14 DAY TRIAL // Invisible vehicles have always been a hallmark of science fiction and fantasy writings, but they have not become real just yet. A new tank has managed to become invisible to part of the electromagnetic spectrum though.
Visible light is something that only a few very, very small invisibility “cloaks” have managed to shield things from.
Which is to say, there are only one or two true invisibility “cloaks” and they're too small to be used in anything. They are based on refraction.
When it comes to infrared light, however, it's easier torender something “invisible.”
The PL-01 concept tank was built with the ability to match its heat signature to that of the environment. It's all possible thanks to a mesh of thermal tiles that change the temperature to that of the surrounding area.
And since infrared-guiding missiles basically means heat-guided missiles, the tank is, thus, rendered “invisible” to them.
It's even possible to modify the temperature into patterns, like tiger stripes.
The PL-01 tank weighs 35 tons and it is driven by a three-person crew. Poland's OBRUM put it together and it is clad in level 5 ceramic-composite armor. Extra “plug-and-play” armor will raise the weight from 33 tons to 39 tons. The multi-spectral sensor and targeting systems were made by BAe.
Prototype fielding is expected in 2016, but production is only scheduled for 2018-2019.
