One of the long-standing goals of science has been the perfection of invisibility. Now, with a new technology developed by BAE Systems called Adaptiv, we’re one step closer to realising that goal.
Although aircrafts like the F-117 Nighthawk have used their unique design and low emission engines and subsystems to avoid radar and infrared detection, true “visual” invisibility has long eluded humanity.
Adaptiv builds on this by taking hexagonal plates called “pixels”, each of which about the size of an anti-tank mine, and fastening to the exterior of a vehicle.
The pixels can very rapidly alter their temperature and thereby alter the visual shape of the vehicle when viewed through infrared goggles and similar surveillance equipment.
In the video below, a CV90 tank fitted with Adaptiv technology seamlessly blends into the background terrain, takes on the shape of a parked SUV and even flashes the company name like a very deadly billboard.
BAE Systems project manager Peder Sjolund describes the technology:
“Our panels can be made so strong that they provide useful armor protection and consume relatively low levels of electricity, especially when the vehicle is at rest in ‘stealth recce’ [sic] mode and generator output is low.”
Adaptiv’s development has been partly funded by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) – like Britain’s Ministry of Supply in WWII.
The technology is currently only applicable to the infrared spectrum, though BAE Systems has hinted that over the next few years it could be paired with other technologies to render vehicles – among them helicopters, ships and tanks – invisible to other spectra.
We’ll take two CV90’s and as much Adaptiv as we can carry, thanks. Video below.
By Tristan Hankins
Story sources: BAE Systems via Cnet
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