Target system for laser marksmanship training devices

Abstract

A target system for laser marksmanship training devices is comprised of one or more photodetectors mounted on a target and sensitive to one or more pulses of the operating wavelength of a laser beam simulating the projectile of a weapon. An amplifier increases the power output of the photodetectors, and a frequency selective transducer is operated from the amplified output of the photodetectors. The transducer is attached and acoustically coupled to the target and produces a vibration signature simulating the vibration characteristics of a weapon-fired projectile striking the target. A microphone sensitive to the vibration signature of the transducer is acoustically coupled to the target, and a drive mechanism lowers the target out of the field of view of the weapon when the microphone receives a hit-indicating vibration signature from the transducer. In a preferred embodiment the laser pulses include a code sequence identification of the weapon being fired and the amplifier includes a decoder for the pulse code sequence. The decoder includes a dual signal threshold level comparator in which a pulse signal level exceeding the first threshold level is established for a man target, and a pulse signal level exceeding the second threshold level is established for a vehicle target whereby the transducer is energized to initiate lowering of the target.