In the broadest sense, not being recognized or "seen" means excluding the display of signatures of any kind that an opponent can detect with sensors of different categories, be it the naked eye or an advanced radio frequency or thermal imaging system. Typical signatures or signatures of visibility include visual, acoustic, electromagnetic, both radar and radio frequency, and thermal. While acoustic and radio frequency signatures are largely determined by the course of the process - a driving car or a walking soldier will inevitably create some kind of noise - and any type of radiation from a radio station can be detected by means of electronic warfare, a camouflage system can cope with visual, radar, thermal imaging signatures.
More traditional or more technological
Visual camouflage is arguably the oldest way to evade detection since armies in the 19th century began to abandon the use of colored uniforms en masse in an attempt to impress the enemy, moving towards a more advanced type of warfare. Wearing clothes painted to match the background color reduces the likelihood of being spotted, the same is true for camouflaged vehicles. Depending on the country and the current situation, the camouflage changed many times - sometimes the armies tended to one-color patterns, then to multi-color ones, but the idea was always to break the shape, clear outlines not characteristic of nature, and mix with background colors. Materials absorbing radio waves were first used in aviation, where radar is the main sensor system for detecting targets; thus, the less energy is reflected, the less likely it is to be seen. With the proliferation of ground surveillance radars, this has become important for ground vehicles as well. As for the thermal signature, internal combustion engines, as well as the human body, are typical heat generators, therefore, trying to hide them from the enemy's view through specific camouflage systems is the key to maintaining their invisibility to the opponent, especially nowadays when thermal imagers have become commonplace.
If for soldiers the two most important spectra are thermal and visible, then for vehicles all three come into play: since they are made mainly of metal, the radar signature is of particular importance here, although modern surveillance radars at certain distances are also able to detect people. Several years ago, materials were developed to reduce one type of signature, some of them could handle even two spectra at the same time; a solution capable of reducing signatures in all three spectra, used on both stationary and moving objects, with minimal mass and energy consumption, is yet to appear on the market. In the latter case, we are talking more about active systems of varying complexity, capable of adapting the visual and thermal appearance of the machine to the background. At the same time, camouflage nets and infrared coloring are still the most common systems for hiding people and vehicles.
At DSEI 2011, BAE Systems Hagglunds presented a demonstration of the Adaptiv adaptive thermal camouflage system, which gave the name to the general multispectral camouflage solution. The CV90120-T tracked vehicle was covered with hexagonal tiles with a side of about 15 cm, the temperature of which could change. In order to merge the car with the background, a thermal sensor (can be one of the sensors that are already on the car) directed towards the background measures its temperature, this data is transmitted to a computer, which sends data to each individual tile to change its temperature, to make it as similar as possible to what the enemy can see from behind the contour of the machine. Theoretically, it is possible to provide a 360 ° fusion with the background, but fortunately, cases of complete encirclement of the car by opponents are quite rare. As a result, only about half of the vehicle needs to be camouflaged.
The time required to change the temperature of the tiles allows you to use “camouflage on the move” up to a speed of 30 km / h. Therefore, the dimensions of the system are optimized to obtain low visibility in the IR spectrum at a distance of about 500 meters. Adaptive can also be used as a misleading system to disrupt the opponent's intelligence loop, as it allows the IR signature of a completely different target to be displayed. In addition to camouflage, the new capabilities can be used as a combat identifier, which can be used in the "friend or foe" system, as well as a means of communication in line of sight, that is, to generate short QR messages. According to BAE Systems, the Adaptive IR system also has good radio absorption characteristics. The thermal section of the Adaptiv system was field tested with an unnamed customer. The company has also worked extensively on design options, with particular emphasis on integration with various types of platforms. Other improvements have been implemented in the power supply of the system as well as in the reduction of power consumption. The Adaptive system is able to significantly reduce the capabilities of enemy radars and thermal imagers, which gives an advantage to a car equipped with these tiles. However, unfortunately, it remains perfectly visible to the human eye, as well as to other sensors operating in the visible spectrum.
