Radio-controlled surface target having a pliable cover

A mobile surface target including a target envelope mounted on a chassis, the envelope having the appearance of a ground vehicle and including a framework and a pliable cover for permitting quick repair. The pliable cover preferably is plastic and inflatable in individual sections, which may be filled with "smoke" for recognition of a hit. The target is radio-controlled and an armored shield is mounted on the chassis of the target under the envelope for protecting the radio-signal receiving and transducing control equipment and the running gear of the target from damage by weapons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to a radio-controlled surface target and more 
particularly to a target envelope for a ground target meant to give a 
simulation of various threats for air-to-ground and ground-to-ground 
weapons training and evaluation. 
2. Background of the Invention 
A requirement exists in the government inventory of training devices for a 
low-cost, realistic moving target for air-to-ground and ground-to-ground 
weapons delivery training. Typically prior art targets are surplus 
vehicles modified for remote control operation. Particular problems with 
these targets include the initial high cost, the difficulty in obtaining 
spare or replacement targets, the high labor maintenance cost, the heavy 
weight of the vehicles and poor fuel economy. 
Further, where the armored targets are used it is difficult to score hits 
and misses satisfactorily which requires that a large number of people be 
employed on the weapons range to evaluate performance during training and 
testing missions. 
More recently a radio-controlled target has been developed utilizing an 
envelope having the appearance of a ground vehicle, the envelope being 
composed of lightweight frangible material for quick replacement, the 
envelope usually being destroyed upon a hit. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, it is the primary object of this invention to provide an 
improved radio-controlled target in which the envelope can be repaired or 
portions of the envelope inexpensively and quickly replaced upon a hit. 
It is also an object of this invention to make remotely controlled ground 
targets self-scoring as to a "hit." 
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in 
part in the description which follows, and in part, will be obvious from 
the description or may be learned from practice of the invention. The 
objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by 
means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out 
in the appended claims. 
To achieve the foregoing objects and in accordance with the purpose of the 
invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a 
ground target for simulating moving ground vehicles which includes vehicle 
chassis means, means affixed to the chassis means for propelling and 
maneuvering the target, means mounted on the chassis means for receiving 
and transducing radio signals for controlling the propelling and 
maneuvering means, armor means disposed on the chassis means for 
protecting the propelling and maneuvering means and the radio signal 
receiving and transducing means, and a target envelope having the 
appearance of the upper portion of a ground vehicle, the target envelope 
including a pliable cover means for permitting quick repair of the target 
envelope. 
Preferably the target envelope is a lightweight structure that can be 
readily configured into one of a number of desired shapes and can be 
easily and quickly assembled and disassembled. 
Further, the target envelope, as embodied herein, comprises a framework of 
tubular steel covered with pliable material such as polyester-vinyl, in 
which holes and tears may be easily repaired by patching, or an inflatable 
body, preferably in sections, for quick replacement and easy 
reconfiguration. The inflatable sections may be formed, for example, from 
vinyl. 
It is also preferred that the inflatable sections be filled with "smoke" to 
provide a "score" when hit. 
The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, 
combinations, and improvements shown and described. The accompanying 
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this 
specification, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and, together 
with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of 
the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying 
drawings. 
Referring now to FIG. 1, the target 10 for simulating moving ground 
vehicles in its preferred embodiment comprises a frame or chassis 12 
having wheels 14 disposed thereon, running gear 16 affixed to said frame 
12 for operating and maneuvering the target 10, means 18 for receiving 
radio signals and controlling the running gear and a target envelope 20. 
The frame 12 utilizes an axle 22 to mount the front wheels 14f and 
wishbone fork 24 to mount the rear steering wheel 14r. Although a 
three-wheel target vehicle is illustrated, a four-wheel vehicle or the 
like may also readily be used to accomplish the objects and advantages of 
the present invention. 
