New Infra Red Cloak Can Make Tank Disappear

Swedish engineers are working on a new defence system they say can make a tank disappear in front of its enemy.

The system, developed by Bae Systems and known as " Adaptiv ", allows an object to blend chameleon-like into its surroundings and vanish when viewed in infra-red.

The technology is based on sheets of hexagonal 'pixels' that are able to change temperature very quickly.

On-board cameras collect images of the vehicle's background and display that infra-red image onto the vehicle panels, making it appear to vanish.

Around 1000 pixel panels, each 14cm across, are needed to cover a tank.

The makers claim the technology works effectively on moving tanks and that it can even mimic other vehicles, even making a tank appear like a family hatchback.

Large identification letters can also be displayed on military vehicles which could prevent so called 'friendly fire' incidents in battle.

Project manager, Peder Sjölund said: "Earlier attempts at similar cloaking devices have hit problems because of cost, excessive power requirements or because they were insufficiently robust.

"We can resize the pixels to achieve stealth for different ranges. A warship or building, for instance, might not need close-up stealth, so could be fitted with larger panels."

Developers say the technology could be ready to use in two years time.