Aug.

'4,
'

. . >
. I

' B. E_-D'E|_ MAR

TOW TARGET

2,898,058

Filed Jan.

20; 1954

5 Sheets-Sheet 1

> 15901. F,

BRUCE/EDEL MAR;
INVENT .
-

A T TORNEK

Aug. 4; 1959
Filed Jan. 20, 1954

B. E. DEL MAR TOW- TARGET

2,898,058
5 Sheets-Sheet 2

BRUCliDEL MR9
INVENTOR.

, ATTORNEY.

. Aug. 4, 1959
Filed Jan. 20, 1954

B. E. DEL MAR
TOW TARGET

2,898,058 v

5 Sheets-Sheet 5

_ _

.Itli
6

. A;

.82

73

BRUCEfDEL MAR, .

INVENTOR.

A TTOkNEK

Aug. 4, 1959 .
_

B. E. DEL MAR
TOW TARGET ; -

2,898,058
I ' '

Filed Jan, 20,1954

5 Sheets-Sheet 4

BRUCffDEL MAR
INVEN TOR.

7/
ATTORNEY.

Aug. 4, 1959
Filed Ja'n.v 20, 1954

B. E. DEL MAR
TOW TARGET

2,898,058
5 Sheets-Sheet 5

8 U

/ R

a \. MmMm V m f.

ATTORNEK

lUnitsd States I Patent 0 CC.

7.

2,898,058

Patentedv Aug. 4,

.2

,.

[2,898,058
v ., TOWTARGET;

,
_,

tow cable to be releasedv fromthe tow target in' re sponse to a radio signal sent fromjthe towing aircraft. In a secondpractice of the invention, additional means is provided to release the tow target in response to the

Bruce EiDel Mar, LOs'AngeIeSLCaliLQassignor to Del

vr Engineering Laboratoriesylne, Los Angeles,
:. , a . , ' ._1'C=!1if--a".1TPra?l1

developmentof excessive slack in the towvcable. If the radio control fails,_'the towing aircraft may be nia neuvered ina manner topcause excessivev slack tofde
velop in the tow cable or the tow cable may be released

Application January 20, 1954, SerialNo. 405,090

1' ' 27VCla'ims. (Cl. 244-3)

at the towplane end by the "towpilot thus causinggauittr

10 matic release of the tow cable by the target. Thus, the

pilot has two methods of remote control at his dispjsal to insure release of the cable from the tow target when
desired. v i '

This invention relates ito an aerial target to be towed 15 massive, the vinventionprovides a control arrangement in which brake means operates automatically forin crease in drag to reduce the air speed of the target as soon as the target is released from the cable and the parachute opens subsequently -only,after_ the air speed get, tracking the' target with radar, releasing the target 20 of the target is reduced to a predetermined magnitude. fromthe towing aircraft, and lowering the released tar A. feature of the invention in this regard is the concept get by parachute. _ ' of using a brake means that responds to reduction of ' With reference to the towing of the aerial target, a

_ For those instances in whichthe target is relatively

by aircraft for military training purposes aswell as for carrying out various tests andQexperiments. The in vventionis directed toimprovements in such a device to meet 'lcertain problems relating to towing the aerial'tar

problem to which the invention pertains is the tendency '

air speedand in responding vdeterminesthe timing'of

v ' '

of the target to gain on the towing aircraft'in the course 25 A further feature of the invention'is the provision of certain maneuvers of the aircraft, with consequent of automatic means to disconnect the parachute com danger of fouling the .tow cable and possible hazard to pletely~when the tow target reaches thegroundw. Such
the towing aircraft itself. The invention solves this ,

the parachute release.

problem by providingthe tow target with automatic

provision prevents the parachute from dragging the tar

get along the groundv in a strong wind with damaging

brake means that operates to increase the air drag when 30 e?ect. The automatic means is adapted to respond to ever :the target tends to gain on the leading aircraft. In contact with the ground at the end of a ?ight, anam this regard, the invention is characterized by the con corporates a safeguard against disconnecting the para cept of providing brake means that is responsive to chute from the tow target in response to. contactwith changes in the tension of the tow cable and tends to the ground prior to take-off. maintain a desirable degree of tension Fdun'ng ?ight. 35 \ The various features and advantages of the invention One practice of'the invention is further characterized by willbe apparent from the following'detailed description, means to prevent operation of the brake means'until the considered with the accompanying drawings. : targetbecomes air-borne. For this purpose means is In the drawings, which are to be regarded as merely provided that iste?iective to block operation of the brake illustrative: . ' '. = ' means in response to contact with the ground and this 40 Figure 1 is a plan view of a selected embodiment of groundcontacting means releases the brake means for the invention with portions broken away to reveal'con operation as soon as the tow target rises from the
cealed structure; _ b -

ground at the'take-oth-

'

The tracking of the target by radar centers on the

Figure 2 is a front elevation'of thev device shown in

4 Figure 1; >

problem of making the tow target re?ect the radar sig Figure 3 is a side elevation of the same device; I b nals to an effective degree. The preferred practice'of Figure 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal section through the'linv'ention not only provides the vtowtarget with ef the same embodiment of the invention; v fective radar re?ectors fore and aft, but alsocauses at Figure 5 is a transversesection taken as indicated by least >o'neof the radar re?ectors to rotate continuously the line 5-5 of Figure to show the construction of in the course of the target'?ight. A feature of the in 50 the forward re?ector for radar signals; '
vention in this respect is-the concept of causing the ro tary re?ector to wobble or oscillate on its axis. Such oscillation introduces a desirable cyclic variation in the

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a metal assembly

incorporated in the forward re?ector; '

orientation of the re?ecting surfaces which not only of this ?rst embodiment of the invention with portions makes it easy to locate the target by radar, but also in 55 broken 'Figure awayto 8 is a reveal transverse concealed section structure; taken as indicated , , troduces * a signal frequency that identi?es _ the target among other detected objects. by the line 88 of Figure-7;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary plan view on a larger scale

of all-to provide a reliable arrangement for releasing,.1~ parachute the vtowjtarget to lower fromtthe the target tow vto cable groundwithout and to openwth darn- '

