Field-validated across five Canadian Armed Forces trials. Proven performance across VIS, NIR, SWIR, MWIR and LWIR spectrums — from ground observation to aerial UAS sensors.
The Umbra MSC is a field-tested multispectral camouflage overgarment designed to reduce detection across all major spectral bands. Unlike conventional systems that rely on uniform thermal suppression, the Umbra employs a three-dimensional, non-uniform leaf-based architecture.
This architecture disrupts recognizable human signatures by generating randomized thermal and visual patterns that more closely replicate natural environments — making the operator harder to detect by both human observers and sensor systems.
The system has been validated through five field trials with elements of the Canadian Armed Forces including Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM), Department of National Defence (DND), and 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment (1 RCR).
The Umbra MSC addresses signature management across every major infrared detection band.
400–700 nm
3D surface geometry reduces contrast and silhouette at distance
700–900 nm
NIR-compliant materials validated through night observation
900–2500 nm
Surface structure reduces reflectivity and contrast
3–5 µm
Non-uniform thermal architecture disrupts recognizable patterns
8–14 µm
Randomized hot/cold pattern reduces silhouette coherence
Five independent field trials conducted with Canadian Armed Forces across arctic and temperate environments using ground-based, handheld, and UAS-mounted thermal sensors.
Close-range temperate test at ~20ft, 25°C. Human outline not distinguishable from surrounding foliage. Operator blends into vegetated environment.
Ground test at ~200m, −20°C. Human outline not readily distinguishable. Reduced thermal coherence confirmed in extreme cold conditions.
Garment tested after 4 hours of continuous wear. Minimal thermal bleed-through confirmed — performance maintained throughout extended operational period.
Drone test at ~400ft altitude, 22°C. Standing individuals clearly visible without system. MCO operator signature approaches background in open terrain.
Aerial observation over mixed terrain. Reduced signature coherence confirmed. Critical for counter-UAS positioning and overhead sensor threat environments.
High-altitude aerial survey confirming broad area performance. Operator detection probability reduced across full survey area under aerial thermal observation.
The Umbra MSC is modular by design. Individual leaf tiles can be added or removed to adjust weight, coverage, and thermal performance for mission-specific requirements.
The key performance variable affected by tile density is thermal bleed-through time — higher density delivers longer sustained performance; reduced density provides a lighter, more mobile configuration.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Spectral Bands | VIS, NIR (0.7–1.4 µm), SWIR, MWIR, LWIR / TIR (12 µm) |
| Thermal IR Suppression | Up to 75% reduction in temperature emissions |
| Weight | ~750 g/m² |
| Durability Rating | MIL-STD-810G / ISO 12947 |
| Environmental Resistance | UV, Water, Abrasion, Dust — all materials waterproof and mold/mildew resistant |
| Deployment Formats | Wearable overgarment, Netting, Vehicle Wraps, Tarp/Poncho |
| Wear Time (no bleed-through) | 4+ hours continuous; tested to 8 hours at 21°C |
| Arctic Performance | Proven at −20°C; designed to −40°F |
| Don / Doff Time | ≤15 seconds via 2 buckles |
| CBRNE Compatibility | Outer layer compatible with existing CBRNE systems |
| Fit Range | 2nd–98th percentile anthropometric range |
| Linkability | Modular and linkable via Velcro tabs for expanded coverage |
| Laundering | Compatible with standard laundering |
| Field Validation | 5 CAF field trials — CANSOFCOM, DND, 1 RCR |
Response to USMC Sources Sought M67854-26-I-5407 — MCSC PM CSS / PdM CSSE.
| Requirement | USMC Standard | Umbra Response | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIS Detection | Reduce detection at 600m ground | VIS-compliant patterning and 3D surface geometry | Meets |
| NIR Detection | Reduce detection at 600m ground and aerial | NIR-compliant materials; validated through night observation | Meets |
| SWIR Detection | Reduce detection up to 2000m | Materials and surface structure reduce reflectivity and contrast | Meets |
| MWIR Suppression | Thermal suppression | Non-uniform thermal architecture disrupts recognizable patterns | Enhanced |
| LWIR Suppression | Thermal suppression | Randomized hot/cold pattern reduces silhouette coherence | Enhanced |
| Don / Doff | ≤15 seconds | Designed for rapid deployment via 2 buckles | Meets |
| CBRNE Compatible | Must integrate over existing systems | Outer layer compatible with existing CBRNE systems | Meets |
| Environmental Range | −40°F to 140°F | Proven at −20°C; arctic cover available for extreme cold | Meets |
| Weight | <3.5 lbs threshold | 5.5–6.5 lbs full system; configurable for reduced weight | Trade-off |
| Thermal Bleed-Through | Not stated | Multi-hour wear without significant bleed-through | Exceeds |
| Field Validation | Not specified | 5 CAF field trials — CANSOFCOM, DND, 1 RCR | Exceeds |
| Modularity | Not required | Tile-based modular system — mission configurable | Exceeds |
Full-resolution thermal imagery, expanded field test datasets, and introductions to CAF validation personnel available upon request.
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