隐藏我们的资产：通过伪装减少威胁

The mission of NRDEC�s Multifunctional Materials Group (MMG) is to develop a multifunctional combat system that provides a balanced level of protection against known battlefield threats. Group members work to create a system that is durable, comfortable and readily accepted by the soldier for use in a myriad of environmental conditions.

团体负责人汤姆·佩斯（Tom Pease）说：“我们希望摆脱过去的工作。”他说：``当新威胁出现时，我们一直在做出有效的回应。''他说：``但这始终是一个非常垂直的过程。现在，我们正在寻找整个士兵系统的更多水平整合。

In its efforts to develop countermeasures against emerging threats, Mr. Pease said, the Army �never really looked at the cumulative effect of the various countermeasures on soldier�s performance. The weight and load that the soldier carries has been increased. We want to develop countermeasures now that don�t add another layer of bulk to the soldier�s clothing and equipment. We�re trying to do more with less.�

One of the MMG�s largest projects is the development and improvement of camouflage, which comes into play in every facet of a soldier�s combat clothing and equipment. The purpose of camouflage is to blend an object into its background and break up the pattern of the object as much as possible. Toward that end, battle dress uniforms (BDUs) have near-infrared capabilities built into them and are painstakingly patterned with the help of the MMG�s Camouflage Evaluation Facility (CEF).

根据团队负责人戴维·奥德（David Audet）的说法，该CEF具有四个现实世界环境，可以在其中设计和评估伪装西装，为陆军提供了保护士兵免受现场新兴威胁的宝贵工具。代表的四个环境环境是林地，它具有活植物。沙漠，有与中东的沙子相似的沙子和质地。北极，模拟雪；和Urban，其中包括各种建筑材料，包括混凝土和灰泥。

使用真实材料对于忠实地表示通过近红外夜视镜可以看到的东西很重要。CEF的特殊照明还可以调整为不同级别的月光或黑暗天空。Audet先生说，该设施是Quick and Dirty内部测试的基础。``目标是在现场测试之前提出最佳的伪装。'该方法可以节省与现场测试相关的时间和费用，并且它提供了不含户外测试站点可变天气条件的受控测试环境。它使陆军不仅可以评估其自己的伪装系统，还可以评估外国的系统。

伪装评估过程的一个重要补充是地形分析系统，它``基本上允许我们进入一个环境，进行``Snapshot）''，并在数字上分解场景。说。各种背景的录像带被带入实验室并馈入计算机，然后将场景分解为用户指定数量的主要颜色和形状，并提出了适当的伪装图案，该图案被打印为内部测试。也可以打印可逆的伪装，这对野外有助于快速更改和用于头盔的使用。

除了伪装BDU外，MMG现在还在寻找辅助装备的伪装，例如头盔，食堂和其他设备，这些设备传统上仍然是伪装绿色。Pease先生说，重点是改善系统的协同作用。

研究成果不仅将很快允许site-specific camouflage but just-in-time camouflage, where new patterns can be created to respond to newly developing threats in a matter of weeks. Within the next several years, Mr. Pease anticipates, his group will be able to demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of a just-in-time system.

The group�s mission of multifunctionality is being carried out in other ways as well. For instance, it is working to find cost-effective ways to impart flame-retardant properties to battle garments. In keeping with the group�s synergistic, integrated approach to its business, the soldier�s comfort will be a primary concern. As a result, Mr. Pease said, tradeoffs will be made to achieve a balance of all the important qualities: Performance, cost effectiveness, comfort and durability.

该小组还正在为指示能源威胁提供保护性对策。目前，为了防止可调激光器提供保护的设备激光保护，目前将有更广泛的应用，因为出现了不同的威胁。例如，微波发射器可能会成为未来战场的重要组成部分，从而更重要的是对有指导能源的保护。

MMG一直在展望未来，寻找创新的方式来预测未来的威胁。它的纤维植物正在工作，以调查新的聚合物配方，以制造新的纱线和织物。在路上，该小组将寻求开发智能纺织品，具有内置传感器的面料，可以识别并适应各种威胁。

Pease先生谈到21世纪的陆军士兵制度时说：“我们将Land Warrior视为我们的最终客户，因为重点是真正多功能的系统。”``我们的重点将是在部队XXI Land Warrior计划中展示高级技术，该计划负责向陆战战士系统提供技术升级。