Each of the plates  70 - 76  is preferably of a steel or plastic plate material and are configured to interconnect with one another to render the target  14  in a rigid and self-supporting condition. The plates  70 - 76  are preferably configured such that the target  14  resembles an armored military vehicle. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 10 , side plate  70  is preferably of one-piece construction and defines a central portion  80  and a pair of end portions  82  and  84  on opposite sides of the central portion  80 . Grooves  86  and  88  defined on the side plate  70  are configured for receiving the end plates  74  and  76  and apertures  89  are defined along an upstanding edge of the plate  70  to serve as attachment points for connection of a lifting member for transporting the target  14 . The side plate  72  is preferably of identical construction to the side plate  70 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , the end plate  74  is preferably of one-piece construction and defines a central portion  90  and a pair of end portions  92  and  94  on opposite sides of the central portion  90 . Cutouts  96  and  98  on the end plate  74  are configured for being received by the grooves  86  and  88  of the side plates  70  and  72 . The plate  74  may preferably include a plurality of apertures  95  adjacent the cutouts  96  and  98  for attachment of gussets  97  and  99 , which correspond to the previously described gussets  47  and  49 . The end plate  76  is preferably substantially identical to the end plate  74 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 12-14 , the target  16  includes a pair of side plates  100  and  102  and a pair of end plates  104  and  106 . Each of the plates  100 - 106  is preferably of a steel or plastic plate material and are configured to interconnect with one another to render the target  16  in a rigid and self-supporting condition. The plates  100 - 106  are preferably configured such that the target  16  resembles a military bunker. 
     As seen in  FIG. 13 , side plate  100  is preferably of one-piece construction and defines a central portion  110  and a pair of end portions  112  and  114  on opposite sides of the central portion  110 . Grooves  116  and  118  defined on the side plate  100  are configured for receiving the end plates  104  and  106  and apertures  119  are defined along an upstanding edge of the plate  100  to serve as attachment points for connection of a lifting member for transporting the target  16 . The side plate  102  is preferably of identical construction to the side plate  100 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 14 , the end plate  104  is preferably of one-piece construction and defines a central portion  120  and a pair of end portions  122  and  124  on opposite sides of the central portion  120 . Cutouts  126  and  128  on the end plate  124  are configured for being received by the grooves  116  and  118  of the side plates  100  and  102 . The plate  104  may preferably include a plurality of apertures  125  adjacent the cutouts  126  and  128  for attachment of gussets  127  and  129 , which correspond to the previously described gussets  47  and  49 . The end plate  106  is preferably substantially identical to the end plate  74 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 15-25 , there is shown a target assembly jig  130  and the use thereof for facilitating assembly of targets in accordance with another aspect of the invention. The jig  130  preferably includes a base or sled  132  and a pair of frames  134 . The jig  130  may be made of any suitable material corresponding to the weight and size of the target to be assembled, and is preferably of welded tubular steel construction. However, it will be understood that the jig and the components thereof may be made of other suitable materials and combinations thereof, such as wood, plastic, carbon fiber, aluminum, and the like. 
     The sled  130  is primarily provided to maintain the frames  134  in a desired orientation relative to one another while the target is assembled. In this regard, the sled  130  is preferably a substantially rectangular frame configured for lying flat on the ground and having a pair of substantially parallel and spaced apart rails  136  for supporting the frames  134 . A pair of angled stops  138  are provided at the ends of the rails  136  for abutting the frames  134  and for contacting lower portions of target components as described in more detail below. 
     The length of the rails  136  and the length axis spacing of the stops  138  is preferably selected such that the frames  134  abut one another and the stops  138  (as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ) to fix the position of the frames  134  relative to the sled  132 . It will be understood that the frames  134  may be fixed in position in other ways, as by fasteners and the like, and that the rails  136  and other components of the sled  130  may be of fixed or adjustable length, such as by utilizing telescoping tubing and position fixing devices such as fasteners. 
     The frames  134  are preferably identical to one another and made of tubular steel or the like and of fixed or adjustable dimension. Each frame  134  is configured so that the frames  134  may be placed on the sled  132  and provide a support face  140  against which components of the target to assembled may be supportably positioned. 
