Methods to camouflage AFVs
Camouflaging armoured fighting vehicles is an essential task to prevent the vehicle from being detected by enemy forces. Camouflaging can range from basic methods to more layered approaches which cover a wider spectrum of masking. Regardless of the method used, masking an AFV can apply to both ground and aerial detection, which operate in different spectrums of identification. Camouflaging methods work in different spectrums against various detection methods. Optical detection can be combated with camouflage paint patterns or netting. Thermal imaging detection can be combated with paint or material that reduces infrared signature/reflection. Lastly, electronic detection (radar), can be defeated with methods consisting of several layers. This article will cover commonly seen camouflage methodology present on Soviet and Russian AFVs. Paint Camouflage The most basic method is paint camouflage. Various paint schemes paired with specially designed camouflage patterns can b...