Active Coating Technologies will assist in the masking of materiel, as well as provide corrosion protection, self-repair, active networking, real-time sensing and communication, and signature management.

The coatings applied to weapon systems today are passive in the sense that once applied they perform their function without the ability to self-correct because of changing circumstances or without the ability to tell the user of potential anomalies such as corrosion, damage, or adhesion problems. However, as articulated by Vision 2010, the Army is transforming itself into an information-age, networked organization that leverages its intellectual capital to better train and equip a strategic land combat force. Lighter, faster materiel will require new approaches to protect them.

Active Coating Technologies (ACT) will assist in the masking of materiel while providing other unique capabilities such as corrosion protection, self-repair, active networking, real-time sensing and communication, and signature management. These capabilities will increase the effectiveness of Army systems by decreasing life-cycle costs, reducing down time, reducing the maintenance and logistics burden, and increasing the survivability of systems by decreasing detection.

Specific Research Thrusts include:

• Power Supply and Control for Coatings
• Signature Management and Masking
• Sensor Packages
• Corrosion Prevention, Protection, and Control
• Advanced Maintenance and Repair