ITS Tactical » Camouflage http://www.itstactical.com Imminent Threat Solutions Mon, 20 May 2013 17:53:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 Wrap Your Truck in A-TACS with Camoclad Vinyl Graphics http://www.itstactical.com/centcom/news/wrap-your-truck-in-a-tacs-with-camoclad-vinyl-graphics/ http://www.itstactical.com/centcom/news/wrap-your-truck-in-a-tacs-with-camoclad-vinyl-graphics/#comments Tue, 11 Dec 2012 23:37:02 +0000 The ITS Crew http://www.itstactical.com/?p=12974

Camoclad Camouflage System has been creating a variety of large vehicle graphics for years, but earlier today they announced something new. You’re now able to get both the A-TACS AU and A-TACS FG Camo as a vinyl graphic for your vehicle.

This is a high performance vinyl graphic that can be used on everything ranging from weapons to vehicles. It can also be used on watercraft and spotting scopes and is able to withstand temperatures ranging from -65 to +225 degrees. The new A-TACS camo kit has been specifically scaled to fit large vehicles.

What’s interesting about Camoclad is that it’s not just extremely strong and durable, it can actually protect your paint job. As long as you make sure the surface is clean when you install the graphics, your vehicle will look unchanged if you decide to remove Camoclad after a few years.

If you are looking for more information, visit Camoclad.com or check out the A-TACS press release. Camoclad can help you find a dealer in your area and provides DIY tips if you’re looking to wrap your Jeep or truck with A-TACS camo.

]]> http://www.itstactical.com/centcom/news/wrap-your-truck-in-a-tacs-with-camoclad-vinyl-graphics/feed/ 3 Which Camouflage is Right for You? ITS Tactical Camouflage Comparison II Results http://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/camouflage/which-camouflage-is-right-for-you-its-tactical-camouflage-comparision-ii-results/ http://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/camouflage/which-camouflage-is-right-for-you-its-tactical-camouflage-comparision-ii-results/#comments Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:32:22 +0000 The ITS Crew http://www.itstactical.com/?p=6499 Post image for Which Camouflage is Right for You? ITS Tactical Camouflage Comparison II Results

We know you guys have been eagerly awaiting our Camo Comparision II results, and today we’ll be releasing our preliminary comparison images.

We’re asking for your help to cast your vote on which four patterns you find to be the most effective in the terrain locations below.

As there are close to 200 images contained below, we need to narrow them down into the four most visually effective patterns before we release the further analysis on each of those respective patterns. If you remember from our previous article on Target Detection and Identification, there are many other ways to analyze a pattern other than what the naked eye sees.

Without further adieu, we present our preliminary Camo Comparison II images and look forward to your feedback. Please cast your votes in the polls at the end of each location.

Comparison Specifics

We were able to wrap up our 2nd Camo Comparison in a matter of one day (19 Jul 10) at Big Bend National Park in Texas, which was the closest location to us that we felt simulated Afghanistan terrain. While the entire trip took three days, we started our 10-hour drive early enough to use the first day to scout locations and make things easier on the day we shot the images. If you haven’t read the adventures we encountered along the way click here!

The comparison took place in four locations (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta) and four distances made possible by optical camera zoom. All photos were shot on a tripod with a Canon EOS 40d using a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM. We tried to shoot as close to f16 as possible, which we’ve found to be the sweet spot for focus and depth of field on this particular lens.

50mm is closest to what the eye sees naturally and is represented by Distance 3 in each location. Distance 1 was an extreme wide angle at 17mm, Distance 2 was a wide angle at 30mm, and Distance 4 was a medium telephoto at 85mm. While we kept the optical zoom levels consistent, the distance we were shooting from varied in each location as described below. Details on each location such as time, date and GPS coordinates are also shown below.

Camouflage Patterns Used

In each set you’ll first see our control image, which is a shot of the white mannequin we used sans camouflage.

