The Swedish are developing a new defense system that can not only disappear a tank in front of its enemies, but actually look like something else. The system, known as “Adaptiv” is being developed by BAE Systems, and can actually blend in with its surroundings, when viewed in infrared. So, essentially, they could make an army vehicle look like a station wagon if they wanted to.

The technology is based on sheets of hexagonal ‘pixels’ that are able to change temperature very quickly. Using on-board cameras collected from the vehicles background, the system displays it onto the 1 000 pixel panels covering the vehicle.

It can be used to mimic other vehicles, prevent friendly fire incidents, and even just horse around during battle (if you’ve seen Buffalo Soldier).

Previous cloaking devices have apparently been too expensive to produce, until now. With the low price tag comes opportunity. For instance, resizing the panels for use on buildings, planes etc – WTF.

With the technology ready to use in just two years, the highest bidder can play hide and go infrared seek sooner than they think.

I feel a superhero saying coming on: ‘If this should ever fall into the wrong hands…’

[Source: sky]