Multi-spectral camouflage

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

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

Among animals, both insects such as the eyed hawk-moth, and vertebrates such as tree frogs possess camouflage that works in the infra-red as well as in the visible spectrum.

History

The caterpillar of the eyed hawk-moth Smerinthus ocellatus is camouflaged to match a leafy background in both visible and infra-red light.

The English zoologist Hugh Cott, in his 1940 book Adaptive Coloration in Animals, wrote that some caterpillars such as the eyed hawk-moth Smerinthus ocellatus, and tree frogs such as the red-snouted treefrog Hyla coerulea, are coloured so as to blend with their backgrounds whether observed in visible light or in infra-red.[3][4] Cott noted the importance of camouflage in the infra-red, given the ability of tactical reconnaissance to observe in this part of the spectrum:

Because such screens are effective against direct observation and ordinary photography, by no means does it follow that they will be hidden in the infra-red photograph. Comparison of aerial photographs taken simultaneously on panchromatic and infra-red plates will reveal much that before the advent of this new technique would have been adequately camouflaged...

— Hugh Cott, 1940.[5]

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.[6]

Camouflage

Multi-spectral camouflage can be applied to individuals, to vehicles, and to buildings. It can take the form of specialised paints or camouflage nets that provide conventional camouflage, reduce the amount of heat given off by an object, and alter the shape and size of its radar signature.[7][8][9][10][11] The SAAB Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System provides a degree of concealment in the visible, thermal infrared, and radar parts of the electromagnetic spectrum,[12] as does the Miranda Berberys-R multispectral camouflage system from Poland.[13]

Examples across the electromagnetic spectrum

Electromagnetic spectrum[14]
Name	Wavelength	Detected by	Camouflage Technology	Example application
Ultraviolet	10 nm – 380 nm
Visible light	380 nm – 700 nm	Eyes, cameras	Paint, nets, counter-illumination	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	Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, F-117 Nighthawk
Longer Radio waves	1 m – 100,000 km

See also

• Multispectral image
• Electro-optical MASINT

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. Ramana Rao, J.V. "Introduction to Camouflage & Deception" (PDF). Defence Research and Development Organisation (India). p. 116. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
4. Cott, Hugh B. (1940). Adaptive Coloration in Animals. Oxford University Press. p. Plate 5 shows the eyed hawk-moth caterpillar in visible and infra-red on a leafly background; Plate 6 shows a tree-frog similarly. It is clear from the plates that these animals reflect infra-red.
5. Cott, Hugh B. (1940). Adaptive Coloration in Animals. Oxford University Press. p. 10.
6. "RTO-TM-SCI-096 - Multispectral Camouflage for the Soldier System". NATO RTO Task Group. Retrieved 25 January 2014.
7. "Signature Management". Saab Solutions. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
8. "Anti Thermal IR Coating". Motley-Exim. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
9. "Multispectral Camouflage for the Soldier System (SCI-096)". NATO RTO Task Group. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
10. "Camouflage net". BLÜCHER SYSTEMS®. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
11. "Multispectral Camouflage Nets". Raksha Supreme Camouflage. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
12. "MCS Mobile Camouflage System: Protection on the Move". SAAB Group. 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
13. "Producer's leaflet" (in Polish)
14. Nave, C.R. "The Electromagnetic Spectrum". HyperPhysics. Hosted by Georgia State University Department of Physics and Astronomy. Retrieved 30 April 2013.