Thermal vs water - new meta?

Published on March 10, 2025
Duration: 0:36

This video from FalconClaw explores the effectiveness of water as a concealment method against thermal imaging. Expert Lucas Parsons demonstrates how submerging in cold river water, especially when combined with mud, can effectively hide a heat signature from both drone and handheld thermal devices. The experiment highlights situational effectiveness and the impact of environmental factors like water and air temperature.

Quick Summary

Water can be an effective, though situational, method for hiding a heat signature from thermal imagers. Submerging in cold river water (around 8°C/46.4°F) significantly reduced or eliminated the heat signature visible to both drone and handheld thermal devices in tests by FalconClaw. Mud camouflage further enhances this concealment.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Thermal vs. Water Concealment
  2. 00:08Drone Thermal Test: Submersion
  3. 00:16Handheld Thermal Test: Submersion
  4. 00:20Environmental Factors: Temp & Mud

Frequently Asked Questions

Can water hide a person from thermal imaging?

Yes, water can be an effective, though situational, method for hiding a heat signature from thermal imagers. Submerging in cold river water (around 8°C/46.4°F) significantly reduced or eliminated the heat signature visible to both drone and handheld thermal devices in tests by FalconClaw.

How does mud affect thermal concealment in water?

Mud camouflage, combined with immersion in cold water, can further enhance concealment. The cold water temporarily reduces the body's heat output, and the mud can help mask residual heat, making detection by thermal imagers more difficult.

What environmental factors influence thermal concealment in water?

Key environmental factors include water temperature, air temperature, and the presence of natural camouflage like mud. Colder water and air temperatures, along with mud, contribute to a reduced and more easily concealed heat signature.

Are drone thermal imagers different from handheld thermal imagers regarding water concealment?

In the tests conducted by FalconClaw, both drone-mounted and handheld thermal imagers were tested. Water immersion proved effective in hiding heat signatures from both types of devices, suggesting water's concealment properties are consistent across these thermal imaging platforms.

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