These plastic naval boats are designed to be sunk for target practice – Jalopnik

The effectiveness of the U.S. Navy cannot be measured through dry-fire training exercises. One of the most critical aspects of preparing sailors for actual combat and testing tactical proficiency is live-fire training. In fact, there have been plenty of examples of this off the coast of Southern California, such as when the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center conducted training for the better part of a month in 2020, using live ammunition and multiple ships. But what is the navy actually aiming for?

Of course, the Navy has a number of advanced floating targets with engines that can be remotely controlled and can be up to 50 feet in length. But these options are too expensive to be used in every exercise, so cheap towed targets are used instead. The problem is that these small, non-powered boat targets are sometimes left behind after training is over. In one case, a target boat drifted across the Atlantic Ocean, began its journey in Florida, and was eventually found on a beach in Cornwall, United Kingdom. This small ship reportedly traveled about 4,000 miles at sea over the course of a year. Fortunately, the misplacement of one of these target boats is nothing like the time a $60 million US Navy fighter jet was lost at sea after falling from an aircraft carrier.

Unfortunately, this costly accident was not the only example: the Navy really needs to stop feeding F/A-18 Hornets to the Red Sea. Nevertheless, for those who encounter these strange targets floating helplessly in the water, it can be a strange sight to behold. For example, one man uploaded his experience to the Instagram account paddle goat. He got close enough to read “USN PETT” on the stern of the boat, which stands for “United States Navy Polyethylene Tow Target.”

Despite their main purpose being destruction, PETT boats must be able to carry additional equipment on board, allowing for variety in the exercises. Depending on the need, these small target boats can look different on radar or infrared sensors.

PETTs must also be tough enough to withstand severe punishment before ultimately succumbing to their injuries. How much punishment, you ask? According to GovStammore than 30 half-inch holes shall not prevent the vessel from being towed away. And believe it or not, it’s not just the Navy conducting live exercises at sea; killer whales have used yachts for target practice in Spanish coastal waters, perfecting their hunting skills for when it counts.