What's you're seeing above is a a CV90 light tank outfitted with BAE Systems' ADAPTIV, a form of camouflage that can be used to trick heat-sensing technology. According to its designers, ADAPTIV can render the tank entirely invisible to thermal sensors or make it look like an automobile...or even a bovine.


Explains the BBC:

The hi-tech camouflage uses hexagonal panels or pixels made of a material that can change temperature very quickly. About 1,000 pixel panels, each of which is 14cm across, are needed to cover a small tank.

The panels are driven by on-board thermal cameras that constantly image the ambient temperature of the tank's surroundings. This is projected on to the panels to make it harder to spot. The cameras can also work when the tank is moving.

BAE estimates that this thermal invisibility cloak could be available within two years. All you would-be cow-tippers with thermal goggles, beware.


[Video via Defense Updates]