As here embodied and best seen in FIG. 1, running gear 16 operates and 
maneuvers the target 10 and includes the conventional elements of a drive 
train 26 having an engine 28 for driving the wheels 14 at variable speeds 
and a steering mechanism 30. Typically, the drive train 26 uses a small 
industrial internal combustion engine 28 which is chain-connected through 
a transmission 32 to provide power to the wheels 14. A suitable engine 28 
is a Tecumseh 10 horsepower engine which provides sufficient power to 
propel the target in excess of speeds of 20 miles per hour and provides 
economy better than 50 miles per gallon. A battery-driven electric motor 
may also be used as the prime mover in the drive train 26. 
The transmission 32 is preferably a torque-sensitive, variable speed 
automatic transmission to provide great flexiblity in range and speeds of 
the target. The steering mechanism 30 is a "tiller" type device and the 
hardware and components of the running gear 16 are well known in the art 
of "golf cart" technology. 
As may be seen in FIG. 2, the means 18 for receiving radio signals and 
controlling the running gear 16 preferably uses conventional, commercial 
electronics. A transmitter 36 located at a radio control tower (not shown) 
sends signals to a receiver 38 mounted on the frame 12 of the target 
vehicle. Both the transmitter 36 and receiver 38 can be commercially 
available remote control units routinely used by hobbyists and the like in 
controlling model airplanes, boats and cars. This relatively inexpensive 
remote-control equipment, coupled with a high gain horn antenna at the 
transmitter 36 can provide a sufficient gain for operation of targets over 
a mile away. 
As embodied herein, means 18 provides the function of remote steering, 
remote throttling, remote starting and remote braking. As illustrated in 
detail in FIG. 2, each remote control function of steering, throttling, 
starting and braking preferably includes receiver 38, power amplifier 40, 
servo amplifier 42 and prime mover (not shown). Typically, the prime mover 
actuates a mechanical actuator (not shown) or the like, the position of 
which is controlled by a position feedback pot situated between an upper 
and lower range adjustment device. In this manner, the running gear 16 for 
operating and maneuvering the target 10 is remotely controlled by radio 
signals. The components of the receiving and controlling means 18 are well 
known in the electronics art, and are not considered to be a part of this 
invention. 
An armored shield 44 is designed to protect running gear 16 and means 18 
from damage caused by weapon impact or explosion and is affixed to a cross 
brace 46 of frame 12 by suitable mechanical means as hinges or the like. 
The envelope 20 is expected to become damaged during target practice. The 
rest of the target 10, however, in particular, apparatus such as the 
engine 28, transmission 32, drive train 26, steering mechanism 30, radio 
signal receiving and transducing means 18 and the like are relatively 
expensive and are protected from damage by use of armored shield 44. 
As herein embodied and illustrated in FIG. 1, the armored shield 44 is 
positioned under the target envelope 20 and covers the maneuvering 
apparatus, together with the signal receiving and target controlling means 
18. This shield is of selected standard armored plate, well known to those 
skilled in the art, and provides protection to the above components from 
damage by weapons. As embodied herein, the shield walls 48 are structured 
so as to define curved, slanted, or inclined surfaces, thereby providing a 
surface which readily deflects weapon fragments and projectiles. 
Preferably, the shield 44 is positioned on frame cross bar 46 by hinges 50 
so as to be easily raised from the frame 12 to allow quick access to the 
running gear 16 and the signal receiving and target controlling means 18. 
In accordance with the invention, the surface target 10 includes an 
envelope 20 having a pliable cover over a lightweight framework. The 
pliable cover is preferably formed of plastic and easily repairable, and 
the framework can be assembled and disassembled with replaceable parts. 
As embodied herein, and depicted in FIG. 3, the framework 52 of envelope 10 
is assembled from specialized sections such as a tank caterpillar section 
54, or a tank turret section 56, and rods or bars of various lengths. The 
specialized individual sections may be shaped by welding together steel 
tubing or flat bars, for example, and the individual sections may be 
interconnected by the rods or bars. The various parts of framework 52 may 
be rigidly interlocked by quick disconnect clamps 57. Such clamps are well 
known and need not be detailed here. 
