Home Crisis Responders Disaster Prevention Saab to Provide ULCANS Camouflage to Safeguard US Warfighters (Video)

Saab to Provide ULCANS Camouflage to Safeguard US Warfighters (Video)

Military operations often require flexible camouflage that can be used for a number of different objects and situations while still delivering reliable protection against advanced sensors. The Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Screen (ULCAS) is an advanced multispectral camouflage net that provides unrivalled signature protection for vehicles and other objects in static positions. (Courtesy of SAAB)
Military operations often require flexible camouflage that can be used for a number of different objects and situations while still delivering reliable protection against advanced sensors. The Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Screen (ULCAS) is an advanced multispectral camouflage net that provides unrivalled signature protection for vehicles and other objects in static positions. (Courtesy of SAAB)

With sensor threats constantly evolving, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for armed forces to act without being observed.

Saab Barracuda is responding by developing camouflage with sophisticated and surprising features.

SAAB provides the world’s armed forces with camouflage solutions for almost every conceivable combat configuration – for use in static situations, for use on vehicles as diverse as tanks and transports, and for use by individuals working in climates ranging from arctic tundra to tropical jungles.

The most sophisticated systems provide protection from signal detection for electromagnetic signals, ranging from ultraviolet to radar, and give armed forces a cost-effective way of maintaining combat supremacy.

(Learn More about SAAB Barracuda Advanced Camouflage Systems. Courtesy of SAAB, Logicalarts and YouTube.)

SAAB Barracuda for U.S. warfighters

Saab has received an order to deliver Ultra Lightweight Camouflage Net Systems (ULCANS) for use by the U.S. Army, with a value of approximately USD 66 million and deliveries are expected to take place in 2019-2020.

The new order, comprised of both woodland and desert camouflage systems, will ensure that U.S. warfighters are equipped with the most advanced signature management systems available in the world today.

Courtesy of the U.S. Army, by Cpl. Ismael Ortega
Courtesy of the U.S. Army, by Cpl. Ismael Ortega

Production of the new systems will take place at Saab Defense and Security USA’s business unit Saab Barracuda, based in Lillington, North Carolina.

“Saab is a recognized world leader in the development and production of signature management solutions” explains Görgen Johansson, Senior Vice President and head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

“ULCANS provides outperforming multispectral capabilities while it remains lightweight and easy-to-handle.”

Görgen Johansson, Senior VP and head of Saab's business area Dynamics
Görgen Johansson, Senior VP and head of Saab’s business area Dynamics

Saab’s ULCANS is an all-weather, state-of-the-art, signature management concealment system designed for ease of use and high reliability for the users and is the only signature management solution designed and developed entirely in the U.S. specifically to meet the needs of the U.S. Army.

“Saab’s camouflage systems provide the U.S. Army with a state of the art signature management capability for its land forces including exceptional levels of multispectral protection against any possible sensor threat available today,” concludes Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab Defense and Security USA.

ULCAS has outstanding multispectral properties and provides protection against detection in relevant parts of the electromagnetic spectrum with a  three-dimensional surface structure and is made up of two layers of textile material.

ULCAS has multispectral properties not seen in any conventional camouflage net and provides protection against reconnaissance as well as sensors working in relevant parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. (Courtesy of SAAB)
ULCAS has multispectral properties not seen in any conventional camouflage net and provides protection against reconnaissance as well as sensors working in relevant parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
(Courtesy of SAAB)

A garnish layer is quilted on a backing to give the net its “non-snagging” properties.

This gives the advantage of a long life expectancy and facilitates the rapid deployment and removal from the camouflaged object.

The dimensions and shape of the camouflage net can be tailored according to customer requirements.

ULCAS weighs no more than 250 g/m² and operational temperatures are in the range of –20°C – +80°C for both storage and use.

The camouflage net has high chemical resistance and withstands exposure to petroleum, oil and lubricants.

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Saab draws on more than 60 years of experience designing, developing, and producing signature management solutions for the U.S. military and defense customers in more than 50 nations.

Saab Defense and Security USA delivers advanced technology, products, and solutions to United States armed forces and other government agencies.