'We Aren't Sure What They Are Doing With It'

Australia's CAMTECH Camouflage Technology of Rydalmere told ANN this week the company has reported its first sale of multispectral reflectors and absorbers to an unnamed US aircraft manufacturer.

"Due to client confidentiality protocols we can't say which US aircraft manufacturer," said CAMTECH Managing Director Owen Graham, "and because the product has so many uses we aren't sure what they are doing with it."

Hard to tell, indeed... but considering the Spectro Dynamic Systems silver-coated 'cenospheres' are an excellent electromagnetic shielding material or infra red reflector, we can assume the components weren't purchased to make an airplane... um, more noticeable.

According to CAMTECH, the cenospheres (below) can be used as a cost effective substitute for silver ball or silver coated copper ball in conductive applications. The coatings can also be added as a powder filler to almost any binding agent, including paint, gaskets, castings, caulking and coatings.

Because the agent is mostly silver, it can even be used as an antimicrobial additive for plastics used in medical applications such as pacemakers, semi disposable instruments and clinical benchtops, according to the company... although it is doubtful those are the uses the aircraft maker has in mind.

"The sales so far have been evaluative but the client has indicated they will take all available stock and most of next year's production," said Owen, former New South Wales president of the Australian Industry Defence Network, and former chairman of the Australian Middle East Defence Export Council.

CAMTECH has been manufacturing the components since early 2005.

FMI: www.stealth.camouflage.com.au