Each of the 12 camouflage patterns was placed on a torso mannequin and each location was completed in a matter of just 20-30 minutes. This was to ensure that the lighting was realitively the same for each image. Full sun was the best description of the shooting conditions.

The white balance for the photos was custom set using an 18% Grey Card in each location. The photos have not been altered in any way by Photoshop or any other editing program and do not include our watermark. They have been resized to 1024 x 1024 though.

Larger images are available on our Flickr Account but are copyrighted and not free to use without permission. For more specifics on our images you can view the properties on each individual image on Flickr. Please contact if you need high-resolution use of our images.

What’s also great about Flickr is that you can view our sets as a slideshow. If you click the first image in the sets below, it will bring up a viewer that will allow you to easily move to the next picture by clicking on the arrow that will be visible when hovering on the right side of the image. This should be just as easy as the Flickr slideshow.

Location Alpha

In Location Alpha we tried to find a mountainous terrain that closely resembled the mountains of Afghanistan. The camera baseline distance was set at approx. 100 yards away, thus distance three would be the closest to what the eye would truly see. Location Alpha was shot on 19 July from 0800 to 0830. GPS Coordinates: 29 25.523 -103 08.551

Please cast your vote on which four patterns you find to be the most effective at the end of each terrain location. The polls will allow four (4) multiple choice selections.

Distance 1

01 Alpha Distance 0102 Alpha Distance 0103 Alpha Distance 0104 Alpha Distance 0105 Alpha Distance 0106 Alpha Distance 0107 Alpha Distance 0108 Alpha Distance 0109 Alpha Distance 0110 Alpha Distance 0111 Alpha Distance 0112 Alpha Distance 0113 Alpha Distance 01

Distance 2

01 Alpha Distance 0202 Alpha Distance 0203 Alpha Distance 0204 Alpha Distance 0205 Alpha Distance 0206 Alpha Distance 0207 Alpha Distance 0208 Alpha Distance 0209 Alpha Distance 0210 Alpha Distance 0211 Alpha Distance 0212 Alpha Distance 0213 Alpha Distance 02

Distance 3

01 Alpha Distance 0302 Alpha Distance 0303 Alpha Distance 0304 Alpha Distance 0305 Alpha Distance 0306 Alpha Distance 0307 Alpha Distance 0308 Alpha Distance 0309 Alpha Distance 0310 Alpha Distance 0311 Alpha Distance 0312 Alpha Distance 0313 Alpha Distance 03

Distance 4

01 Alpha Distance 0402 Alpha Distance 0403 Alpha Distance 0404 Alpha Distance 0405 Alpha Distance 0406 Alpha Distance 0407 Alpha Distance 0408 Alpha Distance 0409 Alpha Distance 0410 Alpha Distance 0411 Alpha Distance 0412 Alpha Distance 0413 Alpha Distance 04

Poll

[polldaddy poll=3573361]

Location Bravo

In Location Bravo we attempted to simulate a plains area with a mountainous background. The camera baseline distance was set at approx. 50 yards away, thus distance three would be the closest to what the eye would truly see. Location Bravo was shot on 19 July from 0945 to 1015. GPS Coordinates: 29 25.145 -103 08.255

Please cast your vote on which four patterns you find to be the most effective at the end of each terrain location. The polls will allow four (4) multiple choice selections.

Distance 1

01 Bravo Distance 0102 Bravo Distance 0103 Bravo Distance 0104 Bravo Distance 0105 Bravo Distance 0106 Bravo Distance 0107 Bravo Distance 0108 Bravo Distance 0109 Bravo Distance 0110 Bravo Distance 0111 Bravo Distance 0112 Bravo Distance 0113 Bravo Distance 01

Distance 2

01 Bravo Distance 0202 Bravo Distance 0203 Bravo Distance 0204 Bravo Distance 0205 Bravo Distance 0206 Bravo Distance 0207 Bravo Distance 0208 Bravo Distance 0209 Bravo Distance 0210 Bravo Distance 0211 Bravo Distance 0212 Bravo Distance 0213 Bravo Distance 02