The framework 52 is provided with supports 58 in the form of studs for 
slidably mounting on the chassis 12 of the target vehicle by means of tabs 
60 on the chassis and having apertures 62 therein. 
In the preferred embodiment in FIG. 3, the framework 52 is covered with a 
pliable cover 64, preferably formed of 10 ounce polyestervinyl fabric. The 
cover 64 is shaped to slide over the framework 52 and the bottom edge may 
be lashed to the framework 52 by lacing 69 such as used for fitted car 
covers, as described as to FIG. 5b. 
Air vent flaps 67 may be formed in the pliable cover 64, as desired, to 
allow heated air to escape and thus to provide better ventilation for the 
engine and electronic elements. 
Holes and tears on the pliable cover 64 can easily be repaired by 
self-adhesive tape or by sew-on patches. The cover 64 extends down only 
over the sides of the target vehicle leaving the bottom area of the 
vehicle uncovered for ventilation of the engine and electronic equipment. 
In case of damage to the framework 52, repairs can easily be made by 
replacement of rods or bars, or by welding the pre-assembled sections. 
Tubular steel provides maximum strength for weight and is easily welded in 
repair operation. 
The total weight of the envelope 20 is at a minimum, thereby enhancing 
vehicle performance without sacrificing the strength and rigidity that are 
necessary for rough terrain vehicles. 
It is understood, of course, that the target envelope 20 of the targe 
vehicle may take any form, such as a motorized gun or rocket launcher, and 
the framework 52 would be assembled from sections and rods and bars to 
present the appearance of appropriate target. 
It is also apparent that, in accordance with the invention, the appearance 
of the target envelope may be made as detailed as desired by adding to the 
framework 52 and the pliable cover 64 various identifying elements, such 
as field guns, machine guns, air vents, etc. 
In accordance with the invention in an alternative embodiment as shown in 
FIG. 4, the pliable cover 64 may be formed of inflatable sections. each 
fitted with an air valve 70. Several such inflatable sections may be 
incorporated in an integral cover, or preferably, the cover 64 may be 
divided into individual inflatable segments 65, each of which is 
separately attachable to the framework 52. 
As embodied herein, a turret section 66 is an individual inflated section 
attached to the framework 52. Likewise, the section 68, having the 
appearance of caterpillar tractor may, for example, be an individual 
section. The pliable cover 64 may be further divided into individual 
inflatable sections, as convenient to the particular target involved. 
The individually inflatable segments 65 will, of course, have air tight 
inner and outer walls preferably formed of 8 mil thick aluminum-filled 
virgin vinyl. Such fabric has the advantage of making the target envelope 
radar reflective. 
By the use of individual, inflatable segments, damaged portions of the 
target envelope may be quickly replaced without the necessity of replacing 
the entire cover. 
The individual inflatable segments 65 may be attached to the framework 52 
by any known means. As embodied herein, the framework 52 may include short 
bars or pipes 71, as shown in FIG. 5a, having a free end 72. The segment 
65 may have attached thereto a tunnel member 74 through which the free end 
72 of the bar 70 is inserted for holding the segment 65 to the framework. 
The tunnel members 74 may be conveniently fused to the segments 65. Such a 
mounting design has particular utility, for example, at the lower end of a 
vertical segment. 
Additionally, the segment 65 may be provided with D-rings 76 which are 
attached to the segments by any convenient method. The segment 65 may then 
be mounted on the framework 52 by lacing 69 through the D-rings 76. 
In accordance with the invention, the inflatable segments 65 may be filled 
with "smoke", such as a gas containing a colorful substance so that a 
"hit" can be immediately verified and the "hit" on the target is 
self-scoring. Such "smoke" is well known and need not be further amplified 
herein. The segment 65 punctured by a missile can be quickly replaced and 
the target 10 be immediately ready for scoring additional hits. 
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications 
and variations could be made in the mobile surface target of the invention 
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.