Asfor the problem of releasing the target from-ith'e' . V .Figurer9 is a transverse section taken as indicated by towing'aircraft at the end of a ?ight, it is desirable'f?r the line 9-9 of Figure 7; ; ; _
I Figure 10 is a side elevation of; a brake means incor

porated in the ?rst embodiment ofthe invention;

'4 Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional *view of a second
embodiment of the invention; -'

age. In one practiceof the invention, a system of- radio ' controlis provided which makes it possible to cause the 1"

Figure 12 is a view in longitudinal section of a cable

'

2,898,058
4 1 -> Y -

3
engaging means incorporated in the second embodiment of the invention, the cable-engagingmeans being shown in its normal position;
Figure 13 is a similar view of the cable-engaging means in a second position; Figure 14 is a fragmentary view illustrating a cam

(Figure 8), and these two arms are interconnected by a coiled spring 48. Thus, the coiled spring 48 tends to
rotate the two shafts in opposite rotary directions to rotate the two brake members 40 from their normal retracted positions to their effective positions at which
the bottom wall of the fuselage serves as stop means to

limit the spring-actuated rotation of the two members. ming action involved in the operation of the second Each of the twosh-afts 41 carries a control arm 50 on embodiment of the invention; its forward end as shown in the Figures 4 and 7. Figure 15 is a fragmentary plan view of the portion A further feature of this ?rst embodiment of the in of the cable engaging means shown in Figure 14; and 10 vention is the provision of a second brake means effec' Figure 16 is an enlargement of a portion of Figure 11

showing ajreleasableconnection for the parachute car

riedby' the tow target. ' r 1 ' .

' The invention is applicable to any type of aerial target device that is adapted to be towed by means of a cable 15 1) that is pivotally mounted on the target by an angular

tive to decelerate the tow target as soon as the target is released from the tow cable. This second brake means may comprise a forward door-like member 54 (Figure
> 1

,fromf an aircraft and which is of such character and

value 'asf'to'warrant recovery by parachute for re-use. In the ?rst embodiment of the invention that has been se lected byway of example, the tow target has a hollow

rod 55.

"body 'or fuselage, generally designated by numeral 20, which is of triangular con?guration in plan and provides
adequate aerodynamic surfaces to make'the device self ,sustaining when drawn through the air at appreciable "velocity by a'tow cable 21.

In addition to these two brake means, the tow target is providedwith a parachute58 that normally lies folded in a rearward parachute compartment 59 as best' shown in Figure 4, the parachute being connected to a suitable

?tting 60 that is permanently attached inside thecom

partment. The parachute 58 is con?ned in the compart

ment 59 by a pair of doors 61 and 62, that are mounted on suitable hinges 63. As best shown in Figure 1, the _ A The aerial target device has a forward skid 22 for 25 door 62 has a pair of tongues 67 on its swinging edge which overlie the swinging edge of the door'61 fat -. the ground contact and has a pair of rear vertical stabilizers

23, the lower edges of which carry additional skids 24

for ground contact. Preferably the target has a nose

closed positions of the tWOIjVdQOI'S. Thus, both of the

doors 61 and 62_ may be held in closed position by suitable latch means in engagement with the door 62.

member, generally designated by numeral 25, which is

same purpose. "

constructed to serve as a re?ector for radar signals and 30 The required latch means may comprise a latch pin 64

has, a re?ector member 26 near its trailing edge for the

"'Asbest shownin'Figure 6, the nose member 25 in~

that is slidingly mounted in a bushing 65 in engagement

with an apertured ear 66 (Figures 4 and 9) that extends downward from the door 62. Suitable means is provided

an axial tube 30, a vertical transverse disc 31 on the 35 64 is withdrawn. ' For example, as shown in,Figure 9, each of the two doors '61, and Y62 may be providedwith rear end of the tube and four vanes 32 that are mount ' anoperating arm 68 and the two arms may be intercon ed radially on the tube. The disc and the four vanes con

cludes an integral metal re?ector assembly comprising

to force the two- parachute doors whenever thelatch pin

form to three planes that intersect at the center of the disc, the three planes being perpendicular to each other." This metal assembly forms four quadrant spaces
which are occupied respectively by four bodies 33 of

nected bypa spring 69 that supplies the door-opening

force. _ V , . ,

4o

Any suitable arrangement may be provided for oper.~

vplastic material, the four bodies being shaped to give

'the nose'member a generally conical con?guration. The're?ector member 26 on the trailing end of the

ating the two brake members 40 in response to reduc tionof tension in the tow cable 21 and any suitable are rangement may beprovided for releasing the tow target

from the cable 21 and for immediately thereafter oper tow target has the con?guration of threeintersecting discs 45 atingthe triangular brake member 54 and, with suitable timepdelay, opening the two doors'61 and 62 to release that areiperpendicular to each other and are concentric the parachute to open for carrying the, tow target to to "a common center. This re?ector member 26 is the ground._ In this particular embodiment of the inven mounted on a suitable shaft 34 that rotates in a pair of
bearings 35; The shaft 34 may be operated in any suit tion, for example, the cable 21 is yieldingly connected able manner during ?ight. In this instance, the re?ector 50 with the tow target for automatic actuation of the two brake members 40; a radio-controlled .motor means, is member 26 and the shaft 34 are mounted in a stream provided to initiate operation of the triangular brake linedlhousing 36 and the shaft 34 carries a rear spinner
37 having suitably angled vanes to function as an air

member 54; and [the latch pin 64 for releasing the para?

