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Researchers Make an Infrared-Invisible Tank That Would Fit Right Into Tron
- sp332 13y agoThat's very cool! Where does all the heat go?
- sgy 13y agoA specialized infrared system takes heat readings from the tank's surroundings and then actively matches the tank's heat signature to map the terrain.
- sp332 13y agoDoesn't the tank give off more IR than the surroundings? To decrease the light emitted, you have to decrease the black-body radiation in that spectrum below ambient temperature. That means actively cooling the surface, or (directly or indirectly) fluorescing the blackbody radiation into a different part of the spectrum.
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- sgy 13y agoThe PL-01 attempts its almost magical infrared signature reduction via the installation of temperature controlled wafers that blanket its exterior. This chameleon's skin of sorts, allows the tank's skin to match the infra-red signature of its surroundings. It does this by processing what small infrared sensors mounted around the tank detect, and then displays a pattern on the tank's honeycomb-like covering that best matches the infrared data collected. As a result, the tank all but disappears to infrared sensors. Even more outstanding, these wafers can also be used like pixels, as each can be manipulated in temperature. This allows for the tank to use active infrared camouflage, such as tiger stiping its infrared signature in the jungle, or making it flat like the sand in the desert. The PL-01 also lowers its infrared signature through cooling and dispersing the exhaust from its 940 hp diesel engine.
- hga 13y agoNote the bottom still picture with Diesel? exhaust fumes, and that the objective is to foil "infrared missiles". It's not trying to be invisible per se, just avoid a signature that allows locking onto some part that will result in serious damage. If the missile e.g. fires a self-forging penetrator through that exhaust plume, mission accomplished.