Stealth Tank-The Next Generation Of Military Vehicles
A new breed of battlefield capabilities could be created by a technological breakthrough: stealth tanks. Although it is still a new concept, it could have major implications for future operating concepts.
Stealth is simply a group of technologies that are designed to decrease an object's observable signature, which can include electromagnetic, visual and heat. It involves changing the object's shape and/or reducing its direction output. Stealth reduces the surface's detection capabilities, which gives stealth a significant tactical advantage.
There are several stealth technologies currently in development. Others have already been applied to this end. F-35 fighter aircraft reduces its radar cross-section, which in turn reduces its apparent profile. Active infrared technology is used to disguise it. This makes it appear more like an airplane than a fixed object on radar screens.
These technologies have the potential to reduce a tank's observable signature in multiple ways and could have major operational and strategic implications, particularly on long-range engagements where fewer targets mean better survivability for the armored vehicle.
Poland's PL-01 was the first stealth tank. It was designed in 2013. It was designed to be a very lightweight tank that weighed in at just a few hundreds of pounds. It was also reportedly designed to use a lower radar cross section than current MBTs, which would make it harder to detect with standard infrared sensors or anti-tank missiles that are IR-guided.
While the PL-01 was equipped with a variety of features, it also had a key feature that made it stealthy: its ability to camouflage. Instead of a traditional paint job, it used temperature-controlled wafers that covered the exterior surfaces of the hull and turret. The wafers were then heated to alter their appearance, and mask the IR rays of enemy IR sensors.
Thermal camouflage technology is another form of stealth that tanks can use. It's similar to the one used on aircraft. The PL-01's shell was constructed of a modular ceramic aramid material, which can withstand conventional armored piercing shots and could be adapted for different IR camouflage styles based upon the terrain or environment.
Active repositioning of the armor is a third method for stealth. It allows armor to reorient itself to avoid enemy attacks. While this type of stealth system has been in use for years, it is still experimental.
This is the first significant step towards creating a stealth tank. This technology is still in its infancy and will require further technological improvements before a stealthy tank can be developed.
The US has many ideas about how to build a stealthy-tank. The Pentagon has suggested that the chassis could be powered by its own power, to avoid detection of other vehicles. This would allow it to maneuver through large vehicles with ease. It's a bold idea. But it could be the only method to create a tank with mobility that can traverse bridges.