Protective color in clothing. Types of camouflage - overview

Humanity has always been interested in issues of camouflage. Increased attention to this topic was caused by the ability to blend into the terrain with the help of branches and grass tied to the body guaranteed a successful hunt, as a result - a person could feed himself. Over time, the art of camouflage became very popular in military affairs. The ability to dissolve and not stand out now saved the life of the soldier.

Army camouflages. Start

The history of the development of camouflage patterns goes back only a few decades. This was quite enough that after a short period of time, thanks to the intensive activity of military developers, a huge variety of camouflage suits appeared that could hide a person on any terrain.

The very first camouflage colors appeared in the nineteenth century. British soldiers during the Boer War wore bright red uniforms. For the Boers, who already had experience in camouflage, they were too noticeable on the ground. As a result, England suffered heavy personnel losses. Therefore, the country's leadership replaced the red uniforms with special swamp-colored clothing - “khaki”.

The second state whose army began to use camouflages was Germany. The camouflage colors of German personnel numbered thirty options. Preference was given to the very first, “fragmentation” sample. Camouflage received this name because its pattern was chaotically scattered colored geometric shapes of various sizes. The “fragmentation” version of camouflage was first used by the German army in the First World War. world war. Since the debut of this was successful, Wehrmacht soldiers used it in World War II. At the same time, helmets with armored vehicles began to be camouflaged.

IN Soviet time Formed in 1919, all issues related to camouflage patterns and colors were resolved graduate School military camouflage and State Institute Academy of Sciences of the USSR. Outstanding scientists were involved in this work - S. M. Vavilov, V. V. Sharonov and others. Thanks to fundamental scientific research, camouflage colors were developed that allowed visual dispersion. This effect of a camouflage suit was achieved by combining a unified deforming pattern, which was a set large amoeba-shaped spots with baggy camouflage clothing. Such a combination “broke” the silhouette of a person, scattering the contours of his figure. A similar effect is typical for military camouflage time. The ability to disperse the outline of a silhouette distinguished these patterns from hunting variants, for which main goal is to “merge” the object with the surrounding area.

Soviet developers paid special attention to the correct selection of colors for the design of amoeba-shaped spots. This took into account the seasons and characteristics environment. So, for the typical color of the area in the summer season (grass-green), spots of dark and black colors are ideal. The autumn season is characterized by a yellow or dirty-brown background. For him, Soviet technologists selected dark brown deforming spots.

Both personnel and military equipment were subject to camouflage.

In 1927, Soviet developers of camouflage clothing supplied the military with domestically produced camouflage. This is a white winter suit and a summer hoodie Brown.

Post-war developments of army camouflages

After the end of World War II, development accelerated. Military developers of camouflage patterns, having considerable experience, realized that camouflage colors for the army need to be selected taking into account the terrain, since they cannot be universal and suitable for any environment. Camouflage is much more effective in cases where it is selected both for the specific type of terrain in which hostilities are taking place, and for the season.

What camouflage colors are there? The photos presented in the article will help you navigate this issue. There are really a lot of options, as you can see.

The Karbyshev Central Research and Testing Institute has developed the best military camouflages in the world. The colors of these camouflage suits, despite their not very attractive appearance, are ideal for our geographical latitude.

Camouflages during the Cold War

Developers from different countries approach the choice of camouflage patterns in their own way. This is due to different types of terrain. Military technologists developing camouflage suits for the army of a particular country take into account the fact that each branch of the military needs its own camouflage. Over time, it can be modified and improved. The years of the Cold War are considered to be one of the most fruitful periods in the history of the development of the art of camouflage. At this time, camouflage attracted especially close attention from developers.

Types and colors of countries of the world

• Europe and America. During the Cold War, “forest” camouflage was created here. It is ideal for working in forested and deciduous terrain.
• Central Asia and North Africa. The army of these states uses the “desert” type of camouflage suit.

• Southeast Asia. The military uses jungle camouflage. It is ideal for tropical latitudes.
• South Africa. The country's army has very few options for camouflage suits. This is due to the uniformity of the terrain, in which the bush camouflage hoodie is very effective.