     As seen in the depicted frames  134 , the support faces  140  are provided by frame members  142  which are spaced apart and oriented at a desired angle β relative to the sled  132 . The angle β is selected so that the resulting target construction is essentially self-supporting and corresponds to the angle of the grooves of the side plates, such as the angle α described previously in connection with side plate  20 , which angle is preferably the same for the various targets  10 - 16 . Accordingly, for the depicted targets  10 - 16 , the angle β is preferably about 60 degrees. Thus, the angle of the front/rear plates toward the center of the target, and for the side plates toward the center of the target, is preferably about 60 degrees from the horizontal or ground inward. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 18-25 , there are shown preferred steps in the assembly of the target  16 . The targets  10 - 14  may be assembled in an identical manner. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 18-20 , the side plate  100  of the target  16  is installed on the jig  130  with the lower edge of the plate  100  against the angled stops  138 . The side plate  100  is preferably installed as by use of a crane or the like utilizing lifting members  144  connected to selected ones of the apertures  119 . The second side plate  102  is then installed in a similar manner ( FIG. 21 ). 
     Continuing to  FIGS. 22-24 , the end plate  104  is installed (preferably as by a crane) using the lifting members  144  supporting the plate  104  via the apertures  125  or the cutouts  126 / 128 , by positioning the cutouts  126  and  128  within the grooves  116  and  118  of the end plate  104  and desirably orienting the end plate  104 . The end plate  106  is then installed in the same manner to yield the assembled target  16  ( FIG. 25 ). It will be understood that the targets  10 - 14  may be assembled in a similar manner. 
     The foregoing described targets  10 - 16  and the described assembly render the targets more suitable for transporting and positioning at a target range as compared to conventional targets such as surplus tanks, jeeps, and other military vehicles typically utilized for targets. For example, surplus military vehicles typically must be prepared for use as targets, with such preparation including labor intensive steps of draining fluids such as oil, gasoline, hydraulic fluids, and the like, checking compartments for ammunition or other hazards left behind, and other preparatory steps aimed at removing potentially hazardous materials, such as radioactive dials and gauges, from the vehicles. As will be appreciated, targets according to the invention, such as the targets  10 - 16  are made of steel, plastic or similar plate materials and do not have such fluids or other hazards and thus do not require such pre-use preparation. 
     The targets  10 - 16  are also typically considerably lighter in weight as compared to corresponding conventional targets of the same appearance and dimension. For example, the targets  10  and  12  which imitate the appearance of a military tank typically weigh a small fraction of the weight of a conventional tank. For example, the target  10  made of steel plate having a thickness of about 0.75 inches and configured as described preferably has a weight of less than about 7 tons and the target  12  has a weight of about 2.5 tons, whereas a conventional tank of comparable dimension generally has a weight of about 67 tons. 
     In addition, the targets of the invention overcome other shortcomings associated with the use of conventional targets. For example, when conventional targets are hit by artillery or the like, such targets tend to fracture and blow apart, requiring periodic maintenance, as by pushing the remaining parts together using a bulldozer. Also, such fracturing complicates removal of the target, as the widespread debris pieces must be located and retrieved. 
     As will be appreciated, providing safe ingress and egress for the bulldozer complicates such repair. For example, as target ranges typically have some level of unexploded ordnance (UXO) thereon, UXO clearance must be obtained in order to ingress/egress a location on the range. This typically requires labor intensive and time consuming clearance of a specific path as by use of specially trained personnel with metal detectors or the like to sweep and mark a travel path for the bulldozer. As will be appreciated, this is time consuming and expensive and also shuts down proximate areas of the range during this time and the time during which the target is accessed. Thus, providing a target structure which substantially eliminates or avoids such periodic maintenance can enable significant reductions in costs associated with the operation of the target range. It has also been observed that the targets  10 - 16  are substantially more durable as compared to conventional targets, thus further reducing costs associated with locating and removing targets, as the targets may remain in use for longer periods of time and with little or no maintenance. 
     In this regard, it has been observed that the construction and configuration of the described targets advantageously minimizes fracturing of the targets and the associated repair and clean-up. Conventional targets are often substantially enclosed structures which do not rapidly vent explosive gases and are otherwise constructed from a large number of small components which can be disengaged from one another when subjected to explosive munitions. The construction of the targets  10 - 16  advantageously offers a minimum of components and provides a relatively open structure which has been observed to advantageously enable gases from explosive munitions to be rapidly vented to the atmosphere such that stresses on the target are reduced. For example, as will be appreciated in  FIG. 25 , the target  25  has only the plates  100 - 108  and the gussets  127  and  129  and provides a substantial open area  150  through which explosive gases may vent. 
