Nakidka

Nakidka is a Russian Radar-absorbent material (RAM) camouflage that "eliminates the use of precision-guided weapons"^[1] Nakidka reduces the Infrared, Thermal, and Radar band signatures of an object. It can be mounted on Armored fighting vehicles,^[2] Field fortifications, Command posts, permanent air and vehicle sheds, and ammunition and fuel depots^[3] by Infantry with no special equipment.^[3]

According to NII Stali (Scientific Research Institute of Steel), who designed Nakidka, it reduces the chances of detection by Day/Night viewers and TV systems and seekers by thirty percent, Infrared seekers by two to three fold, radar by six fold, and reduces the thermal-radar signature to near-background levels.^[1] Nakidka is efficient in the optical, IR and radar wavelength bands up to 12 cm,^[2] and also reduces the Radar cross section by 10 db.^[2]

Nakidka weighs 2 kg per square meter^[2] and can be deployed in 0.4–1.0 man hours per square meter. It is also capable of withstanding combat conditions, such as taking Small arms fire or a Napalm attack.It is said to have a long, maintenance free service life.^[3]

In 2006, during the Russian Expo Arms and International Defense Exhibition of Land Forces, a T-72BM "Rogatka" (an upgraded T-72B) fitted with Nakidka was demonstrated. A T-72B and a T-90S fitted with a signature reduction package based on Nakidka were also featured. Since then, that "signature reduction package" has become a standard component of the T-72B.^[2]

During that same Expo, questions were raised whether or not fitting Cage armor along with Nakidka would be effective. Because Metallic materials will tend to reflect off a large RCS, adding steel cage armor along with Nakidka, would negate the camouflage properties of Nakidka.

None the less, NII Stali still offers Nakidka with "special rubber side screens", which would further reduce the RCS of the vehicle, as compared to a vehicle with Nakidka only. That option was intended for large-scale conflicts, where long range Surveillance and precision guided munitions were common.^{[clarification needed][2]}

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "NII Stali". Niistali.ru. http://www.niistali.ru/pr_secure/nobron_en.htm#7. Retrieved 2010-08-05. ^{[dead link]}
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f} "NII Stali". Niistali.ru. http://www.niistali.ru/article/exhib_08_en.htm. Retrieved 2010-08-05. ^{[dead link]}
3. ^ ^{a b c} Eugene Yanko, Copyright 1997 - [e-mail]. "Nakidka kit for protection | Russian Arms, Military Technology, Analysis of Russia's Military Forces". Warfare.ru. http://warfare.ru/?linkid=2392&catid=274. Retrieved 2010-08-05.