Distance 3

01 Bravo Distance 0302 Bravo Distance 0303 Bravo Distance 0304 Bravo Distance 0305 Bravo Distance 0306 Bravo Distance 0307 Bravo Distance 0308 Bravo Distance 0309 Bravo Distance 0310 Bravo Distance 0311 Bravo Distance 0312 Bravo Distance 0313 Bravo Distance 03

Distance 4

01 Bravo Distance 0402 Bravo Distance 0403 Bravo Distance 0404 Bravo Distance 0405 Bravo Distance 0406 Bravo Distance 0407 Bravo Distance 0408 Bravo Distance 0409 Bravo Distance 0410 Bravo Distance 0411 Bravo Distance 0412 Bravo Distance 0413 Bravo Distance 04

Poll

[polldaddy poll=3573369]

Location Charlie

In Location Charlie we tried to find a terrain that resembled a wash. The camera baseline distance was set at approx. 25 yards away, thus distance three would be the closest to what the eye would truly see. Location Charlie was shot on 19 July from 1115 to 1145. GPS Coordinates: 29 25.059 -103 08.464

Please cast your vote on which four patterns you find to be the most effective at the end of each terrain location. The polls will allow four (4) multiple choice selections.

Distance 1

01 Charlie Distance 0102 Charlie Distance 0103 Charlie Distance 0104 Charlie Distance 0105 Charlie Distance 0106 Charlie Distance 0107 Charlie Distance 0108 Charlie Distance 0109 Charlie Distance 0110 Charlie Distance 0111 Charlie Distance 0112 Charlie Distance 0113 Charlie Distance 01

Distance 2

01 Charlie Distance 0202 Charlie Distance 0203 Charlie Distance 0204 Charlie Distance 0205 Charlie Distance 0206 Charlie Distance 0207 Charlie Distance 0208 Charlie Distance 0209 Charlie Distance 0210 Charlie Distance 0211 Charlie Distance 0212 Charlie Distance 0213 Charlie Distance 02

Distance 3

01 Charlie Distance 0302 Charlie Distance 0303 Charlie Distance 0304 Charlie Distance 0305 Charlie Distance 0306 Charlie Distance 0307 Charlie Distance 0308 Charlie Distance 0309 Charlie Distance 0310 Charlie Distance 0311 Charlie Distance 0312 Charlie Distance 0313 Charlie Distance 03

Distance 4

01 Charlie Distance 0402 Charlie Distance 0403 Charlie Distance 0404 Charlie Distance 0405 Charlie Distance 0406 Charlie Distance 0407 Charlie Distance 0408 Charlie Distance 0409 Charlie Distance 0410 Charlie Distance 0411 Charlie Distance 0412 Charlie Distance 0413 Charlie Distance 04

Poll

[polldaddy poll=3573379]

Location Delta

In Location Delta we tried to find an area that resembled a valley or grazing area. We fell this location is very important to the overall comparison, as it specifically shows what strong shadows from directly overhead sun do to camouflage. The camera baseline distance was set at approx. 75 yards away, thus distance three would be the closest to what the eye would truly see. Location Delta was shot on 19 July from 1300 to 1330. GPS Coordinates: 29 24.329 -103 08.501

Please cast your vote on which four patterns you find to be the most effective at the end of each terrain location. The polls will allow four (4) multiple choice selections.