chute is made responsive to the, operation of the tri-, screw for rotation .of the shaft in response to the slip stream. Preferably the re?ector member 26 ismounted 55 angular brake memberg , , , - ~ on the shaft 34 in a position out of alignment with the In the particular, construction shown in the drawings, shaft axis so that the re?ector member wobbles or oscil the cable 21 that tows the target is permanently connected
lates when rotated by the shaft. '

to, an elongated ?tting 70 which is slidingly received in

A feature of the ?rst embodiment of the invention is a suitable sleeve 71 that is ?xedly mounted in the .pre: that the tow target is provided with brake means to 60 viously mentioned axial tubev 30 of the nose member 25. increase the drag of the target whenever slack tends The slidable cable member 70 is provided with a spline 72 to prevent rotation whilepermitting free longitudinal to develop in the cable 21, the brake means being re sponsive to changes in the tension of the cable. Such movement. The cable member 70 has a threaded bore~75 an automatic brake means may comprise, for example, at its inner end into which is threaded a cooperating con: a pair of rectangular members 40 that normally lie 65 necting member 76. ' The connecting member 76 is con within the con?guration of the fuselage 20, as shown in nected by aiunivei'sal joint 77 with the shaft 78 of a Figure 8, but are adapted to rotate to positions extending motor 80 and the motor is suitably mountedfor longi tudinal movement. For this purpose the motor is into the air stream, as shown in Figures 2 and 8, for in mounted on a base 81 that is free to slide longitudinally creasing the drag on the ?ying target. ' ' .. The two rectangular brake members 40 may be mount 70 in a pair of parallel'channel shaped track members 82. The motor 80.is connected by two cables 85 respectively ed on two corresponding longitudinal shafts 41 and the fuselage may be provided with upper slots 42 and lower with thetwo control arms 50 on the shafts 41 thatcontrol the rectangular brake members'40, the two: cables being slots 43 to permit the desired rotation of the two mem in movable engagement withv suitable guide pulleys 86. v bers. Each of'the two shafts 41 is mounted in a pair of bearings 44 and carries a rearward rocker arm 46 751 It is apparentv that {the described arrangement oper;

:asoaoss
atively connects the slidable "cable member 10 at the end .oftthe cable .21vwith the two control arms 50*that nor

that normally holds the two'parachute doors :61 and 62

in closed position. As the triangular brake member 54

.mally :prevent the spring .48 from operating the two

: rectangular :brake members 40, the ,two springs acting to ,pull rearward on the cable member 70 in opposition to ,theforward pull, of the tension in the tow cable. Thus
when the tow cable lis under rsu?icient tension to over

approaches its upward limitwposition with decreasing air

speed of the tow target, the cable 101 is pulled taut to
withdraw the latch pin 64 as shown in broken in

the two rectangular brake members 40,, the brake mem

come the spring 48, the two rectangularbrake members 61 and 62 to ?y open whereupon .therparachute 58 un -'40, are .at their normal retracted positionsentirely inside folds and opens to lower the released tow target to the the con?guration of the tow target; but whenever there 10 , is ,a tendency for slack to develop in the cable, the spring ground. Various arrangements ' may be employed to permit I . p re ,pulls the slidable cable member-7,0 rearward to, operate mote control of the motor 80-from a control station lo

Figure 10. Thus completion of the operating movement of the triangular brake member 54 'causes the two doors

,thisinstance, it is contemplated that the towtarget will ;gr,e_ssively;:increase drag, in a response to, progressivelvre 15 carry a radio-responsive control unit, generally desig =ducedtensioaintm t0w;ab1.e-,.:n 1, 1 nated. by numeral 110, which includes athermionic. tube
' featureo?, this ?rst embodiment :of the invention is
provision of means tov latch the two, rectangular: brake .

'bers rotating progressively into the air, stream .to 3pm

cated either onthe towing aircraft or on the ground. In

t-members' 40against operation while thetowtarget is on

the ground. prior ;to 'takeo?. ,For this purpose a suitable

angular-latch member 88__ may be mounted ona pivot pin 89in}: slot 90 inthe forward skid 22. Prior to take-off,
the latchmember 88 restsion the ground as shown in

1.2.0 tered. for weight distributioncand which serve the purpose

of energizing the motor 80 and components of the radio
control unit 110. _, V .v

> 111 and also includes ,a relay (not shown) for opening and closing the circuit of the motor 80., The tow target carries a number of batteries 112 which arevs'uitably scat

Figure 4 with the :upwardly extending end .91 of the latchizmernber engagingthe motor, base 81 to hold the 2.5 the foregoing description. When the tow target is on the motor 80 in a forward position in opposition to the two groundv .prior to take-oil, the ground-contacting latch brake actuating springs 47 and 48. ' V
position as shown in Figure 4, thereby maintaining the 'nect'ing member v76 from/the slide member 70 for re rectangular brake members 40 intheir inoperativehorizon ,lease of ,the' :tow' cable .and in addition to actuate the .30 tal positions, When the tow target rises from the ground, triangular brake member 54 and to cause subsequent the cable 21 is under su?icient tension to hold themotor opening or the parachute 58,. fIn'the present embodiment 80 slightly forward from the position shown in Figure 4 of the invention, it .is' contemplated that the motor will and the lat-ch member 88 is free to drop OUlIHOIf the path of
_ The pur'poseof the motor 80 is to unscrew the con-'

The manner in which this ?rst embodiment of the in vention serves its purpose will be readily understood from
member 88 is in position to hold the motor 80 in a forward

be adapted to operate the triangular brake member 54 movement of the motor to permit themotor thereafter to onlywafter the cable .is released and then the triangular 35 move rearward sufficiently for operation of the rectangular
'brak'e member will in tum cause theparachute to open
for lowering the tow target tothe ground. '_ __
brake members 40. , , v '

The angular rod 55 thatppivotally carries the triangu

7 lat brake member .54 has a central offset v94 (Figure 1_)

Whenever the tow target tends to gain on the towing

aircraft, the tension of the 'tow cable drops, whereupon

40 48 respond in a manner to increase the drag of the tow

,by ~ineans of which it is ?xedly connected ,tothebrake

member and one end of .the rod is bentto form an actu ating; arm '95. ' A'suitable coil spring 96 is anchored at one end, as best shown in Figure 10, and at the other end

the rectangular brake members 40 actuated by'the spring

target and thereby slow down the target to restore the cable
tension. When it comes time to release the tow target from the cable 21 at the end of a ?ight, a radio signal is sent to the radio control unit 110 to cause energizationof

is' connected to the actuating'arm 95 to apply a' constant

broken lines inFigure' 10'. p . .

