Abstract: To provide a combat identification device not affected by adverse environtal conditions, thermoelectric modules are incorporated to a rotatable panel coupled to a target vehicle. By supplying the appropriate power to the thermoelectric modules, one surface of each thermoelectric module would exhibit coolness while the other surface of the module would exhibit heat. The panel to which the thermoelectric modules are incorporated therefore has a cold surface and a hot surface. And by rotating the panel, an identification signature is provided to an infra-red reviewer of an attacker to indicate that the vehicle to which the assembly of the instant invention is attached is a friendly vehicle. Instead of a single panel, two panels may be joined together in an inverted-V shape.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for positively identifying the vehicles, troops, and landmarks of friendly forces to reduce or eliminate the threat of fratricide includes a light display comprising a plurality of flexible electroluminescent panels which are conformable with and affixable to visible outer surface of friendly or noncombatant vehicles, troop helmets, or landmarks. Each of the panels is electrically energized and modulated under computer control to provide various combinations of pattern display, color, intensity, and activation times to transmit a desired identification code.