Cerakote Gen II Coatings: Reduced Weapons Visual-IR Signature Detection

Advancements in camouflage and signature management technologies significantly improve soldier survivability and combat strengths.  Signature management technology employed in combat uniforms have shown to substantially reduce detection by enemy combatants in both day and night operations.  While significant improvements have been made to help the warfighter avoid detection, little has been done to reduce the non-firing signatures of individual and crews-served weapon systems, accessories and mounts.

Traditional flat, black surface treatments such as phosphate, anodize, black oxide, and other processes in use today offer no visual, near-infrared, or thermal signature management capability.  The lack of these important capabilities leaves warfighters vulnerable to detection – placing them at risk during day and night combat operations.

Technology Offering
Recognizing the need to improve weapon system signature management capabilities, NIC Industries, Inc. leveraged its proven civilian Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) ceramic-based firearm and high temperature coatings (marketed as Cerakote™ Firearm Coatings and Cerakote™ High Temperature Coatings respectively) and developed a second generation material, now known as Cerakote™ Gen II.  This next generation coating was developed specifically for military small arms, crew-served weapons, and other metallic and non-metallic applications, where a need for the ability to manage the visual and near-infrared signature while enhancing durability, reliability and maintainability would be desired.  

In addition to the signature management capability, Cerakote™ Gen II offers superior wear, chemical and corrosion resistance for any of the wide variety of adverse environmental conditions likely to be encountered in theaters of operation.  An added feature of Cerakote™ is the ability to be applied to a variety of substrates.  This unique feature allows the coating to be applied to legacy and newly manufactured weapon systems, as well as accessories and mounts manufactured from a variety of metallic and non-metallic substrates.

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