Operationally Representative Expendable Target (ORET)
Team: Austin Allred, Evelyn Anderson, Mackay Baugh, Preston Howe, and Bryson Kimber
Description
The project fulfills the objective from the 86 Fighter Weapon Squadron to build a target to train pilots in recognizing active threats on the modern battlefield. To do this USU was tasked with designing and building a mock target that is a similar shape and size to an active threat.
Design Description
The design that was chosen after much consideration, was guided by pilot and range official insight, as well as functionally simple in its assembly. Our final design was a steel frame of angle iron welded together and covered in thin sheet metal. These materials were used to allow for our design to meet recyclability considerations, our design is 100% recyclable.
Target Image as Viewed by Pilot
Performance Review
| Requirement / Constraint / Goal | Target | Threshold | Predicted Performance | Actual Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max width | 7 ft | ±0.5 ft | 4 ft | 5 ft |
| Max Length | 19 ft | <20 ft | 10 ft | 9 ft 10 in |
| Max height | 7.5 ft | < 8 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft |
| Positive radar reflectance | Classified Numerical Value | Classified Numerical Value | ||
| Environmentally recyclable | 90% | ±10% | 99% | 100% |
| Visually Representable Distance | 2 miles | ± 1 mile | 2 miles | 2 miles |
| Assembly | 3 people | ± 1 person | 3 people | 3 people |
Target Image as Viewed by Pilot
Conclusion
In conclusion, planning ahead and keeping everyone on the same page is key to making this project run smoothly. Getting stakeholder input early, starting machining training before materials arrive, and sending out meeting agendas ahead of time all help keep things organized. Plus, thinking about safety from the start and doing small-scale prototyping early on can save a lot of headaches later and make it easier to communicate ideas with clients.
