Thermal Camouflage of Fixed Installations: Project TIREX

摘要

This paper has presented an overview of Project TIREX as well as a sampling of some of the results for one of the structures on which camouflage materials were tested. The examples presented were limited to analyses of contrast reduction potential in both the visual and thermal IR bands. The results are indicative of the results of the complete data set. Few materials exist that offer an ability to completely reduce the contrast of a structure to its natural surround. While many materials offer significant thermal or visual contrast reductions, none were ideal for simultaneously providing the desired reduction in both bands. This indicates a continuing need to develop better materials and applications concepts. Project TIREX will provide the first available systematic guidance for thermal camouflage design. While a considerable amount of developmental work is still required, a very substantial foundation will be available to proceed rapidly to the full camouflage capability needed to address the modern threat.