Multi-spectral camouflage

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German Marder 1A5 with 'Barracuda' mobile multi-spectral camouflage
Camouflage

Multi-spectral camouflage is the use of counter-surveillance techniques to conceal objects from detection by methods across several parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. While traditional camouflage attempts to hide an object in the visible spectrum, multi-spectral camouflage also deals with hiding the object from detection methods such as infra-red, radar, and millimetre-wave imaging at the same time.[1][2]

History

A German-led NATO research project concluded in 2004 that while "the multispectral signatures of most military equipment can be significantly reduced by combinations of various camouflage materials", multi-spectral camouflage for individual soldiers remained lacking. The main problems identified were operational constraints such as mobility, weight, and the soldier's physiology.[3]

Applications

Multi-spectral camouflage can be applied to individuals in the form of a ghillie suit, disguising the heat given off by the wearer's body, and to vehicles and buildings with either specialised paints or camouflage nets that reduce the amount of heat given off by an object, as well as altering the shape and size of its radar signature.[4][5][6][7][8] The SAAB Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System provides a degree of concealment in the visible, thermal infrared, and radar parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.[9] The Miranda Berberys-R multispectral camouflage system from Poland offers protection from detection in the visible and thermal bands as well as radar.[10]

Electromagnetic spectrum[11]
Name Wavelength Detected by Camouflage Technology Example application
Ultraviolet 10 nm – 380 nm
Visible light 380 nm – 700 nm Eyes, cameras Paint, nets, etc Uniforms
Shorter Infrared 700 nm – 3 µm Image intensifiers Peltier cooling plates Adaptiv
Mid or Thermal infrared 3 µm – 8 µm Heat-seeking missile
Long infrared 8 µm – 15 µm Thermal imaging sensor
Far infrared 15 µm – 1 mm
Microwave 1 mm – 1 m Radar Stealth technology F-117 Nighthawk
Longer Radio waves 1 m – 100,000 km

See also

References

  1. ↑ Shabbir, Usman. "Highlights from IDEAS 2002". ACIG Special Reports. Air Combat Information Group. Retrieved 30 April 2013. 
  2. ↑ A US 4287243 A, Nielsen, Willi G., "Mat for multispectral camouflage of objects and permanent constructions", published Sep 1, 1981 .
  3. ↑ "RTO-TM-SCI-096 - Multispectral Camouflage for the Soldier System". NATO RTO Task Group. Retrieved 25 January 2014. 
  4. ↑ "Anti Thermal IR Coating". Motley-Exim Co. Retrieved 30 April 2013. 
  5. ↑ "Winter Camouflage Nets". Saab Group. Retrieved 30 April 2013. 
  6. ↑ "Multispectral Camouflage for the Soldier System (SCI-096)". NATO RTO Task Group. Retrieved 30 April 2013. 
  7. ↑ "Camouflage net". BLÜCHER SYSTEMS®. Retrieved 30 April 2013. 
  8. ↑ "Multispectral Camouflage Nets". Raksha Supreme Camouflage. Retrieved 30 April 2013. 
  9. ↑ "MCS Mobile Camouflage System: Protection on the Move". SAAB Group. 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2014. 
  10. ↑ "Producer's leaflet" (in Polish)
  11. ↑ Nave, C.R. "The Electromagnetic Spectrum". HyperPhysics. Hosted by Georgia State University Department of Physics and Astronomy. Retrieved 30 April 2013. 
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