Russian camouflage colors

KZM-P was until recently the most common camouflage pattern in Russia. The color “birch” is its second name, better known than the official one. The pattern has several other names: “golden” and “silver leaf”, “sunny bunny”, “border guard”. The principle of the pattern is to diffuse the outline of a person by simulating the play of light in the drawing. Originally developed back in Soviet times, it was widely used by KGB special forces, paratroopers and border guards.

This was a classic Russian version of camouflage, as it was ideal for the latitudes of the USSR. But over time, after discoveries in the field of camouflage art, the colors of Russian camouflage have undergone changes and are no longer found in their original version. Its “clones” that have appeared are commercial versions and have their own circle of admirers among hunters, fishermen and airsoft fans.

NATO version

One of the most common camouflages used by European armies is Woodland (American made). Since 1980, when this camouflage was released, and to this day in Europe and the USA it is considered the best. Its popularity led to the emergence of “clones” and their spread throughout the world. Woodland is a pattern in the form of blurry spots of two colors: brown and black. They are located on a light and dark green background. The disadvantage of this camouflage appears after it gets wet. When wet it turns black and becomes noticeable. Lately, the original classic Woodland camo pattern has become obsolete. This became the reason for its improvement. This is how its variations appeared:

The principle of selecting a camouflage pattern

The main criterion for registration color range and its saturation is human vision. In the process of creating colors, the brain’s ability to highlight the contours of objects and recognize them is taken into account. The identification process takes place. The smallest ideas about contours are enough for a person’s brain to receive information about the object he saw. With the help of displaced corners of the pattern and their corresponding colors, perception and identification are distorted - this is the main task performed by a camouflage suit. This principle is applicable for the manufacture of all types of camouflage clothing - military and hunting. At the same time, camouflage designers design specific patterns for each camouflage, their shapes, sizes and the degree of contrast of nearby elements of the pattern. They can be large or small. Spots or stripes are applied at an angle of 30 or 60 degrees relative to the visual contours of the object.

Commercial camouflage option

Camouflage clothing is applicable not only in military affairs. When hunting or fishing, properly selected camouflage is also indispensable. Camouflage color variations, which are not used for sewing army camouflage suits, have found their way into the manufacture of commercial camouflage products. The suits, which for some reason were not put into service with the country's army, are actively used by private paramilitary structures - security companies, hunters and fans of tactical games. Camouflages for this category of consumers are produced by private companies in separate factories. Their products are suits, the colors of which are very similar to the army versions. But they have one difference - there may be fewer colors in such products or, conversely, more (several additional ones have been added).

Moss camouflage color

Hunting is carried out in forest and field conditions. If hunting is planned in the forest, then the choice of camouflage suit depends on what kind of forest it is - deciduous or coniferous. The solution to the problem is to purchase “moss” camouflage. His design contains green and perfectly copies this plant. This suit has two options:

• Summer. Used in the warm season. The lightweight natural fabric of the suit is well ventilated.
• Winter. Designed to be worn during cold periods. Unlike the summer example, the shades on this camouflage are much darker. This is achieved through additional gray. The brown color available in the summer version is much darker here. The suit is made on the principle of two-layer clothing and is considered good protection from moisture and strong wind. The winter set includes a hood, which is fastened with a zipper. This makes it possible to quickly remove it if necessary. Velcro on the hood allows you to tightly cover your neck and head. The pockets are also equipped with special Velcro closures to prevent contents from being lost during vigorous movements. There are drawstrings at the bottom of the legs. This makes it easy to tuck trousers into berets and protects from dust. “Moss” camouflage is used by fishermen, hunters and tourists.

Pixel art

The armies of many countries use digital camouflage. These camouflage suits got their name due to the presence of individual pixels that appear during digital computer processing. The work on the digital version was based on the ability of the human eye to perceive surrounding objects as a continuous whole. Since there are no interrupted lines in nature, one small fragment is enough for the human brain, from which it subsequently builds the entire image. Pixel patterns, having unnatural and unusual outlines, are used to reduce the brain’s ability to “complete” the missing fragments.