fbrcedending to'move the triangular brake member 54 45 ' the motor 80. The consequent rotation of the motor shaft about "its" pivot axis to the upright position .shown' in " 78 ?rst results in unscrewing of the connecting member
Normallythe triangular brake'member 54 is :held in

its: down or closedposition .bya'la'tch pin 97 (Figure 4)

76 from the slidable cable member 70 to free the cable, the cable Withdrawing the slide memberfrom the tow

to' completely unscrew the connecting member 76 from 'the slide member 70 before the cable tightens towith
tatesthe triangular brake member 54 upward to 'the up right position shown in broken lines in Figure 10. Since

101; which passes over'a guide pulley 102, is connected at the air stream to reduce the air speed of the target and one end to the latch pin 97 and is connected at the other eventually, when the air speed drops to avpredetermined endto a'reel '103onthe motor shaft 78._ There is su?i 5,5 magnitude, pulls the cable 104 taut to withdraw the latch -cient slack in the cable 101 to enable the motor shaft 78 ' pin 64 from the rear 66 .to release the two parachute doors

which is slidingly mounted in a ?xed bushing 98 'in en 5.0 cable is released winds in the cable 95 to, withdraw the gagement with an apertured ear 100 that extends down latch pin 97 for release of the triangular brakelmember ward from the rear edge of the brake member.: A cable 54. The triangular brake member 54 rises slowly against

target. Further rotation of the motor shaft-after the

61 and 62. The spring 69 acting on the arms 68 causes the two doors 61 and 62 to ?y open whereupon thefolded, draw the latch pin 97. When the latch'pin 97*is'with parachute 58 is carried out of the parachute compartment 'drawn,*the spring 96 acting on theactuating arm 95 "ro 60 by air currents and opens to lower-the tow target the
ground without damage. 'I " _

such'iirotation of the brake'member 54 is counter to the Figures 11 to 14 is of the same general character as the ainstream that envelops the tow target, the triangular ?rst described embodiment and in like manner carries 1a brake-member moves upward slowly to develop progres 65 motor 120, a radio control unit, and the required bat sively increasing drag and does not complete its upward teries (not shown) for energizing the motor and radio ~movement until the air speed of the tow target is reduced control unit. The tow target carries a iolded'parachute

The second embodiment of the invention illustratedby

tov a predetermined degree. Thus, the triangular brake 122 in a rear parachute compartment 123 that is closed member not only serves as brakemeans to increase the by a single door 124. The door 124 is mounted by hinge: ~ drag of the tow target, but also serves as sensing means 70 means 125 at its rearward edge to swing upward and rear responsive to the air speed of the tow target. .
As shown-in Figure 10, a short cable 104 is anchored

at one end to an car 105 on the underside of the'tri~

ward for release of the parachute 122. A suitable latch." pin 126 that 'is slidingly mounted in a ?xed sleeve 1,27
chute door 124 in closed position, the apertured ear ex

angular brake member 54'and the other vend of the cable

normally engages an apertured ear 128tohold the para}

is connected to the previously mentioned latch pin 64

75

tending downward from the dooras shown.v V A concealed

12,898,068
spring 129 normally holdsthe latch pin 126in its latching
position; The door 124 readily opens in response to the stream when the latch pin 126 is withdrawn and the "parachute1122 is immediately lifted out of the compart- ment 123'by the air stream. " The parachute 122 is normally held in folded state by

I160mounted on a pivot pin 161, a bell crank in the formofa generally triangular plate member 162 mounted
on a pivot pin 163, and a link 164 that interconnects these

two members, ~ Normally, the triangular member 162 is

held against a suitable stop pin 168 by a relatively light

spring 169, one end of which is connected to a pin ?xed to member 144 and the other end of which is connected
to the link 164.1 '

I'm-cans including a retaining pin 130. The retaining pin,

however, is connected by a short cable 131 to a ?xed eye bolt'132 so that'whe'n the folded parachute is carried into

1 1 As may be seen in Figure 12, the link 164 is connected

the air stream, the cable 131 automatically withdraws the 10 to the hook member by a pivot 170 and is connected to thetriangular' member 162 by a second pivot 171 and in retaining pin 130 to permit the parachute to open. The the normal position of the parts maintained by the spring opened parachute is connected to the-tow target by a for 1'69,"the pivot 171 is below center, i.e., is below the ward cable 133 and a pair of rearward cables 134.
The target is towed by a suitable tow cable 139 which _ v

is provided with a metalloop 140 at its end for engage ment by the tow target in a suitable releasable manner.

straight line passing through the upper link pivot 17,0 and *the'pivot pin 163 on which the triangular member 7162 is mounted. Thus, any tendency for the'hook memberf-160
to release the cable7140 by clockwise rotation 'as'iviewed in-Figure 12, will be blocked in a positive manner since

such rotation of the hook member causes the link 164to *release of the cable 139 and opening of the parachute 122 _ by remote control. The advantage of such an arrange 20 urge the triangular member 162 against the stop pin 168. On'the other hand, clockwise rotation of the triangular ment is in-the assurance that the tow target will be re member 162, as viewed in Figure 12, will rotate the hook leased and the parachute will open. If one of the remote

v{An important feature of this second embodiment of the inventionis that it provides two independent means for

member 160 clockwise to the released position shown in control arrangements fails, the other one is available. One method of remote control is provided by the radio control ,. dotted lines in Figure 12 and in full lines in Figure 13. An operating member in the form of a cable 175 is con unit in cooperation with the motor 120. The other meth 25 nected at one end to the triangular member 162 by a suit od of remotecontrol utilizes the tow cable itself, the ar able clevis 176. The operating cable 175 passes over rangement being such'that means carried by the tow target a small guide pulley 177 on the movable member 144 and will automatically release the tow cable whenever undue a pair of spaced guide pulleys 178 inside the tow target. slack develops in the cable. Thus, if a radio signal fails to cause ielease of the tow cable by the ?ying target, the 30 The second end of the operating cable 175 is connected to

pilot of the towing aircraft need only maneuver his air

craft to create su?icient slack in the tow cable to cause

the previously mentioned parachute latch pin 126.

the desired automatic cable-releasing action.

