It's magic: Exclusive look at Harry Potter-style 'invisibility cloak' used by UK Commando Force
The Royal Marines are using what they describe as "Harry Potter invisibility cloaks" to help them evade thermal imaging technology.
BFBS Forces News was granted an exclusive look at the revolutionary piece of kit while filming at the US Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in California on Exercise Green Dagger.
The cloak, officially known as the Saab Barracuda Soldier System, is designed to protect the user from being detected from thermal imagery technology aboard unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which are fast becoming a mainstay of modern warfare.
"It's essentially a Harry Potter invisibility cloak for a Commando," Sergeant Carl Smith from X-Ray Company, 45 Commando, explained.
In the fictional world of Harry Potter, the title character is gifted an invisibility cloak which, when worn, prevents him from standing out against his background.
The Saab Barracuda Soldier System, which resembles a floor-length waterproof poncho in camouflage colours, works in a similar way by concealing both the user's silhouette and body temperature.
What is actually in the system and what it is made of are classified, Sgt Smith said.
"What it does do is disperse thermal radiation," he added. "It can essentially blend in to every environment and be invisible to thermal sensors."
It's a game-changer
The cloak is a vital piece of kit that helps the Commando Force meet the demands of the modern-day battlefield.
"It's a bit of a game-changer in the way that it is now a protective layer that one can wear whilst transiting rather than just being static," Sergeant Smith said.
It's not clear how many of the cloaks the Commando Force have acquired, but the equipment can be used in various different ways.
For example, as a poncho, it's reversible and can be used at night to protect from other optical tracking equipment.
Can't be seen, can't be engaged
The Commando Force have purchased the cloaks after seeing the way thermal imaging technology has been integrated onto UAS in the war in Ukraine.
It will also give the Marines the ability to get multiple people through dangerous areas into surveillance and reconnaissance roles.
"In Ukraine, individuals [are] being targeted in open areas where they are not protected from thermal imagery sensors placed on one-way attack drones," Sgt Smith said. "What this does is give us an extra layer of protection – if you can't be seen, you can't be engaged."
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