Advanced Aerogel Composites for Low Signature Base Camp Shelters

Base camps require reduction in heat signature to maintain low-observable capabilities. Both warfighters and sustainment forces within the base camps generate characteristic heat signatures that can reveal the location, presence of personnel and electronic equipment, and may provide some indication of activities and OPTEMPO. Aspen Aerogels, with partner Qinetiq North America, proposes to develop a shelter skin system that combines the thermal barrier properties of aerogel insulation with other heat dissipating technologies to shield base camp structures from heat signature observation. Aspen Aerogels will develop a unique, flexible aerogel formulation which will be combined with other thermal regulating technologies to deliver a shelter with highly reduced heat signature. The Aspen solution will capitalize on the company’s past success utilizing the advantages of aerogel’s extremely low thermal conductivity to provide a revolutionary material for thermal management of base camp structures. This innovation will be integrated with other heat dissipation and renewable power production and storage technologies to deliver thermal cloaking capabilities to Army Base Camps. Partnering with Qinetiq North America will expand technology reach, analysis capabilities, composite manufacturing, and highly-competent integration expertise to bring this innovation from concept to commercialization.