To carry out this concept of dual control, the tow
mounted member 144, which has a range of at least two

Normally the parts of the described mechanism for en gaging the tow cable loop 140 are positioned as shown in full lines in Figure 12, with both ,the hook member 160

target is provided with a forwardly extending movably 35 and the triangular member 162 rocked forward and with
the rear end of the link 164 depressed. Whenever slack develops in the cable 139, the cable will permit the mov positions and preferably has a range of three positions. ably mounted member 144 to drop to its second position The movably mounted member 144 is normally held in a shown in Figure 13 and, in fact, the cable will add a down~ ?rst position by the normal tension of the tow cable 139 and is movable from this normal ?rst position through a 40 ward component of force that will tend to move the member 144 to this second position. In addition, the second position to a third position. The movement of the '_ vane 151, in reaction to the air stream, will provide fur member 144 from its normal ?rst position to its second ther force tending to move the member 144 downward. vposition results in mechanical release of the metal loop
140 on the end of the tow cable and the further move

'Since the spring 169 in the mechanism for engaging

ment from the second position to the third position, which 45 thetowcable loop 140 is a relatively light spring 'and'le'ss tension in the operating cable 175 is required to overcome follows automatically, results in withdrawal of the latch the spring 169 than is required to overcome'the concealed pin 126 for release of the parachute 122. It will be readily spring 1129 associated with the parachute latch pin 126, appreciated that the member 144 may be mounted in the downward movement of the member 144'in placing various ways for various kinds of movement through the required range of three positions. 50 the operating cable 175 under tension initially causes the hook member 160 to release the cable. loop 140. Thus In the construction shown, the member 144 is pivotally the tow cable 139 may be released from the tow target Vmounted by a pivot bolt 145 on a suitable bracket member by remote control by maneuvering the towing aircraft 146, the bracket member being in turn anchored by a
in such manner as to develop excessive slack in the tow pair of bolts 147. The member 144 extends into a slot . 148 on the forward end of the bracket member 146 near 55 cable. The same effect may be achieved also by releasing

a laterally extending stud 150, as may be seen in Figure 12. It is apparent that since the center of gravity of the member 144 isforward of the pivot bolt 145, the mem ber'will tend to drop by gravity from the normal position . shown in Figure 12 to a second position shown in Figure 60
13 and will tend to continue to drop to a still lower third

the leading end of the tow cable from the towing aircraft

position. A feature of the invention is the concept of adding a suitably positioned and suitably inclined vane
151 to the movably mounted member 144 to serve as

so that the released cable may permit the member 144 to move from its normal ?rst position to its second position, with the weight of the cable pulling the member 144 down- ' ward towards its second position. Preferably, as shown in Figure 13, when the member 144 drops to its second position and thereby actuates the mechanism for releasing the tow cable loop 140, the tri angular member 162 is moved into abutment with a stop

aerodynamic means in the airstream to exert downward 65 surface 179 at the end of the slot 156 so that any further downward movement of the member 144 will pull on the force to supplement gravity for downward movement of

the member from its normal position through its second position to its third position.
metal loop 140 at the end of the tow cable 139 and is formed with a longitudinal slot 156 to house mechanism

operating cable 175 to actuate the parachute latch pin 126 in opposition to the concealed spring 129. Thus, when the
against the vane 151, the member 144 pulls on the op e'rating cable 175 and at a third position of the member

member 144 continues to move downward from its sec The movably mounted member 144 is formed with a _ suitable recess 155 on its forward end to receive the 70 ond position by gravity and by pressure of the air stream

'for- releasable engagement with the metal loop 140.

' ~~The mechanism for releasably engaging the metal loop 140 of the tow cable 139 may comprise a hook member

144 lower than the position shown in Figure 13, the mem ber 144 retracts the latch pin 126 su?iciently to release
the parachute door 124. l

2,898,058
' 10

Preferably this second embodimentxof the invention in

cludes suitable means to prevent movement of the mem

ber 144 from its normal position downward towards its

second and third positions when the tow targeti's on the ground prior to a ?ight. For this purpose, what may be
termed pre-?ight latch member 180 may be mounted on a pivot screw 181. The latch member 180 is recessed to form a hook 182 for latching engagement with the previ ously mentioned stud 150 and also 'toform acam surface

release of the tow cable 139 and the-subsequent result being actuation of the latch pin 126 to release the para chute door 124 to permit the parachute 122 to open. 'Thus, .the motor 120 ,is capable of operating the hook member 160 and the parachute latch pin 126 .even though .the movably mounted member 144 remains in its normal position with the tow cable 139 under substantial tension. vA further feature of this second embodiment of the
invention is the provision of additional means to cause

183 for cooperation with the stud in the manner shown in '10 the parachute 122 to be completely disconnected from Figure 14. It can be seen in Figure 14"that when the ;_the tow target as soon as the tow target is carried to the movably mounted member 7144 is tilted upward from its ground by the parachute.- For this purpose the forward

normal substantially horizontal position, the resultant dis

placement of the pre-?ight latch member 180ftowards the

parachute cord 133 is connected to a forward release pin

190 and therear two parachute cords 134 areconnected

stud 150 causes vthe cam surface 183 to slide" along the 195 to a, pair of'corresponding releasably secured loops 191.

