What you are about to see will forever change the way military small-arms ranges are designed, built, and serviced. Old-fashioned ranges relying on expensive, high-voltage electrical motors to move targets have been rendered obsolete by the revolutionary pneumatic systems presented here. Action Target introduced and has perfected this pneumatic technology, which harnesses the simple and efficient power of compressed air to move targets on the range.
One of the greatest of these obstacles is finding range equipment that fills critical training requirements without settling for expensive and overly complex technology. Action Target's Field Infantry Target System, or FITS, is a complete equipment package that solves these training issues for all types of small arms ranges up to 1000 meters.
The FITS system represents a perfect blend of technology, durability and simplicity. While it is powerful enough to provide hit sensors, automated scoring, and individual target control, it is simple enough to be inexpensive, reliable, and field serviceable.
The Actuator
Traditional RETS and ERETS target systems use actuators powered by high-voltage electrical current. When commanded by the central control system, the actuator lifts or retracts its target in a "pop-up" motion. Because an electric motor requires precise instructions to control its movements and start-stop points, sophisticated circuit boards, transformers, and other computer hardware must be integrated into every actuator. Since these circuits and other on-board electronics are scattered with the actuators out on the range itself, they are vulnerable to the elements and can require complex and expensive repair when damaged or defective. Electric motors can also burn out if accumulated snow, ice, weeds, or other debris interfere with the target's motion.
Instead of high-voltage electricity, Action Target's MC-90 actuator uses pneumatic power to move a target into and out of sight. The superior "swing-up" motion of the MC-90 prevents snow and ice from building up on the target, and is impervious to wind. Because there are no complex circuit boards or electronics needed with the MC-90 actuator, its performance and life span are not affected by temperature extremes or wet weather. It even works under water! Tested at over 10,000 cycles, the MC-90 actuator is a simpler, more durable, and much less expensive approach.
The Coffin
Coffins designed around RETS systems and the old M31-A1 type actuators are commonly large concrete bunkers poured or assembled in the shape a rectangle with the back end open. The actuator is then placed inside this bunker, and dirt is sometimes pushed up against the outside concrete walls.
The MC-90 coffin is made up of three high strength, weatherproof steel plates - a front plate and a plate on each flank. The actuator is bolted directly to the coffin, as is the junction box housing the air line, air valve, and control wire. While the MC-90 coffin is a bit wider than the concrete bunkers used for "pop-up" motion targets, its reduced depth provides better concealment for the target and allows it to remain unseen until presented, even at close distances. This design also allows the target to be presented at a more realistic height in relation to the shooter. It is important to note that the FITS coffin by itself will not stop high power rounds, but when dirt from the range is pushed up against the front and sides of the coffin, you get a durable and effective protection system for the actuator.
The Power Source
This is the component of greatest difference between RETS-type systems and Action Target's FITS system. A RETS system uses high-voltage electricity as the power source to run the target actuators, and we have already seen that the actuators require complicated circuit boards and transformers to properly manage this high-voltage current for proper performance. Besides the complex nature of electric motors and related parts, another significant drawback to this approach is the cost. An electrically powered system is not only much more expensive to initially install, it is more expensive to maintain and repair as well.
The use of compressed air or pneumatic technology to power actuators on shooting ranges was pioneered and perfected by Action Target in the early 90's. When pneumatic technology is properly applied on a range, it is reliable, durable, and efficient, even in areas of high humidity and extreme hot or cold temperatures. It is also dramatically less expensive than functionally similar electric systems. In fact, the installation of an Action Target pneumatic FITS range in a standard MRFR configuration is typically about half the cost of a RETS-type electric system!
Because of Action Target's success with pneumatic ranges, other manufacturers have designed and installed air-powered systems as well. Unfortunately, their lack of understanding and experience with pneumatic technology has produced poor quality ranges and has resulted in an unfounded skepticism of pneumatic ranges in general. It is very important to understand that just because one manufacturer's pneumatic range is unacceptable, it does not mean that all of them are. The science of pneumatics is very specific, and only Action Target has mastered it.
Control Wires
A hard-wired range means every single actuator must be physically connected to the central control system in order to receive commands from and return data to the computer. Because more than twenty thousand feet of wire is required for a standard MRFR range, the quality of the wire becomes a serious issue. Action Target FITS ranges are installed using only heavy duty direct burial cable. This means the cable is shielded from potential electrical interference, and is designed to directly withstand the moisture and temperature fluctuations of underground conditions. Despite the durability of the cable, we still bury it in conduits to ensure reliability and facilitate changes or repairs.
Trenches
Regardless of the power source used to run the range, trenches must be dug out to every actuator position. Buried in these trenches will be the air lines for a pneumatic range, the high-voltage wires for an electric range, and the control wires used to communicate with the actuators. Be aware that burying high-voltage wires in the ground is subject to more stringent and therefore more expensive code requirements. Special care must also be taken with high-voltage lines to keep them separated from your control wires.
Computer Hardware and Software
The control system for Action Target FITS ranges is operated from a range tower or other centralized location on a standard IBM compatible personal computer. The computer itself is not connected directly with the actuators on the range, but communicates by using separate junction units called "Modulas" that act as mediators between the actuators and the computer. This approach makes the entire FITS control system extremely powerful and flexible.
With the user-friendly interface of the FITS control system you can customize the standard military training scenarios provided for you, or write your own from scratch. Using hit sensors mounted on each target, FITS can tell you exactly how many times a target was hit and when during the scenario each hit occurred. It can then provide custom printouts of each shooter's performance for archiving and future reference. FITS can even control strobe lights mounted on the actuators for night fire "muzzle flash" training.
On some ranges, you can protect the more sensitive elements of the control system and improve troubleshooting and range diagnostics by connecting each actuator to its own "Target Control Module" located in the main control shed. This device uses red and green lights to verify that each actuator is connected and functioning properly, and suggests where to look if there is a problem.
With a pneumatic FITS range, you get all the benefits of advanced technology, powerful features, and superior performance without the maintenance and service problems associated with complex electric systems. Action Target's FITS is the only full-service system available through the GSA schedule. Full service means our GSA contract allows complete installation, service, and training to be provided exclusively by Action Target. This convenience greatly simplifies the purchasing process. For more information on how you can benefit form superior quality, service, and dependability, contact Action Target today.