What used to be camouflage could soon be replaced by controllable surfaces that can adapt their camouflage depending on the situation. The Advanced Solutions for Camouflage of Land Systems (ASCALS) project, launched by the European Defence Agency (EDA) in June 2023, is now entering the test phase.
The aim of every camouflage measure is to be detected as late as possible. Until now, the camouflage of land systems has been limited to the use of camouflage patterns and paints that reduce visual detection and the reflection of infra-red (IR) radiation, thus making reconnaissance with residual light amplifiers and IR optics more difficult. The EDA therefore launched the ASCALS project to research innovative materials and processes to significantly improve the camouflage of land systems. The aim was to develop active camouflage capabilities that reduce signatures in the visual, infrared and radar spectrums.
Completion of the research phase
Eighteen months after the start of the project, the research phase was successfully completed. The aim was to develop various materials that can adapt dynamically to their environment. Ten industrial and research institutions from six countries were involved in the project, which had a budget of EUR 1.3 million.
The materials developed can be assigned to different categories:
- Electrochromic materials – these can change their colour and reflectivity if required, helping the carrier systems to blend in almost perfectly with their surroundings;
- Liquid crystals – these materials can change the transmission and reflection of light, particularly in the IR range, making it more difficult to recognise objects;
- Phase change materials – these materials can store and release heat in a targeted manner, allowing vehicles to better control their thermal signature and adapt to different temperatures. For example, these materials can store the waste heat from an engine and release it at a later point in time, significantly reducing the vehicle’s thermal signature.
- Graphene and electrolyte structures – these materials are suitable for stealth coatings as they offer high potential for reducing IR and radar signals.
- Controllable meta-surfaces – this category includes materials of which the radar signature can be altered using electrical signals. Such materials could play a key role in camouflaging land systems with large areas.
Testing until 2027
Following the successful completion of the research phase (ACALS I), the project is now moving on to the development phase (ACALS II). The aim is to further develop the technologies identified and test them on military platforms by 2027. As the research results are promising so far, the findings could also be adapted and used for maritime and aviation applications in the future.