'stoppinwith consequent lifting of theilatch member 180 -"t_oa>higher angle than itslnormal angle-relative to the mov
l'ablymounted member'144. ' 7 ; ~ 1 i

;Each of rthegtwo loops 191 is releasably engaged byka

'of?xed corresponding apertured release ears pin 193. 192 that. gis mounted in , - a

The forward release pin 190 of the parachute assembly As shown in Figure 15, the pivot screw 181 carriesia 'spacerisleeve 184 and a friction washer 185 that is' made .20 {is slidingly mounted in a ?xed vertical sleeve 196 and, as best shown in Figure 16, is' recessed at its lower end to of? suitable resilient material such as-rlibber or leather. form a hook 197. Normally, the release pin 190 extends The pre-?igh't_ latch member 180 is mounted between the into an aperture 198 in a latch member 199. The latch friction washer 185 and a nut 186 on the outer end of the .member 199 is carried by a downwardly extending arm pivot screw 181, the nut186 being-tightened to provide su?icient pressure'against (the latch member to maintain 25 .200 that is pivotally mounted on a cross pin 201. The latch member 199 is connected by a pair of operating the latch memberat whatever position it may be placed. '1 cables 202 with the two release pins 192 respectively that Thus, whenthe member 144 is tilted upward-tocam the pro-?ight latchmember ~1870 out of its latching. position, Fengage the loops 191 to anchor the rear cords 134 of the parachute. ,It is apparent that if the latch member 199 the latch member will remain out of'its latching position
until manually restoredafterthe ?ight. ' -'

.31) :is shifted forward from its normal position shown in Fig
11 and 16, the latch member will release the forward (Jr lease pin 190 and will pull on the two cables 202 to
. release the two loops 191. >

When the tow target is resting on the ground priorito '

(a ?ight, the pie-?ight latch memberil80is in engagement withithe stop pin'150 to keep the movably mountedmem her 144from dropping downward away-fromlits normal

Normally the latch member 199 is in the position shown

position shown in full linesv in Figure l2.-v InIthe-course .35 Figure 11, but is adapted to be shifted forwardautm iof take-off, the tow target is initially: drawn forward on .matically for release of the parachute in response to con ;tactby the tow target with the ground. The required the vground or close to the ground but there is an inevitable automatic release movement of the latch member199 upwarditugon the tow cable 139 by the towing aircraft {may be provided by a forward angular skid 206 that has as the towing aircraft :climbs to lift the tow target away from the ground. When this upward :tug occurs with 40 .a rearward arm 207 for contact with the ground and an {.upwardly extending arm 208 inside the tow target for the tow cable 139 extendinglupward-from the towzt'arget .shifting the latch member 199. The upwardly extending at'a substantial angle, the 'movably mounted member .144 is swung upward tothe position shownlin Figure 14 and {arm 208 is connected by an operating cable 210 with the

.;the consequent camming' action lifts' thelprew?ight .latch

arm 200 of the latch member 199 so that rocking move member 180 to an inoperative position. laThe latch mem 45 iment of the'skid 206 by contact with the ground will pull

ber 180' remains tilted inthe inoperative position when the movably mounted member144returnstoits normal position as'the tow target levels olf behind the. towing :air
craft." > i w> >

jthe latch member 199 forward for complete disconnection ,of the parachute 122. The angular skid 206 extends up
,ward through a slot 211 on the underside of the tow target

and is mounted vby a pivot 212 on a downward extending *If desired, suitablespring means such as anelastic cord ?or'bra'cket 213.' The bracket 213 is anchored inside the ,tow target by suitable screws 214. 187 i may be added to provide aboosting force-to urge It is apparent that means should be provided to prevent the member 144 downw'ardfrom its second position to its disconnection ofthe parachute by contact of the skid 206 third position. ' The elastic cord .187, which preferably 'is with the ground prior to take-01f. For this purpose, a a Bungee cord, may beconnected at its forward end to the'previously mentionedstop pin 168 and may be 55 .link 215 that extends into a slot 216 in. the skid 206 is j connected by apivot pin 217 to the: skid and is connected connected at its rear end to one of the screws 214 that by a pivot pin'218 to .a triangular plate 220 inside the. ; anchors the bracket 213;. It can be seen that :theelastic
cord creates a relatively small moment for. downward

tow target. The triangular plate 220 which is rotatably

223 extends upward through a suitable guide sleeve 224
I and normally abuts against an overhanging forward por _ tion 225 'of the parachutedoor 124. Thus when the para

{rotation of the member 144 when the member. 144 is in

shownin'Figure 13. i.

mounted on a pivot 2,21 normally rests against a stop bar its normal position but creates a substantially larger mo 60 222'and is'pivotally connected to a rod 223. The rod

ment. when the member 144 is in the second position

The motor 120 that'is controlled by the radio control chute 'door 124 is held closed by the latch pin 126, the .unit carriesa suitable angulanoperating am. 188 which in turn carries _a pulley 189 thatrests against the upper 65 rod 223isheld down by the door to cooperate with the stop bar 222 to prevent rotation of the triangular plate side of the operating cable 175 between the two previously 221 and thereby immobilize the skid 206. mentioned guide pulleys, 178. When the .motoral20 is energized by radio control, the operating arm 188'is ro It will be noted in Figure 11 that in this locked posi tated counter-clockwise as viewedinFig-ure 11 to cause tion of the'triangular plate 220, the link 215 is swung :the. pulley 189 on the end of the, arm-to cooperate with 70 downward with the link pin 218 past center with respect the two guide pulleys 178 to form a'loop in the operating to the line de?ned by link pin 217 and pivot 221 so that cable 175, the. pulley 189 moving downward between the the upward thrust of the skid 196 in response .to ground . two spaced guide pulleys 178.v \ This action places the contact is transmitted tolthe stop vbar 222 rather than operating cable 175_ under tension, the ?rst result being to the rod 223. A suitable spring .226 is providedvst'o

actuationrof the'mechanism, including the.hook,160,for_15 urge the triangular plate; 220 clockwise as viewedin

12,898,058

11'
Figure 11 whenever the parachute door 124 opens there
by to shift the link 218 past center in the opposite direc tion. Thus the spring 226 rotates the triangular plate
220 sui?ciently to retract the link 215 past center so that force from the skid through the link will rotate

12

chute cords 134 from the target. This prompt discon

nection of the parachute from the target prevents the

parachute from causing damage by dragging the target

along the ground on a windy day. 'My. description in speci?c detail of selected embodi
ments of the invention will suggest to those skilled in the

the triangular plate clockwise away from the-stopv bar

222. Y The spring 226 is not strong enough-however, to cause the skid 206 to pull the cable 210 for release

of the parachute in the absence of contact by the skid

with the ground. ' a ' '

art-various changes, substitutions and other departures from my disclosure that properly lie within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

10

'

I claim:

The manner in which this second embodiment 'of the

invention operates may be readilyv understood. Prior

to take-off, the skid 206 makes contact with the ground

1. An aerial tow targetadapted for connection with a cable vfor towing by an aircraft, said target having: spring means to. resist tension in said cable; movably

mounted means to releasably connect said spring means but isprevented from causing disconnection of the para chute 122 by the fact that the forward portion 225 of 15 with the cable whereby said connecting means moves in response to changes in the cable tension; a ?rst brake the parachute door blocks upward movement of'the rod means on the tow target to increase the drag thereof, 223. When the tow target rises from the ground on said brake means being responsive to movements of said take-oif, the forward movably mounted member 144 connecting means to operate when slack develops in_the is held in its ?rst position by the normal tension, of the tow cable 139. The pre-?ight latch member 180 is in 20 cable; a. second brake means on the tow target to in

engagement with the stud 150 to hold the movably mounted member 144 in its normal horizontal position.