Pixel camouflage was invented to interrupt lines and contours. The names of the colors of the “digital” camouflage suits are as follows:

• ACUPAT. Used for combat operations in urban environments or rocky deserts.
• CADPAT. Good for forest belt.
• “Digital flora”. Used in forest areas. It is especially effective if a person moves quickly. In this case, the eye is not able to focus on the object.

Camouflage for armored vehicles and aircraft

In addition to protecting personnel, armored vehicles, military or strategically important buildings for the army, and aviation are also camouflaged. The procedure for camouflage by applying a camouflage pattern is not labor-intensive. A few hours will be enough for this. The main thing is to follow the instructions: you need to maintain the inherent ratio of spots (their sizes and shades) inherent in each pattern. A pattern is only considered camouflage if it contains at least five stripes or spots. Moreover, they must be at least two colors.

The Russian Army practices aircraft camouflage. For this purpose, two-color pixel patterns are used. Unlike Russian aviation, the US Air Force does not carry out such a practice. US aircraft are predominantly painted neutral gray. This, according to US military analysts, helps aircraft blend in, especially at long distances, while camouflage patterns against the sky are more likely to attract attention.

Digital patterns are used in the coloring of strategically important military installations by both the American and Russian Armed Forces.

The art of camouflage is especially important nowadays. At the current level of weapons development, the absence of camouflage or its defect can lead to serious losses of personnel.

Different countries had different approaches to camouflage uniforms. Firstly, camouflage patterns change over time, improving protective functions and adapting to different types of terrain. Secondly, Various types troops have different camouflage.

The camouflage was not always successful. For example, the Americans got into trouble with “forest” camouflage, adapted for the deciduous forest of the middle zone, in the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq. The error was corrected, but the cost of this error was very high.

Successful samples do not always continue to exist. For example, the border camouflage “birch” was removed from service and remained only in reconnaissance camouflage kits. Various versions of the “birch” can be purchased in stores specializing in camouflage for hunting, fishing and airsoft.

Let's look at the types of camouflages, both currently used and in historical perspective.

Khaki

The progenitor of all modern camouflage.

Basic color of protective clothing. It first appeared in service with the British Army in 1896.

The Americans adopted the British experience and dressed their army in khaki by 1899.

Khaki is the basic field camouflage color and is used as the basis for the development of almost all types of camouflage clothing. This color is also used by default for painting surfaces, weapons, and objects.

Amazingly, the style called “mud”, which is how the word khaki is translated from Persian, has conquered not only the trenches, but also the catwalks of high fashion and has stubbornly maintained its position throughout the century. In fashion, there are varieties of the use of khaki color - safari style - with patch pockets, wide belts and fitted silhouettes, and military style - an aggressive style that hides the outlines of the body.

Olive (Olive Green)

Olive. Also considered a classic camouflage pattern. Deeper color compared to khaki. While khaki is adapted to the desert, Olive Green has a broader application profile. Used by the US Army in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Along with khaki, olive is widely used in the fashion industry, in the field of design, especially relaxation design. Often used in good medical and rehabilitation sanatoriums.

“Black” version (dark gray), black camouflage with a slight smoky tint.

It is used primarily by intelligence agencies during night operations, and is also used by paramilitary and prison guards.

Black camouflage can also be used for intimidation. A kind of advanced cinematic ninja camouflage.

Navy Blue

Classic camouflage, originally named marine blue, was used by the British Navy from 1748. Blue color The naval uniform was subsequently borrowed by many countries around the world and was reflected in uniforms, workwear and even school uniforms.

	Snow camo"Snow" camouflage. Widely used by special services for field reconnaissance. Camouflage is designed for special military units, reconnaissance and special forces in the Arctic, Antarctic and for operations in the winter season.
	Brushstroke, Denison camo This type of “brush stroke” camouflage was created in Britain and was used in the arsenal of various countries around the world until 1960. Depicts multidirectional broad brush strokes on a khaki base. Used mainly in tropical and Asian countries. It became the basis for the “brushstroke” camouflages of lizard, tiger, and knight.