Distance 1

01 Delta Distance 0102 Delta Distance 0103 Delta Distance 0104 Delta Distance 0105 Delta Distance 0106 Delta Distance 0107 Delta Distance 0108 Delta Distance 0109 Delta Distance 0110 Delta Distance 0111 Delta Distance 0112 Delta Distance 0113 Delta Distance 01

Distance 2

01 Delta Distance 0202 Delta Distance 0203 Delta Distance 0204 Delta Distance 0205 Delta Distance 0206 Delta Distance 0207 Delta Distance 0208 Delta Distance 0209 Delta Distance 0210 Delta Distance 0211 Delta Distance 0212 Delta Distance 0213 Delta Distance 02

Distance 3

01 Delta Distance 0302 Delta Distance 0303 Delta Distance 0304 Delta Distance 0305 Delta Distance 0306 Delta Distance 0307 Delta Distance 0308 Delta Distance 0309 Delta Distance 0310 Delta Distance 0311 Delta Distance 0312 Delta Distance 0313 Delta Distance 03

Distance 4

01 Delta Distance 0402 Delta Distance 0403 Delta Distance 0404 Delta Distance 0405 Delta Distance 0406 Delta Distance 0407 Delta Distance 0408 Delta Distance 0409 Delta Distance 0410 Delta Distance 0411 Delta Distance 0412 Delta Distance 0413 Delta Distance 04

Poll

[polldaddy poll=3573394]

Plans for the future?

We hope to continue to develop and refine our technique for comparing camouflage patterns and bring our readers the results. While this comparison was completed in just one day, there was a lot of coordinating, planning and driving that went into bringing you these results.

This wouldn’t of been possible if not for the support of our members and the camouflage companies like Bulldog Tactical, Digital Concealment Systems, and PenCott that graciously sent us uniforms to use in the comparison. The SAF Digital and Japanese Flecktarn were also donated by one of our Plank Owners, Eric Chevalier.

We’d like to thank our friend Jack from The Survival Podcast for his hard work and input on this project, as this wouldn’t have happened without him (and his truck). Also, a huge thank you to Riaan Rossouw for his continued support and advice in all things camouflage.

Stay tuned for further comparison using the four patterns that our readers choose!

]]> http://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/camouflage/which-camouflage-is-right-for-you-its-tactical-camouflage-comparision-ii-results/feed/ 48 Target Detection and Identification http://www.itstactical.com/skillcom/concealment/target-detection-and-identification/ http://www.itstactical.com/skillcom/concealment/target-detection-and-identification/#comments Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:00:31 +0000 The ITS Crew http://www.itstactical.com/?p=6286 Post image for Target Detection and Identification

To detect objects the human visual system looks for object signatures which differentiates it from the background.

The term visual saliency is used in cognitive science to describe the features that make objects detectable.

The size of the “difference” with the background must become higher than a “threshold value” before the object becomes salient, or in other words, draws attention.

In terms of camouflage, consider the following attributes that have traditionally been mentioned in military texts as causing a soldier to become conspicuous – enhancing his salience.

Visual Saliency

  1. Movement – shapes moving in a static environment or not moving in a dynamic environment will draw attention.
  2. Shine from reflective surfaces – metal, glass, plastic, sweaty skin, etc.
  3. Shape – humanoid shapes draw attention. i.e Faces in rock formation, man shaped trees stumps.
  4. Silhouette – a contrasting blob against the background.
  5. Colour and texture – blue in a green jungle doesn’t work, neither does low texture in a high texture environment.
  6. Shadow – the mind can calculate probable shapes from the shadows cast  – especially human shapes.
  7. Spacing – regular spaced objects form a pattern that will draw attention.

These compare favorably with the attention guiding attributes identified through scientific research. Contrast, color, texture and shape are attributes addressed by camouflage garments.

The other attributes that would cause an object to become salient are not related to the camouflage, but to the way the wearer behaves.

Analysis

Using images from the previous Camouflage Comparison, we’ll attempt to give you an idea of how to properly analyze the effectiveness of camouflage patterns.

Contrast refers to the brightness difference between the ambient environment and the wearer. To get a rough idea of the blending capability of the garment a low pass filter is used to remove hi frequency information.

Blending vs. Non-Blending

From the above image it can be seen that the left hand garment is nearly undetectable while the right hand garment is detectable because it is lighter than the background. To get a better understanding of how the two garments differ from the background some further processing have to be done.