A tricky technical problem
Implementing adaptive visual camouflage has proven to be a big challenge as “traditional” systems such as LED and OLED panels were found to be incompatible with the thermal system; another problem is camouflaging the vehicle from different angles. The solution was found a few years ago when there was a breakthrough in display technology with the introduction of electrochromic display panels. They are a thin film that can be used to cover thermal tiles while maintaining their properties. BAE Systems chose a "pixel" solution with a significantly thinner mesh than the thermal system, about 100 visual pixels fit into the size of the thermal tile. In this case, a system could be created that can accurately reproduce what the background consists of, making the machine completely invisible to the enemy. In principle, such a system can be obtained within a few years, but in any case, it is necessary to take into account the distance from which the opponent will observe the car. Thus, BAE Systems decided to take a more conservative path, at least for the time being, by using Adaptiv as a "virtual camouflage network". Pre-programmed camouflage patterns in the amount of 10 to 20 basic colors can be loaded into the database, which is quite enough to significantly degrade optical visibility from various distances. Typically, on-board sensors can be used to capture background texture and display the most appropriate camouflage pattern on displays; moreover, these sensors can be easily added to the car, if they were not previously there. The “virtual network” approach allows the system to be used, although not to its full potential, even in manual mode, when the operator manually enters the required type of visual and thermal imaging camouflage through a special interface.
While the sensors can be standard machine sensors, the Adaptiv system needs its own "brains" for correct operation, which, receiving information from the sensors, transform it into signals to various layers of the multispectral Adaptiv; the only passive element is the radar. The company recently began developing an interface between the Adaptiv system and the vehicle, with particular emphasis on compatibility with the Generic Vehicle Architecture (generic or standard vehicle architecture) in accordance with STANAG 4754.
At the moment, the power consumption of active infrared signature control is about 20-70 W / m2, to control the visual signature, another 0.5-7 W / m2 is required. In terms of weight, the Adaptiv system, which is mounted on the outside, usually weighs 10-12 kg / m2. Considering that the average surface area of a BMP or MBT is approximately 20-25 m2, it is easy to estimate energy consumption and additional mass. BAE Systems Hagglunds did not show the Adaptiv system at Eurosatory 2018, possibly in anticipation of a fully redesigned product to be presented at DSEI2019. BAE Systems is currently testing Adaptiv visuals with an unnamed customer. In terms of technical readiness, the complete system (infrared, visual, radar) is assessed at Level 6 (technology demonstration), while the infrared and radar components are assessed at Level 7 (subsystem development). The company has already conducted several field tests and plans to field test the complete system during 2019.
Using mirrors
In France, work is also underway in the field of adaptive camouflage. Nexter Systems, under the direction of the Arms Directorate (DGA), is developing a system called Cameleon. This program, which began in 2010, was first shown at Eurosatory 2014, and in 2018 the Cameleon 2 concept was introduced as a scale model. The aim of the project is also to reduce visual and infrared signatures. The Cameleon 2 system consists of 4-pixel panels, each capable of reproducing 8 colors. At present, the technology, having reached the level of a demonstration sample, is being applied to rigid panels. However, the final goal is more ambitious - to develop soft material. A small sample of a soft material with the same characteristics as rigid panels was made in the laboratory. All this is still at the research level, but the French are determined to start in the future the production of camouflage nets from a similar material. Finally, the DGA is giving free rein to its fantasies, intending to begin developing combat gear from adaptive camouflage, which may become available around 2040.
Progress in visual trickery
At the Army 2018 exhibition, TsNIITOCHMASH presented a prototype of a light adaptive system for infantry, which is an array of triangular elements attached to a helmet. The company has developed these elements over three years, which are capable of changing color when receiving an electrical signal. The declared power consumption is 3040 W / m2. Of course, the system must be integrated with a sensor capable of "seeing" the background and with a computer capable of converting the sensor signals into signals necessary to adapt the color to the background color. According to the company, it will take another 2-3 years to develop a working prototype.
If we talk about passive camouflage, then Saab Barracuda is the leader in this area, having presented several new solutions at the last Eurosatory. The company has developed a new camouflage net for stationary applications. It is based on a completely new material that weighs less than 50 grams / m2, and this is especially important. that it stays soft down to -30 °, which contributes to a longer service life in harsh climates. Saab Barracuda has also been able to improve its multispectral properties, especially in the radar field. A two-sided net usually has one side white and the other white with green spots.
