A new version of the Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) that defeats detection of tanks and other armored fighting vehicles by visual eyesight and electronic sensors is currently being tested by the United States Army Europe.
The U.S. Army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment stationed in Vilsek, Germany is now evaluating the Barracuda MCS on their M1126 Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs). The evaluation by the 2nd Cavalry Regiment is taking place during the unit's operational training in Hohenfels, Germany.
This training and evaluation, conducted alongside other NATO Allies, is in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve and the Enhanced Forward Presence missions. This is the first field evaluation of the MCS conducted by the U.S. Army.
The MCS, which is made by Saab Barracuda LLC, a subsidiary based in North Carolina of the Swedish aerospace and defense firm Saab Group, provides constant protection to vehicles when stationary, while on the move and during combat operations.
It provides wheeled-vehicle and combat vehicle platforms with multi-spectral signature management properties that enable the platform to blend in with environmental surroundings.
It significantly reduces the probability of detection visually and by sensors such as Near Infrared (NIR); Short-wave Infrared (SWIR); Long-wave Infrared (LWIR); Mid-wave Infrared (MWIR) and radar.
Saab explained that Signature Management is the advanced art of detection avoidance and includes measures that adjust the signature in applicable parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Utilized properly, Saab´s Advanced Camouflage Systems such as the Barracuda MCS can safeguard vehicles, fixed installations and personnel from the ever-increasing sensor threat and deny enemies superiority by forcing them to detect you well within a user's range of fire.
"Mobile camouflage and signature management is more important now than at any time in the last 15 years, especially in the European theatre," says Scott Caldwell, director of marketing and sales at Saab business unit Barracuda.
Saab has been the leading provider of state-of-the-art camouflage to the U.S. Army for over 20 years.