	KZS. 1975-76 Anti-radiation protection mesh camouflage with digital pattern. Currently out of print. The fabric was impregnated with special substances that prevented combustion. A spacious mesh camouflage suit was worn over the uniform. After use, the suit was not reused, but was buried or burned. Scope of application: reconnaissance, army.
	Oak, butane 1984. Army camouflage. Initially developed for airborne forces and landing forces. Three-color forest camouflage. Currently used in aviation and airborne units. Also used in various modifications for tourist clothing. In many respects it coincides with the American Woodland camouflage pattern.
	Flora and digital flora(simulating a two-color pixel breakdown). Three-color army camouflage, which replaced the “butane” one. Currently in use. Features a more dynamic silhouette. The color is also called “watermelon”.
	Birch, gold leaf, silver leaf, sunbeam, border guard. Legendary camouflage with a pattern that imitates the play of light in foliage. Developed for border troops. Subsequently used in reconnaissance and airborne units. In the West, the pattern is known as “KGB camouflage.”
	Palm. Camouflage pattern from 1944. Tropical vegetation. Demonstrates the breadth of views of the Soviet leadership. Camouflage was used in reconnaissance and sabotage units of the Second World War.
	Amoeba. 1935 Two-tone camouflage with an amoeba-like breaking pattern. When moving, the contours of the figure blur, like an amoeba. Interesting visual effect, despite the apparent simplicity of execution.
	Knight, "reed". Camouflage designed for the Ministry of Internal Affairs troops special purpose. Variations of the “tiger” camouflage, which is reflected in the name, which clearly refers to the “Knight in the Tiger Skin”. There are winter and summer options. Can be used both in urban and field conditions.
	VSR-93, “vertical”. Combined arms camouflage 1993.

Modern Russian camouflages are freely available

Birch. Khaki stains on an olive background. Repeats the famous digital camouflage “birch tree”, border guard, silver leaf, but in a different color design. Gray reed. Autumn, winter camouflage. Used by hunters and security structures. Horizontal camouflage pattern. Gray City. Urban winter camouflage based on intersecting spots of various sizes. 4 colors. Reindeer moss. Camouflage for the green zone of the middle zone. Olive with small spots

Number. Classic digital four-color camouflage with a pixel pattern. Flora. Traditional forest camouflage, 4 colors. Kink. Digital camouflage based on the classic Bundestag flecktarn. Frog. Another excellent variant of forest camouflage based on flecktarn. A distinctive feature of this camouflage is the presence of bright brown spots with a dark outline.

Figure border guard. An excellent option for the middle stripe based on MARPAT camouflage. Field digit, tundra. Camouflage for desert areas with pale or sparse vegetation. The number is gray. Excellent modern winter camouflage in pixel style. Dot. A hybrid of traditional forest colors with a dark “amoeba”. High-quality camouflage for deciduous and coniferous forests.%

Britannia

Britain is the founder of industrial army camouflage. The prototypes of many camouflage patterns were developed in Britain. The blue uniform of sailors, khaki, olive, brush stroke camouflage for desert areas - all these are inventions of the British.

Disruptive Pattern Material(explosion, splash of texture) one of the main camouflages based on strokes of various directions. This type differs from the classic brush stroke camouflage with a “wide brush” by being more chaotic and uneven in the width of the stroke.

Germany, Wehrmacht, GDR, Federal Republic of Germany

	Rauchtarnmuster Camouflage ideal for deciduous and coniferous forests in summer and autumn. There was a separate option for spring. An experimental batch of double-sided camouflage was also released, with a different pattern on the reverse side. Used in SS assault brigades.
	Splittermuster, WH splintertarn. The first German army camouflage. 1931 Camouflage is also called “fragmented” or “ broken glass" One of the neatest camouflages in the world. Color spots of four colors, approximately the same shape and size, were applied at equal intervals.
	SS – Eichenlaubmuster, WH eichentarn.“Oak” camouflage as interpreted by the Wehrmacht. The drawing was created for the Waffen-SS. Known in variations: 6 colors (burgundy, black, olive, green, brown on basic khaki) version of 1942. There is also a variant using 5 colors - with the exception of burgundy.

