Russia Develops Real-Life 'Invisibility Cloak' for Military

Scientists from Russia's Saratov State University revealed that it has developed a unique camouflage material that will make its military invisible for reconnaissance assets.

"The technology itself has not been disclosed yet, although the developers do not hide that they used the latest achievements of the nanoindustry in it," the statement from the researcher's press release said.

The new technology will allow to impart radio-absorbing properties for any fabric without actually altering its mass and other parameters. "In other words, it allows to make fighters dressed in ordinary uniform invisible to radar reconnaissance devices."

The latest development will create lightweight radio-absorbing or radio-scattering materials used as means of camouflaging both military personnel and equipment. "Today, various camouflage nets, capes... are adapted for these purposes, all of them are heavy, many of them work in rather narrow wavelength ranges or have low operational characteristics," Tractor Plants Concern said.

Furthermore, the nano-processing can also be used to manufacture tissues with a membrane effect, which is achieved by applying a thin fluoroplastic coating with special properties to the fabric.

"The use of such fabrics in the equipment of servicemen will significantly improve their comfort when working with a wide range of temperatures and loads, the Tractor Plants Concern said.

The Tractor Plants Concern said that the Saratov State University and OAO NII Stal, the biggest developer and manufacturer or Russia's integrated protection systems, have signed an agreement to jointly research into the practical application of the new development.

This is not the first instance that Russia has touted the ability to make people disappear. Earlier this year, Russian scientists have also developed a unique membrane that will keep out tiny harmful particles like viruses and make people invisible, Andrei Grigoryev, Future Research Fund's general director, said.
Last year, scientists also announced a "stealth cloak" made of a lightweight and flexible material that would protect user from electronic equipment enemy jamming mask electromagnetic emission from that equipment.