During take-off, however, the momentary upward tilt of the member 144 by the upward tug ofv the tow cable

crease the drag thereof; motor means on said tow tar get to release said cable means and to cause operation of said second brake means; signal-responsive means for

energizing said motor means by remote control; and a 139 cams the pre-?ight latch member to its upper in 25 normally folded parachute adapted to open in response to said signal responsive means to lower the tow target operative position. ', to the ground. When it is desired to release the target from the tow 2. A tow target as set forth in claim 1 which includes cable 139 at the end of a flight, the pilot of the towing means to delay opening of the parachute until the air aircraft may cause the tow cable to be released either by sending a radio signal to the radio 5control unit or 30 speed of the tow target is reduced after the cable is

by releasing the tow cable from the towing aircraft or by maneuvering the aircraft to develop substantial slack in the tow cable 139. If the motor 120 is energized by the radio control unit, the motor will swing the operat
ing arm 188 downward to cause the operating cable 175 ?rst to ratate the hook member 160 to release the tow

released.
3. A tow target as set forth in claim 2 in which said second brake means is movable in response to reduction

in air speed after the cable is released; and in which saidparachute is operatively connected with said second
brake means to open in response to the reduced air
speed. '

cable 139 and second to release the parachute latch pin

126. ' '

cable; a normally folded parachute to lower the tow tar get to the ground; aerodynamic brake means on said tow target movable against the air stream from a normal in effective positioninto the air stream to decelerate the ably mounted member 144 will drop from its normal ?rst position to its second position, As the movably mounted 45 tow target; spring means to exert actuating force on said brake means in the direction to oppose the air stream, member 144 drops to its second position, the operating said springmeans being too weak to overcome the re cable 175 causes the hook member 160 to release the sistance of the air stream at high relative velocities of cable loop 140. Under the force of gravity and the the air stream; means to latch said brake means'in its added force provided by the vane 151. in the air stream and the elastic cord 187, the movably mounted ,mem 50 normal ineffective position; remotely controlled means to release said'connecting means to disconnect the tow ber 144 continues to drop to its third position and in target from the cable and to release said latch means to diong so, pulls on the operating cable 175 to withdraw permit said spring means to act on said brake means the latch pin 126 that holds the parachute door closed. whereby the brake means moves into the air stream in When the parachute door 124 is released by either of the above procedures, it is opened by the air. stream and 55 response to reduction in the relative velocity of the air stream; and means to cause the parachute to open in re the parachute 122 is drawn into the air stream with sponse to the movement of said brake means into the subsequent withdrawal of the retaining pin 130 to .per air stream, whereby the parachute opens when the air mit the parachute to open. The openparachute sup speed of the tow target is reduced to a predetermined ports the tow target by the forward parachute cord 133 and the two rearward parachute cords 134. 1 In the 60 - degree. . S. A tow target as set forth in claim 4 which includes meantime, the movement of the parachute door 124 additional brake means on the tow target responsive to 'upward to its open position leaves the rod 223 free for the tension of said cable'to increase the drag of the tow upward movement and the spring 226 rotates the tri
maneuver to cause substantial slack to develop in the tow cable or may release the forward end of the tow cable from the towing aircraft. In either event the mov
- center.

Instead of following this procedure to release the tow cable 139, the pilot of the towing aircraft may 40 means for- releasably connecting the tow target to the

4. An aerial tow target adapted for connection with a cable for towing by an aircraft, said target having:

target in response to the development of slack in the cable. angular plate 220 sufficiently to shift the link "21S past 6. A tow target aslset forth in claim 5 which includes This action sets the skid 206 for operation to 65
completely disconnect the parachute in. response to con

tact with the ground.

means to prevent operation of said additional brake means'in response to contact of the tow target with the

ground. 4 When the target reaches the ground, the skid 206 7. An aerial tow target adapted for connection with is operated by the impact to pull on the cable 210 and thereby shift the latch member 199 forward. The for 70 a cable for towing by an aircraft, said target having: connection means for releasably engaging said cable, said ward shift of the latch member 199 unlatches the for connection means being mounted for movement from a ward release pin 190 to disconnect the forward para

chute cord 133 from the target and at the same time pulls on the two cables 202 to withdraw the two release

normalposition' in engagement with the cable to a sec

ond position and releasing the cable in response to move .pins192 thereby to disconnect the two rearward para 75 ment to the second position, the direction from said nor

2,898,058
13

'mal position "to said second positionvbeing a direction to pull on the cable, wherebythe normal tension in the cable
'tefndsito maintain said connection means at its normal position; spring means to move said connection means from said normal position to said second position in the absence of tension-of a predetermined magnitude in the cable thereby -to-cause the connection means to release the cable whenever the cable-tension drops below said
predetermined magnitude, so that the connection means

114
oneendand connected at its-other end to said latch means
to release the latch means in response to movement of

said movably mounted means to said second position; and a second operating means interconnecting said movably mounted means and saidv parachute-releasing means to

operate said parachute-releasing means in response to

movement of said movably mounted means to its third
position. I ' '

may be caused to release the cable either by releasing the leading end of the cable tohcause drop in the cable ten sion or by maneuvering thetowing aircraft to develop
slack in the tow cable. 8. A tow target as set forth in claim 7 which includes a pre-?ight latch means to hold said connection means in 15

17. A tow target as set forth in claim 16 which in

cludes motor means to release said latch means and oper

ate said parachute-releasing means independently of the movements of said movably mounted means; and which includes a signaliresponsive" means to energize said motor
means by remote control. I

its normal position, said latch means being releasable in response to the upward tug of the cable by the aircraft at take-01f.

