The Israeli defense technology firm Eltics recently released an interesting video explaining Black Fox, an “active, adaptive multi-spectral 
stealth technology” that does “thermal image shaping”, built to act as a sort of cloak for armored vehicles. Not necessarily an invisibility/chameleon cloak, per se, but something that allows the vehicles to look like something else, i.e. to make a Humvee look like an Abrams, or an Abrams look like an M1078 LMTV.
This isn’t the first time such measures have been taken. Similar static systems have been used by Tactical Deception organizations for many years. However, this is the first time we have seen this technology applied to a mobile platform. Such mimicry or ‘disinformation’ has obvious tactical advantages (or even strategic: remember Patton’s fake army prior to Operation Overlord?).
This is an Eltics video posted by Defense Update.
-DR
Tags: Eltics
Not really the first on a mobile platform… BAE systems adaptive IR developed in Sweden feels more ready for combat than Eltics demos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OjpBUvbz78
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdHEcomIj-E
The Eltic system was demonstrated over a year before the BAE system was announced.
The Eltic system is also far superior as it can be combined with reactive armor panels, IMI offers such a system (I forgot the name).
Thanks Joe
The first dated article about the Eltics “Black Fox” is from May 12, 2010. The first article about BAE’s system was from Sept. 5th, 2011.
Also, I found the name of the armor system; it’s called: ‘Invisible Reactive Armor Protection’ (IRAP)
In any case, Eltics is taking BAE to court for violating it’s patents. Judging by the similarity of the systems and the fact the BAE came around a year after the Eltics, I would side with Eltics on this one.
ELTICS PATENTS US 8013302 AND US 8080792 + THERE IS 3 MORE PENDING…
TECHNOLOGY PATENT PROTECTED BY ELTICS LTD
PAT 8013302 PAT 8080792 USA PATENT
OTHER FIRMS THAT NOT HAVE PATENTS MAY HAVE PROBLEMS…
Also during IIWW, Brits have been mounting wooden frames with fabric stretched onto ’em on Crusader tanks so they looked like trucks. There was no need for IR shape faking though 😛
That’s because there was no IR viewing technology, or at least nothing like we have today, back in WW II.
Well, if nothing else it demonstrates the hazards inherent in getting visual target information on only one wavelength.
First time? as Ronny O points out BAE developed a much better looking system (from their promo). Telling me Soldier Systems never saw that video? Not the first omission of the Brits I’ve seen, is this a SS policy?
Yes, it is my policy to piss off poncy cunts.
The first dated article about the Eltics “Black Fox†is from May 12, 2010. The first article about BAE’s system was from Sept. 5th, 2011.
YOU ARE RIGHT. ALSO – ELTICS GRANTED 2 PATENTS
8013302 AND 8080792 PRIORITY DATES 2006 AND 2007 .
BAE “REMEMBERED” TO FILE FOR PATENT ON FEB 2009, THE EXAMINER SAID TO BAE IT IS “LACKING” AND REFERED BAE TO OTHERS PATENTS PRIOR ART – INCLUDING ELTICS.
Seriously “Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting?” Don’t be an idiot. There’s only so much watching and looking for kit one administrator and his flunkies can do. You want Brit companies to get more coverage? Have ’em contact US blogs (like this one) when they come up with something new, otherwise they’re completely limited to what we discuss as we do research…oh, and don’t mind the Brit post from just a couple days ago: https://ssdaily.tempurl.host/2012/02/02/edgar-brothers-to-host-biggest-tactical-clearance-event-in-uk-this-month/