For each camouflage option, winter and summer color options were provided.

	SS-Erbsenmuster, getarnter Drillichanzug. A simplified version of the Wehrmacht camouflage pattern of March 1944. Universal colors, without division into winter and summer. Suits and overalls of this color were sewn using common oversized patterns. The camouflage pattern was adjusted to fit the figure on site. A special decree approved the requirement for each serviceman to have at least 2 items of camouflage colors.
	GDR DDR-Russisches Tarnmuster. The first camouflage of the GDR army in the “Russian style”. Used approximately from the 40s until 1958. There are 2 modifications. Brown spots and brown spots with a black outline.
	Strichtarnmuster, NVA strichtarn, “rain” Camouflage of the GDR army from 1965 to 1990. It is a simplified variation of the Splittermuster camouflage. Brown stripes based on khaki.
	NVA Flachentarn, Blumentarn, “floral” camouflage. Used in the internal troops of the GDR from 1950 to 1967. It is based on Splittermuster with spots blurred along the edges.
	B.W. flecktarn. This designation covers a whole class of fairly successful camouflage patterns. Derived from the words fleck (spot) and Tarnung (camouflage). In translation, flecktarn is a camouflage based on random spots. Originally called Flecktarnmuster, developed in the 70s.

Used by German troops in the 80s. Distinctive feature camouflage in detail size. Camouflage spots are small in size. There are variants with a predominance of black-brown or green and olive colors.

Currently, derivatives of flecktarn are used in many countries, particularly in Poland and China.

Basic US camouflages

	Woodland. The most common US camouflage pattern. Developed in the mid-80s. Available in 4 basic versions. Currently in army units it is replaced by MARPAT. general basic, no modifications lowland with predominantly green, for marshy and low-lying areas highland mountain, with shades of brown delta with IR cloaking capabilities
	3-color desert. Desert three-color camouflage. The Airborne Forces were actively used in Afghanistan and Iraq. Was replaced by a more successful MARPAT camouflage
	6-color desert, Chocolate Chip, chocolate. Wave-like soft pattern in brown tones with imitation of small stones. Currently not used in the US Army, but this camouflage is actively supplied to “friendly” US units.
	Digital woodland. Digital forest. The main camouflage of the US Army at the moment. A very good option for camouflage painting. No worse than “birch” - the best camouflage of the USSR. There are three main variants of MARPAT camouflage - forest, desert and urban. The color mixing algorithm is preserved, the color balance and the ratio of the number of spots of the base color change.
	Digital desert. Digital desert. A variation of MARPAT in which the olive base is replaced with basic khaki. A variant of “digital” camouflage for the desert.
	AT-digital. Three-color camouflage based on MARPAT. The colors used are khaki, olive and brown.
	Multicam. Modified Woodland (a discontinued type of camouflage) used by commercial firms and security agencies. Nice camouflage, but the developers unnecessarily complicated the design, which led to a decrease in camouflage properties.

Canada camouflage

	CADPAT. Modification of MARPAT digital camouflage. There is debate as to who exactly was the first to come up with this type of camouflage. Let's not insist. Perhaps MARPAT is a modification of CADPAT. Perhaps it's the other way around. The principle of constructing camouflage colors is the same.
	JACKET, GARRISON, LAND, Canadian "forest" camouflage. Suitable for both deciduous and coniferous forests.
	Duck hunter. The glorious translation of "The Duck Hunter". Camouflage for hunters. It consists of large spots of color on olive or khaki. Sold in sporting and hunting stores. It is good because it is able to provide relative invisibility for animals, but the hunter remains visible to people, which is especially important when hunting.