The first step is to separate the image into it’s L*a*b channels. L = Intensity, a = red/green contrast & b = blue/yellow contrast. The contrast maps have been contrast maximized to improve difference perception.

L Channel

In the image above, L channel shows that the left hand garment has the right intensity values, but the right hand garment is lighter than the background. Black or white areas draw the most attention, usually lightest draws attention first. The size of the area also has an influence.

The L difference is probably one of the most important factors in determining detectability.

Red/Green Contrast Map

The image above shows the Red/Green contrast map. Dark is green. The lefthand garment is greener than the background while the right hand garment is only slightly redder than the background.

Blue/Yellow Contrast Map

The image above shows the Blue/Yellow contrast map. Dark is blue. The left hand garment is yellower than the background while the right hand garment is virtually spot on.

Intensity and color matching is just to avoid detection in the observers peripheral vision. Once the observer looks at the target the texture of the pattern printed on the garment also becomes an issue. If the texture is too coarse or fine then the pattern will stand out.

Generating a texture map shows that the left hand garment have very similar texture values to the background, but the right hand garment doesn’t fit.

Texture Map

The image above shows a texture map, white = high texture, black = low texture.

The texture also needs to match the background at multiple scales. If the intensity, color and texture of the object match the environment then it will be incredibly hard to separate from the background.

Background Separation

If the target is separated from the background then it is down to shape disruption to keep the observer from identifying what he’s looking at as a target.

Target identification is based on the symmetry axis / visual skeleton of the observed object. If the symmetry axis is suitably disrupted then the observer will have to do a lot of processing to ID the shape. Processing takes time and sometimes the observer gives up before finishing the process. The symmetry axis is disrupted by dark vs. light and high vs. low texture bands perpendicular to the axis.

Note how few of the disruption elements cross the symmetry axis in the above image. Therefor, the garment will do very little to impede identification of the target.

A bit better with MultiCam, but still no joy.

Notes

When we get back from our current Camo Comparison, we’ll be integrating these analysis methods into our images so we can truly evaluate each pattern.

We’d like to thank Riaan Rossouw for this fantastic analysis information presented here in the article. It’s been a pleasure to work with him to truly understand what makes a pattern effective.

We’re looking forward to giving you even better results with our next comparison, stay tuned!

]]> http://www.itstactical.com/skillcom/concealment/target-detection-and-identification/feed/ 2 We’re off to the Next Camo Comparison! http://www.itstactical.com/centcom/its-information/were-off-for-the-next-camo-comparison/ http://www.itstactical.com/centcom/its-information/were-off-for-the-next-camo-comparison/#comments Sun, 18 Jul 2010 11:51:17 +0000 Bryan Black http://www.itstactical.com/?p=6303 Post image for We’re off to the Next Camo Comparison!

Today we’re officially leaving for our next Camo Comparison! We had to reschedule from the first announcement due to logistics, but I’m happy to say we’re really leaving this time.

I’m heading down to Big Bend National Park with my good friend Jack from The Survival Podcast to not only take the next round of comparison photos, but also to work on some collaboration articles we’ve been talking about doing.

This next comparison will forgo solid colors and feature MultiCam, Mirage, A-TACS, Pencott, Desert MARPAT, Woodland MARPAT, SAF Digital (Singapore), UCP (ACU), Three Color Desert, Chocolate Chip, Desert Tiger Stripe and Japanese Flecktarn.

We’ve been working closely with Rian Rossouw, who is well known in Camouflage circles, to bring on board some testing procedures that will not only evaluate the different camouflage uniforms on what you’d feel would work the best in the environment, but will also evaluate colors and micro/macro patterns.

Stay tuned for an article describing these different ways to analyze camouflage tomorrow. We’re excited about the next round of testing, and can’t wait to bring you the results!