Saab Barracuda has added flexibility to its mobile camouflage solutions as well. Now every solution is tailored for a specific machine in order to better cover it; in addition, all systems are now two-sided. In a normal situation, the entire car is covered with white panels, however, with a decrease in the area of / u200b / u200bthe snow cover, the crew can quickly change color, since some of the panels can be easily turned over and fastened on a white surface on specially located Velcro fasteners, allowing the snow-white surface to be diluted with darker spots. Created for areas with cold climates, the solution, of course, can be implemented in camouflage systems used in other external conditions, for example, in urbanized areas. When developing mobile camouflage systems, Saab Barracuda works with vehicle manufacturers to better match camouflage patterns to appropriate surfaces and to provide access to existing hatches.
The company has always provided the proper training to its customers. However, Saab Barracuda has now decided to create an academy with three types of courses that guarantee the maximum level of standardization. A three-day master course will be held in Sweden near Linköping; it will include a visit to the Department of Research and Development and Laboratories, where cadets will be allowed to use different sensors to see with their own eyes the operation of different camouflage systems. The other two courses, also in Sweden, will focus on mobile teams. The first courses are intended for technical personnel who will be trained in the use of camouflage materials, various camouflage techniques for vehicles and all materiel-related activities including maintenance and storage. This course has a duration of two days, as well as a course of a higher level of instructor training. The difference is not only in the program, but also in the number of students; the former can be attended by a maximum of a platoon, and the latter are taught for a maximum of 8-10 people. Last but not least, Saab organized the Barracuda User Group, the Barracuda User Group, whose first meeting took place in June at Eurosatory. The aim of this group is to discuss operational needs, future development of signature management, and exchange of knowledge and experience. It will be organized each year alternately at the two main European defense exhibitions, Eurosatory in Paris and DSEI in London.
It took Swiss company SSZ 12 years to develop Camoshield, a proprietary fabric that improves protection against the latest thermal imaging systems used in drones and aerial surveillance cameras, weapon sights and wearable surveillance devices. The use of thermal imaging systems became more popular and affordable when devices in the well-known near infrared region of the spectrum were added to devices in the shortwave, mediumwave and longwave infrared regions of the spectrum.
The technology presented five years ago has not received proper development, since there was no need for it yet. But the Swiss company SSZ foresaw that it would become a reality years later. The needs for this technology are now clearly defined and therefore the owner of SSZ decided to create a separate company focused on the production and promotion of garments. Thus, at the end of 2017, Swiss CamouTech was established, selecting Schoeller Textiles Switzerland and Milliken in the USA as licensing partners for the production and promotion of their specialty textiles.
Little information is available about the technology itself; it is only known that it reduces the human thermal signature by reducing visible infrared radiation to 10 ° C compared to standard field uniforms, thereby disrupting the shape of the object when viewed through a thermal imaging system.
According to the manufacturer, Camoshield is effective across the entire thermal spectrum, maintains the highest levels of comfort and weather protection, the fabric is breathable, water-repellent and specially designed for night-time outdoor activities. It offers optimum performance in ambient temperatures from 0 ° to 37 ° C. The Camoshield kit is indistinguishable from standard combat gear and can be supplied in several different camouflage patterns and colors to suit all climates. CamouTech has partnered with Schoeller Textiles Switzerland to customize the fabric and add properties such as fire retardant and insecticidal insect bite treatment. If the customer requests the technology to be applied to their own fabric, it will take little time to develop a customized solution. To date, the Swiss company has developed a family of products based on Camoshield technology. There are four IRBD (Thermal Infrared Battle Dress) kits available: fire retardant and lightweight non-flame retardant options, dry suit for amphibious missions, and sniper kit.
Swiss CamouTech has received contracts for a limited number of products from customers in Europe, the United States and the Middle East, mainly special forces. After evaluating field trials, the company expects major contracts in the near future.
Sometimes camouflaging a vehicle or weapon system requires a special amount of camouflage material that is not available at the moment. To solve this problem, the Israeli company Fibrotex has developed a lightweight Kit Sophia system weighing 15 kg, consisting of a container and 35 linear meters of double-sided mesh, capable of reducing signatures in the visible range, near infrared and thermal infrared regions. This allows operators in the field to pick up as much mesh as needed to hide a particular machine or system. The filled container is a cube with a side of 50 cm, the height of the empty one is reduced by 5 cm. This clever, low-cost, low-tech solution simplifies the soldier's service.