China camouflages

Number. Pixel art is widespread and used in almost all armies of the world. Due to highly adaptable to any surface and ease of reproduction of patterns in any color range, is in high demand.

New modifications of digital camouflage are constantly being developed.

flecktarn"spots" in the Chinese modification. Green protective camouflage was adopted as a combined arms pattern with virtually no changes, and was also used for border and internal troops.

Desert option with a predominance of khaki was developed for the Beijing police and troops in Tibet. In general, the Chinese army copies the successful colors of other countries.

Reading time: 4 minutes

Camouflage fabric is a fabric of a special color that allows you to “break” the silhouette of an object (object or person) covered with it, and make it less noticeable or distort its shape and pattern of movement.

The fabric borrowed this property from nature - many species of animals, birds and fish have a protective color, with the help of which they become less vulnerable to enemies or less noticeable to a potential victim. Also, almost all animals have color and surface structure (and sometimes body shape) that are in harmony with their environment.

Translated from French camouflage ( camouflage) means "disguise".

The use of camouflage began in ancient times. Thus, for hunting, American Indians made clothes from animal skins or attached leaves and grass to their bodies.

Camouflage fabrics began to be used as military equipment relatively recently - at the end of the 19th century. British colonial troops in India began wearing khaki (meaning "khaki" in Hindi). dusty"). This is a color of earthy brown, yellow-green “dusty” shades. Since then, this color has been used in military uniforms in almost all countries of the world as a type of camouflage.

Varieties of camouflage and colors

Further for each area and depending on the season and weather conditions created its own colors. It involves not only a suitable shade, but also a certain pattern. The main large groups are waterproof camouflage fabric “Forest”,“Jungle”, “Desert”, “Winter”, “City”, “Summer” camouflage.

First spotted camouflage The military costume (chameleon) was created and patented in 1939 by the artist Vladimir Baranov-Rossine.

In the USSR before the Second World War, the Amoeba color scheme was used - a khaki or green background with black or dark brown spots.

The modern camouflage colors of the Russian Armed Forces are “Digital Flora” or “Pixel”. It was created in 1984. Outwardly, it looks like a configuration of pixels from a monitor screen, enlarged many times, applied to fabric. Tone from light green to dark brown. This pattern does not allow the eye to “catch” on an object and determine its shape, distance, and movement. For video surveillance systems or photographic equipment, a person in this form will be just a blurry spot.

Properties

In addition to masking properties camouflage fabrics must have characteristics that also meet the conditions in which they are used. The main ones are:

• strength;
• high hygienic qualities;
• waterproof;
• windproof properties;
• resistance to external influences (UV radiation, high temperatures, salt water, chemical weapons, etc.).

All these indicators vary depending on specific needs.

summer camouflage: “TC” fabric

What material to choose from

The basis for applying a camouflage pattern is usually synthetic or mixed fabrics. They can be of different densities.

Oxford

It is mainly used for sewing jackets, suits, and tents. Consists of polyester or nylon. It has a characteristic fabric texture - in a square - due to the interlacing of matting threads. Clothing made from Oxford is durable, does not blow out and retains heat, and is resistant to chemicals.

Rip stop

Tear-resistant fabric. Even if a cut or puncture occurs on it, it will not tear further. This property camouflage fabric has thanks to polyester threads that pass through cotton base and form a kind of reinforced lattice. At the same time, clothing made from this material remains quite light, breathes well, and does not allow water to pass through when using special impregnations. Jackets, raincoats, backpacks and tents are also made from it.

Greta

This is a mixed camouflage fabric It has gained popularity due to the fact that it is woven in such a way that the reverse side is made of cotton, and the front part consists of polyester fibers. This way the clothes remain soft and pleasant to the body inside, absorb sweat, dry quickly, and repel dirt and water.

Polarfleece

For winter types of camouflage, polyester fiber is used, woven in such a way that air chambers remain inside it. The top of such material can be finished with water-repellent impregnation or duplicated with another material. Polar fleece provides excellent warmth, is easy to clean, and weighs little.