]]> http://www.itstactical.com/centcom/its-information/were-off-for-the-next-camo-comparison/feed/ 7 Big News from A-TACS http://www.itstactical.com/gear/big-news-from-a-tacs/ http://www.itstactical.com/gear/big-news-from-a-tacs/#comments Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:52:35 +0000 Mike Petrucci http://www.itstactical.com/?p=6193 Post image for Big News from A-TACS

You may remember us talking about the new A-TACS camouflage a few posts ago and we have another camo update for you. In a recent press release, Digital Concealment Systems and Tactical Assault Gear (TAG) announced that A-TACS nylon gear will now be available for purchase.

TAG will be one of the first in the industry to use the A-TACS camo printed loop velcro and nylon webbing. The colors on the printed loop are really very well done and offer a benefit over other camouflage systems.

Some of the products you can expect to see A-TACS on are TAG’s rugged plate and armor carriers, packs and molle pouches.

If you want more information on A-TACS, contact TAG at either www.tacticalassaultgearstore.com or 1-888-890-1199.

A-TACS and Bushnell

Digital Concealment Systems has teamed up with Bushnell to feature A-TACS on some of it’s products. The Elite 1500 laser rangefinder, the Legend 1200 laser rangefinder and their Tactical Elite series scopes all got a nice makeover in A-TACS.

A-TACS seemed relatively “quiet” early on but is making a nice jump to more mainstream use. They are quickly making a name for themselves and offer a unique pattern that looks to be yielding great results. With all of these new offerings by DCS, what do you think of the A-TACS system? What would you like to see offered from A-TACS?

Oh, and if you missed the phone interview that we had with A-TACS/Digital Concealment Systems, you can watch it on UStream any time here

]]> http://www.itstactical.com/gear/big-news-from-a-tacs/feed/ 3 Big News from A-TACS in Our Ustream Interview http://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/camouflage/big-news-from-a-tacs-in-our-ustream-interview/ http://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/camouflage/big-news-from-a-tacs-in-our-ustream-interview/#comments Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:46:09 +0000 Bryan Black http://www.itstactical.com/?p=5724 Post image for Big News from A-TACS in Our Ustream Interview

In case you missed last night’s exclusive Ustream Interview with Steve and Philip of Digital Concealment Systems (A-TACS), I’ve embedded the recorded interview video below and will briefly touch on some awesome news unveiled in the broadcast.

It was great to be able to talk with a company the way we were able to with DCS, and represents a transparency not commonly seen in the tactical industry. We all felt the interview went very well and will continue to bring the community many more great interviews.

Big News

Here’s a few things that Steve and Philip announced last night that they are working on:

  • Currently developing a snow version of A-TACS
  • A green version of A-TACS should be unveiled at the SHOT Show in January, 2011
  • Working with Danner to complement their total concealment with a 1000d all-over camo boot
  • Boot will have a mottled color sole to blend in and a prototype should be out in the next few weeks
  • Steve mentioned that while interviewing snipers, they mentioned boot soles were something easily identified with optics
  • Mottled colored sole was originally tried in a hunting boot, but was not adopted by that community
  • A-TACS apparel will be available to everyone through EOTAC and will be available soon
  • Steve mentioned that the next fabric they’re testing the A-TACS pattern on is Nomex
  • A-TACS concept is creating patterns of organic pixels, and rather than create geographically specific patterns, they’re trying to address environment specifics (ex. arid, temperate)
  • A-TACS had the chance to be pattern in big summer movie (they can’t say which one), but the movie was looking for products to put on actors. They don’t know if they’ll have a bit part in it yet, but they’ll know more soon.

Notes

We’d like to say thank you to everyone that tuned in live, your comments were awesome and we can’t wait to continue the live interview series on ITS Tactical. We appreciate the time that DCS took after-hours to be our first guinea pigs with our interviews, and again it was great to get an insight into their developments.

Let us know what you thought of the interview in the comments, what companies or individuals would you like to see interviewed in the future?

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