Materials for signature management 2017-2019 - Final Report

Authors:

  • Linda H Karlsson
  • Åsa Andersson
  • Tomas Hallberg
  • Hans Kariis
  • Lars Pettersson
  • Anna Pohl
  • Steven Savage
  • Christina Åkerlind

Publish date: 2019-12-10

Report number: FOI-R--4852--SE

Pages: 36

Written in: Swedish

Keywords:

  • Signature management
  • camouflage
  • signature material
  • radar absorbing materials
  • adaptive camouflage
  • civilian trends
  • material technology
  • biomimetic
  • polarization
  • superhydrophobic
  • optical antennas
  • IR emitting materials
  • final report
  • military utility
  • dual–use
  • measuring techniques

Abstract

In a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, the risk of encountering an opponent with advanced sensor technology has increased, and with it the need for signature management. In signature management camouflage materials or surfaces used determine how well they can be detected by sensors. It is therefore important to developed new materials to respond to the development of sensors. Within the project Materials for Signature Management during 2017-2019, FOI has investigated how the civilian development in material science can be useful for the Swedish Armed Forces by improved knowledge of signature management. Signature management in the visual, infrared and radar bands has been studied. Material technologies are developing rapidly and if civilian trends can be utilized in military system technologies, there is a potential for a large military benefit. Knowledge of signature management is also important for the evaluation and development of sensors, especially since we see that other countries are prioritizing development of camouflage technologies.