Prototype Chameleon Coming Soon?

[DFW]

Tanks are expensive and that is not even speaking to the 'assets' inside. There is certainly enough justification (fiscal and otherwise) for doing research in this area.

Not really as the counter measure that TOTALLY eliminates the benefit is cheap and can be worn by an enemy soldier.

 

[BP]

Tanks are expensive and that is not even speaking to the 'assets' inside. There is certainly enough justification (fiscal and otherwise) for doing research in this area.

Not really as the counter measure that TOTALLY eliminates the benefit is cheap and can be worn by an enemy soldier.

No counter measure TOTALLY eliminates anything.

Just as no stealth tech is likely to be foolproof. And, as with most tech, the counter is generally significantly cheaper. It is what one stands to loose that must be used against this difference.

Painting tanks today is not free - yet it is still done. If one is talking IR - that is a technology that is a) not always available (despite low cost), b) generally of a smaller field of view, c) of variable effectiveness, and d) a totally separate issue of stealth technology.

Also consider the mission types - a tank, well since placed, waiting in ambush (with cold start systems) is a quite different scenario than one 'sneaking up' on a position.

Even if complete IR 'invisibility' could be obtained - then one would still be left with defeating the Mark I Eyeball. Range is the first counter against this, color is the second. Thus, such research is quite prudent.

 

[rust]

I suspect that a cheap laser rangefinder could be almost as dangerous
for the "invisible" tanks as an IR sensor.

 

[AndrewW]

But it can be cooled to reduce the heat signature. This is done now for some fighter jets.

Talking tanks here. The main jets that do this are the sub sonic 117 & B-2. Supersonic fighters. No.

Yes we are talking about tanks in this case. Just mentioning that this is already being done now and could be doable for tanks as well. Don't see many tanks going supersonic (yet anyways)...

 

[Silvereye]

New Scientist has some stuff on as well. The second image is quite interesting. If it works and goes into production, it also makes you wonder how long it would take a bored tank crew to get it play dvds. And it also has some ideas for IR stealth.

New Scientist Article

Now if you can change colour, and say use memory materials to deform the objects shape somewhat so it is not all straight edges, how long would it take before you could make a camouflaged object do something like this beastie. Got to love those cephalopods.

 

[AlphaWhelp]

this tech is not even close to visilight chameleon.

this however, is totally like it and is also going to be ready in just a few years.

 

[DFW]

Yes we are talking about tanks in this case. Just mentioning that this is already being done now and could be doable for tanks as well. Don't see many tanks going supersonic (yet anyways)...

Nope, won't work for tanks. If you knew how it was done for the aircraft you wouldn't have posted that though...

 

[AndrewW]

Yes we are talking about tanks in this case. Just mentioning that this is already being done now and could be doable for tanks as well. Don't see many tanks going supersonic (yet anyways)...

Nope, won't work for tanks. If you knew how it was done for the aircraft you wouldn't have posted that though...

I didn't say it would be done the same way, no that wont work. I'm saying a method may be devised that would.

 

[DFW]

Yes we are talking about tanks in this case. Just mentioning that this is already being done now and could be doable for tanks as well. Don't see many tanks going supersonic (yet anyways)...

Nope, won't work for tanks. If you knew how it was done for the aircraft you wouldn't have posted that though...

I didn't say it would be done the same way, no that wont work. I'm saying a method may be devised that would.

I got you. True. Would be interesting to see possible solutions.