Definition
A type of jet engine thrust reverser that uses two clamshell-shaped doors which swing aft of the exhaust nozzle and close behind it, blocking the rearward jet exhaust and redirecting it forward to produce reverse thrust for slowing the aircraft after landing.
Plain English
A pair of curved doors on the back of a jet engine that swing closed behind the exhaust to redirect the engine's blast forward, helping the aircraft slow down after touchdown.
Context Anchor
Seen in jet aircraft systems, landing rollout procedures, and maintenance checks of thrust reverser doors and locks.
Derivation
Called 'target' because the clamshell doors act like a target placed in the path of the exhaust stream — the jet blast hits them and is deflected forward.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces landing distance and brake wear, especially useful on wet or short runways where stopping performance is critical.
Analogy
It is like putting a curved panel in front of a strong stream of air so the air is turned back toward where it came from.
Intuition Check
Do not read “target” as an aim point or destination. Here it means a type of broad deflector door used to turn engine exhaust forward.
Example Sentence 1
After touchdown, the pilot deployed the target thrust reverser to help slow the aircraft on the wet runway.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance confirmed the target thrust reverser doors stowed correctly before the next flight.