Definition
A type of thrust reverser used on turbojet and low-bypass turbofan engines that uses two hydraulically actuated clamshell-style doors to redirect the engine's exhaust gases forward, producing reverse thrust to help slow the airplane during the landing rollout.
Plain English
A pair of curved doors at the back of the engine that swing closed behind the exhaust, blocking it and bouncing it forward. That forward-pointing exhaust pushes the airplane backward, helping it slow down after landing.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of thrust reverser design, landing rollout, and procedures for airplanes equipped with reverse thrust.
Derivation
Called a 'target' reverser because the clamshell doors act like a target or shield placed in the path of the exhaust stream, catching the gases and deflecting them forward. The word 'target' here means the object the exhaust hits, not something being aimed at.
Why Pilots Care
Provides effective deceleration on landing, reducing runway distance required and brake wear on jet aircraft.
Analogy
It is like putting a board in front of air blowing out of a fan so the air is forced to spread back toward the fan instead of continuing straight out.
Intuition Check
Target does not mean something the pilot is aiming at here. It means a door-like surface placed in the exhaust stream to catch and redirect the engine's outgoing air.
Example Sentence 1
After touchdown, the pilot deployed the target reversers, and the clamshell doors swung shut behind the engines to redirect the exhaust forward.
Example Sentence 2
Target reversers allow the aircraft to stop more quickly on wet or short runways.