How often do friendly fire incidents occur?
Statistics have shown there is up to a 20% casualty rate due to friendly fire in any given conflict. History reminds us of the infamous Stonewall Jackson death in the Civil War. And the recent Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts are not without tragedy also.
In the end, misjudgments and mistaken identity are a reality of war.
And with advancements of Night Vision technology, conflicts in the dark are more and more likely.
The U.S. military prides itself on the ability to work under the cover of darkness. Because Night Vision goggles (NVG) turn “darkness into day” the soldier has a strategic advantage over the enemy .
Yet with all the upside of fighting in the dark with NVG’s, soldiers are vulnerable to the dangers of friendly fire.
Why the IFF Glow Patch?
Without friend or foe protection soldiers die.
The IFF glow patch is the soldier’s best friend on a dark battlefield. The patch attaches to combat fatigues and a Night Vision illuminator creates a glow. Therefore, units know where their “friendly” is positioned.
As a result, the IFF glow patch protects the soldier against a mistaken identity.
An IFF patch is built in different sizes, shapes, colors and designs. The critical concern is not so much the design but that soldiers do not engage in battle without one.
4 Covert IR IFF Patches Saving Lives
1. Glow tab 3/4″
The small 3/4″ IFF glow patch, also referred to as a “glow tab”, might be small but packs a lot of protection.
Every issued US uniform is equipped with 2 IFF glow patches sewn onto each shoulder.
2. IR reflective 2.5″ x 3″
The 2.5″ x 3″ IR reflective IFF patch is most popular among special units.
Available in nation flags, morale logos, call signs and custom designs.
This patch is printed with unit designs or laser cut to unit specifications. There are many colors and fabrics to choose from.
3. Fusion IFF patch
This unique Fusion patch combines 2 covert IR films, Thermal and IR reflective onto one patch. This enables a Night Vision device and a Thermal imaging device to detect who’s in the zoo.
A non-covert film can also be built onto a Fusion patch.
4. Thermal patch 4″ x 4″
The 4″ x 4″ thermal patch provides 24/7 IFF detection. Using a thermal imager (FLIR), the thermal patch appears black with white hot settings, or white with black hot settings.
Unlike IR reflective patches, thermal film is detected in smoke, sand and fog.
Since 2006, IR.Tools has provided IFF glow patch protection for soldiers all over the world.
We pride ourselves in our proprietary SandStorm Technology™ , a one layer IR film that resists water and debris from destroying the patch.
Contact us or call 443.292.8885 for a free quote.
If you are a motivated dealer we hope to partner with you to provide this extraordinary protection!
