An apparatus for adaptive camouflage with independent control of both
temperature and apparent color. The apparatus has cells or individual
pixels behind a transparent outer layer. The temperature of the outer
layer is controlled by a heat transfer fluid flowing in a closed circuit
in each cell, the fluid being cooled or heated by Pelletier elements
located behind the assembly. Color changes can be activated separately at
the back of the transparent layer by the rotation of metallic triangles
whose sides are covered with various color paints, the triangles being
located behind the transparent layer. Radar absorption is obtained by the
transparent layer and heat transfer fluid and by the selective
orientation of the metallic triangles in various directions. The apparent
signature of the assembly can then be varied by adapting the signature of
the various cells to current environmental conditions when background
conditions alter.