     The targets  10 - 16  are also more easily positioned on a target range and removed from a target range as compared to conventional targets. For example, conventional targets are relatively heavy and more difficult to transport as compared to the targets  10 - 16 . The components of the targets  10 - 16  are relatively lightweight and may be stacked on a truck or other transport for transportation to the target range in a compact and economical manner. Once at the target range, the components may be quickly and easily assembled into the targets  10 - 16  as described. Alternatively, the targets may be transported on a truck or the like in an assembled condition. The targets  10 - 16  may then be easily moved to desired locations much easier than conventional targets. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26-28 , targets according to the invention are shown being moved or transported.  FIG. 26  shows one of the targets  14  being transported by a helicopter.  FIG. 27  shows one of the targets  12  being transported by a crane.  FIG. 28  shows one of the targets  14  being lifted off a truck by a crane. 
     Accordingly, the construction of the targets  10 - 16  yields target structures which avoid fracturing from their assembled state and which are lightweight and more easily transported as compared to conventional targets. The construction of the targets  10 - 16  also facilitates placement and removal of the targets from the target range and recycling thereof. In this regard and for the purpose of example, it will be appreciated that in the conventional operation of a target range, safe access must be provided to position a target and at the end of the useful life of a conventional target, a recovery team must travel through or be present directly on the range, gather the pieces for removal, and again travel through or be directly present on the range for removal. As such, safe ingress and egress routes must be provided, with steps taken to provide UXO clearance. Furthermore, the recovered debris must be inspected for hazards and otherwise processed, and is generally not readily accepted for salvage. 
     For the reasons set forth herein, the construction of the targets  10 - 16  greatly simplify placement, recovery, and recycling, as the targets may be easily transported by air, as by helicopter, thus avoiding or substantially reducing the need to clear ingress/egress routes. Likewise, as the targets  10 - 16  remain substantially intact and avoid fragmentation or the like, retrieval is simplified as the need to retrieve fragments and other debris is avoided or at least substantially reduced. The targets may also be recovered as by helicopter, thus again avoiding or reducing the UXO clearance needed. In addition, the relatively lightweight nature of the targets renders the use of more lightweight ground transport vehicles, thus reducing the ingress/egress requirements in the event ground transport is preferred. That is, in the event ground transportation for the delivery or removal of the targets is utilized, the width of the path that must receive UXO clearance may be reduced, thus reducing the time and expense for UXO clearance. 
     As will be further appreciated, conventional targets may often not be suitable for recycling due to the potential presence of fluids, munitions in hidden compartments, and a number of other potential hazards inherent to the use of used military vehicles as targets, such as the presence of radioactive gauges and the like. Thus, in the event such targets are considered for recycling, such targets must be inspected and cleaned, such inspection and cleaning representing considerable effort and expense. The targets  10 - 16  avoid such hazards and are more suitable for recycling and eliminate or reduce inspection requirements. For example, the targets  10 - 16  are originally of new construction and do not present hidden hazards in the manner of used vehicles, and are constructed of recyclable materials, such as steel or plastic plates which are more readily recycled than conventional targets. 
     Another aspect of the invention relates to the efficient operation of a target range utilizing targets such as the targets  10 - 16  to achieve significant cost savings and avoiding many of the environmental and other disadvantages associated with conventional target ranges. Accordingly, with reference to  FIG. 29 , there is shown an overview of steps in a preferred method  200  for operating a target range. 
     In a first step  202 , a target range indicated by the outline R, is cleared for ingress/egress, the paths being indicated by the arrows and dashed lines on the range R. This may range from UXO clearance of the entire range to UXO clearance of a specific path or paths to existing targets. In one or more steps  204 , the accessed targets are removed from the range via the egress paths. As explained previously, when the targets  10 - 16  are utilized, the paths may be of reduced dimension as compared to paths required for conventional targets. Use of the targets  10 - 16  also enables use of air paths, as by use of a helicopter, again representing a path of reduced dimension. In addition, when the removed targets are the targets  10 - 16 , they may be readily recycled, and the revenues from recycling utilized to offset costs associated with the operation of the range. 
     In a preferred step  206 , one or more new targets, such as the targets  10 - 16 , are assembled and placed on the range via the paths. The targets may be positioned by ground transport or by air transport such as by helicopter. Alternatively, the target components may be transported to the desired sites on the range and assembled at the desired sites. Once again, the use of the targets  10 - 16  enables a reduction of the ingress/egress paths needed for installation of the targets, thus representing significant cost savings for the reasons previously described. 
     The foregoing description of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration only, and it is understood that numerous modifications or alterations may be made in and to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.