IR flag
Encyclopedia
An infrared flag is a type of combat identification used by soldiers. They consist of a national flag or other identifying icon with a Velcro
backing for application to a soldier's uniform on the upper arm or chest.
spectrum. They are designed to show up brightly whilst being observed through night vision equipment, as found on modern combat aircraft or attack helicopter
s. They are designed to protect the soldier from friendly fire
.
However, camouflage (if any) is not compromised as the materials produce a low contrast ratio in the visible spectrum
, and are thus not easily visible to the naked eye.
bought them or stole them from fallen ISAF
soldiers since the coalition attack aircraft were not authorized to fire upon anyone wearing the patch.
Since this came to light, the United States State Department has restricted all export of these patches. Since they are popular with Airsoft
ers, some replica versions have been produced which are not Infrared
receptive.
Velcro
Velcro is the brand name of the first commercially marketed fabric hook-and-loop fastener, invented in 1948 by the Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral...
backing for application to a soldier's uniform on the upper arm or chest.
Function
IR flags are rendered in materials that result in a high contrast ratio in the infraredInfrared
Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light, measured from the nominal edge of visible red light at 0.74 micrometres , and extending conventionally to 300 µm...
spectrum. They are designed to show up brightly whilst being observed through night vision equipment, as found on modern combat aircraft or attack helicopter
Attack helicopter
An attack helicopter is a military helicopter with the primary role of an attack aircraft, with the capability of engaging targets on the ground, such as enemy infantry and armored vehicles...
s. They are designed to protect the soldier from friendly fire
Friendly fire
Friendly fire is inadvertent firing towards one's own or otherwise friendly forces while attempting to engage enemy forces, particularly where this results in injury or death. A death resulting from a negligent discharge is not considered friendly fire...
.
However, camouflage (if any) is not compromised as the materials produce a low contrast ratio in the visible spectrum
Visible spectrum
The visible spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. Electromagnetic radiation in this range of wavelengths is called visible light or simply light. A typical human eye will respond to wavelengths from about 390 to 750 nm. In terms of...
, and are thus not easily visible to the naked eye.
Restrictions
In early stages of their production, these patches were easily available for civilians to purchase, and the Taliban and Al-qaedaAl-Qaeda
Al-Qaeda is a global broad-based militant Islamist terrorist organization founded by Osama bin Laden sometime between August 1988 and late 1989. It operates as a network comprising both a multinational, stateless army and a radical Sunni Muslim movement calling for global Jihad...
bought them or stole them from fallen ISAF
ISAF
ISAF may refer to:* International Sailing Federation, the world governing body for Olympic and other competitive sailing.* International Security Assistance Force, the NATO-led security mission operating in Afghanistan since 2001....
soldiers since the coalition attack aircraft were not authorized to fire upon anyone wearing the patch.
Since this came to light, the United States State Department has restricted all export of these patches. Since they are popular with Airsoft
Airsoft
Airsoft is a sport in which participants shoot round non-metallic pellets launched via replica firearms.Gameplay varies in style and composition but often range from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, military simulations, historical reenactments, to competition target shooting events...
ers, some replica versions have been produced which are not Infrared
Infrared
Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light, measured from the nominal edge of visible red light at 0.74 micrometres , and extending conventionally to 300 µm...
receptive.