Innovative Vehicle Camouflage

Today's military has a need to reduce the probability of visual detection of its vehicles and shelters and to quickly change its camouflage patterns in the field. The traditional NATO pattered camouflage was developed years ago and is now obsolete. Thework of this SBIR involves a new technology where a digitized pixel scheme is delivered via a removable coating, which provides for advanced survivability. Camouflage is made possible via an advanced patterning approach, which considers perceptionlimitations that are inherent in the human eye. Rapid removal and re-deployment is provided by a strippable coating binder that incorporates advanced adhesive energy management. This insures the coatings the coatings integrity without compromisingpredictable removal. This easily applied camouflage system will be tough enough to withstand the military's operational-durability demands including immersion requirements. At the same time, the removability of the coating will enhance decontamination ofequipment from nuclear, chemical and biological agents. Contemporary camouflage techniques for commercial application include clothing and concealment equipment for hunters, naturalists, and paint ball enthusiasts. These measures rely heavily on outdatedmimicry patterns. The principles used in the improved digital camouflage system will provide a new start for the commercial camouflage industry. There is a significant commercial opportunity for an easily applied camouflage coating. This could be used bysporting enthusiasts and by manufacturers of hunting equipment. An example is the duck hunter, who uses the camouflage on his watercraft for hunting season and can easily restore its appearance to that which is appropriate for other recreational purposes.