18. A tow target as set forth in claim 16 which in cludes: motor means; a third operating means intencom necting said latch means and said motor means; a fourth > operating means interconnecting said parachute-releasing

tension.

9. A tow target as set forth in claim 7 in which said means and said motor means; and means to energize said connecting means has a surface for exposure to the air 20 motor means by remote control to actuate said third and stream to develop force tending to move the connecting fourth operating means for release of the cable and for means to said second position in opposition to the cable opening the parachute.

10. A tow target as set forth in claim 7 in which said a cable for towing by an aircraft, said target having: a connecting means is pivotally mounted to rock forward 25 rotary radar-re?ecting means; and means to rotate said to its second position in response to downward pull of the rotary means while the tow target is in ?ight. cable created by the development of slack in the cable. 20. A tow target as set forth in claim 19 in which said 11. A tow target as set forth in claim 10 in which the rotary means is mounted for oscillatory rotary motion. center of gravity of said connecting means is forward of 21. A tow target as set forth in claim 19 in which said its pivot axis whereby the connecting means gravitates 30 means to rotate the rotary means is powered by the air to said second position in the absence of substantial ten stream adjacent the tow target.

19. An aerial tow target adapted for connection with

sion in said cable.

12. A tow target as set forth in claim 7 which includes

remotely controlled means on the two target to cause

22. An aerial tow target adapted for connection with a cable for towing by an aircraft, said target having:

a cable for towing by an aircraft, said target having: con nection means for releasably engaging said icable, said

aerodynamic brake means to increase the aerodynamic said connection means to release the cable at either of 35 drag of the tow target; means responsive to changes in said positions of the connection means. the tension of the cable to operate said brake means when 13. An aerial tow target adapted for connection with slack develops in the cable; and means responsive to con

tact with the ground to prevent operation of said brake

means on take-off until the tow target becomes airborne.

connection means being movable in one respect from a 40 23. An aerial tow target adapted for connection with normal position through a second position to a third posi a cable for towing by an aircraft, said target having: tion, said connection means releasing the cable in re means for releasably connecting the tow target to the sponse to movement from its normal position to its sec cable; a normally folded parachute to lower the tow ond position, the direction 'of movement of the connec target to the ground; drag-inducing means to decelerate tion means away from its ?rst position being aldirection 45 the tow target; remotely controlled means to release said to pull on the cable, said connection means being biased connecting means and to operate said drag-inducing to move from its ?rst position to its third position in the means; and means to release said parachute in response absence of substantial tension in the cable whereby the to deceleration of the tow target to a predetermined

tow target may be released by maneuvering the towing degree. ' aircraftto develop slack in the cable; a parachute carried 50 24. A combination as set forth in claim 23 in which by theytow target to lower the tow target to the ground; said drag-inducing means changes in position in response means 'to retain the parachute in a normal folded state, to reduction of the air speed of the tow target; and in
said retaining means being releasable in response to move

which said means to release the parachute is responsive to change in position of said drag-inducing means for , 14. A tow target as set forth in claim 13 which in 55 automatic action. cludes means to disconnect said parachute from the tow 25. An aerial tow target adapted for connection with target in response to contact of the tow target with the a cable for towing by an aircraft, said target having: ground. means for releasably connecting the tow target to the 1,915. A tow target as set forth in claim 14 which in cable; radio-responsive means to release said connecting cludes remotely controlled means on the tow target to 60 means for freeing the tow target from the cable; and , cause said connection means to release the cable and to means responsive to slackening of said cable to release cause said parachute to open regardless of the position said connecting means independently of said radio-respon of' said connection means. sive means. :16, 'An aerial tow target adapted for connection with 26. An aerial tow target adapted for connection with a cable for towing by an aincraft, said target having: 65 a cable for towing by an aircraft, said target having: a means movably mounted on the front end of the tow parachute connected to the tow target to lower the tow target, said means being biased to move from a normal target to the ground; releasable means normally posi .?rst position through a second position to a third posi tioned to retain said parachute in compact form inside tion; a latch mechanism positioned on said movably the tow target; means to disconnect said parachute from mounted means for releasably engaging said cable, 70 the tow target in response to contact of the tow target vsaid movably mounted means being adapted to main with the ground; and means responsive to said releasable tain said normal position inresponse to tension in means to prevent operation of said disconnecting means the cable; a normally folded parachute to lower said prior to the operation of the releasing means. tow target to the ground; means to release said 27. An aerial tow target adapted for connection with parachute to open; a ?rst operating means anchored at 75 a cable for towing by an aircraft, said target having:

ment of said connection means to its third position.

2,898,058
_ 15
7 16

means for releasably connecting the tow, target to the

cable; means to release said connecting means in response to slack in the cable; means to latch said connecting

means against release by slack in the cable prior to take

off; and means to release said latch means in response

to upward tug of the cable at take 011.

References Cited in the ?le of this patent

UNITED STATES PATENTS

1,981,461 2,111,889 2,124,867 Miller _____________ __ Nov. 20, 1934 Doepp ______________ __ Mar. 22, 1938 Akerman ____________ __ July 26, 1938

2,257,277 2,396,921 2,399,215 2,419,549 2,43 2,375 2,460,294 2,477,569 2,612,327 2,649,262
10

Righter et a1. ________ __ Sept. 30, 1941

Leslie __.__,__________ __ Mar. 19, 1946 1 Fahrney , ______ _;...'____'_ ;Apr. 30, 1946

Griesinger et al. ______ __ Apr. 29, 1947

Bowles ______________ .._ Dec. 9, lessen _______________ .. Feb. 1, Beirise _______________ __ Aug. 2, Carlson ____________ __ Sept. 30, 1947 1949 1949 1952 Fahrney ____________ .. Aug. 18, 1953

FOREIGN PATENTS

552,749

Great Britain '___..___>'_.._ Apr. 22, 1943