The European Defence Agency (EDA) has concluded the first stage of the Advanced Solutions for Camouflage of Land Systems Using Smart and Adaptive Materials (ASCALS) project.
This research and technology initiative, launched in 2023, is focused on the advancement of intelligent camouflage solutions to improve the concealment and endurance of military assets.
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According to EDA, as surveillance methods including optical, radar, and thermal imaging continue to evolve, the demand for versatile camouflage increases.
The ASCALS project aims to discover innovative materials and application techniques for dynamic and responsive camouflage across visible, infrared, and radar spectrums.
A consortium consisting of ten industrial and research entities from six EU Member States has spearheaded the first phase of ASCALS.
Coordinated by Adamant Composites from Greece, the project also involved contributions from the University of Luxembourg; TNO, MIS7, and Bolidt from the Netherlands; Poland’s Military Institute of Engineer Technology (WITI) and LUBAWA; among others.
Supported by a budget of €1.3m ($1.41m), the two-year phase concentrated on the development of materials capable of dynamically altering their optical, thermal, and radar signatures to improve concealment capabilities.
The research has been exploring materials designed to adapt to different detection methods, such as electrochromic materials that can modify colour and reflectance on demand.
This allows systems to better integrate with their surroundings.
Liquid crystals have been studied for their ability to change light transmission and reflection, particularly in the infrared spectrum, which is crucial for reducing detectability.
Phase-change materials have been investigated for their capacity to regulate heat emission, aiding systems in managing their thermal signature to match varying temperatures.
Additionally, the project has been examining the use of graphene and electrolyte structures for their properties in diminishing infrared and radar signals.
Controllable meta-surfaces have also been a focus, enabling dynamic adjustment of the reflected radar signal through an app-controlled array of patches to meet operational requirements.
ASCALS I has laid the groundwork for the subsequent phase of development.
ASCALS II aims to further these technological advancements, aiming to field-test them on military platforms by 2027, contingent on the interest and backing of Member States.