Sorochechnaya

T-shirts, T-shirts and thin trousers are made from a mixture of cotton or viscose and polyester. camouflage colors. Such lightweight products have good hygienic properties, are practical and comfortable.

Membrane

Also in civil and military equipment use a membrane with a masking pattern applied on top. Membrane clothing is easy to move and protects well from cold, wind and rain. From above it does not allow moisture to pass through, but it removes all body evaporation well, so the clothes underneath always remain dry and the person does not freeze.

After making the fabric, a background of the desired shade is applied to it, and after that the stains are applied. When determining the composition of dyes, reflection indicators are taken into account. For each area, the geometric structure of the spots, their shades and saturation are individual and are calculated by specialists.

Areas of application

• The main areas of application of camouflage fabrics were and remain the army and the military industry. They are still used for sewing military uniform for many military units, as well as covering covers for special equipment.
• Also, such materials are actively used for the production of protective, uniform and workwear, suits and equipment (backpacks, tents, shoes and hats) for fishermen, hunters, and tourists.
• Thanks to its non-marking colors, it is widely used as outer work clothing for construction workers. Sometimes supplemented with reflective elements.
• In the entertainment industry, camouflage is used to produce clothing for military sports games (paintball, airsoft, etc.).
• In the 60s of the last century in the United States, military camouflage became fashionable among the civilian population. Initially, the goal was to attract the attention of the population and protest against wars. Interest in such clothes quickly faded away, but was revived in the 80s and since then they have regularly appeared in the fashion collections of popular designers. Jackets, raincoats, coats, sweaters and accessories (scarves, bags) in the military style are made from camouflage. For this purpose, softer and more comfortable materials are used, such as knitwear, jeans, silk, and wool. In addition to the military “protective” colors in Everyday life Other types of camouflage are also popular: leopard and zebra. A less aggressive style is the “safari” style; it also uses all shades of the first camouflage pattern - khaki.

Camouflage fabric is an indispensable material in military affairs, serving as protection for people and equipment. It has also firmly established itself in the fashion world and, together with the appropriate accessories, helps create unique looks for men’s, women’s and even children’s wardrobes.

"is a spotted or pixelated camouflage color used to reduce the visibility of people's clothing, equipment, weapons and other objects in the environment by blurring and breaking up the silhouette of an object or person. Camouflage is designed and used to make it difficult for the enemy to recognize the outlines of a person or equipment on the ground when using visual, photo, or optoelectronic detection methods.

The coloring of camouflage, as a rule, is a multicolor (2-4 colors) spotted pattern or design (large or small spots of various colors), blurring and distorting the outlines of the fighter.

For the first time in the world, camouflage appeared in the “Khaki” coloring during the Boer War (1899-1902) - this war was fought for the independence of the Transvaal from England. The British at that time wore red uniforms, which is why they suffered heavy losses compared to the Boers, who knew how to use the terrain around them for camouflage. As a result, the British army was dressed in a marsh-colored uniform (“khaki”). Further, camouflage began to be actively used by various armies, and during the Second World War, Germany had about 30 different camouflage colors in service, some of them later migrated to the Soviet army (example: “birch” camouflage, which is used and modernized to this day.

From the time of Cold War Camouflage is usually divided into five large groups:
- “Forest” - “Woodland” - used mainly in Europe and America;

- “Desert” - “Desert” - used in North Africa and Central Asia:
- “Jungle” (tropical) - “Tropical Uniform” - used in South-East Asia, South America;
- “Winter” is actually the winter camouflage itself, in which white colors predominate.
- “Bush” - “Bush” - used in Southern Africa, there are very few types of this camouflage, due to the limited terrain and countries.

Since the 1960s, the development of types of camouflage began to occur at a rapid pace and at the moment there are a huge number of types and colors of camouflage, ranging from military to commercial options. But at the same time, it is necessary to understand that there is no universal camouflage in principle; therefore, each color was created and designed to work only in environmental conditions and seasons specific to it.

There are several types of colors and names of camouflage types:

Army camouflage (Army camouflage used by the military of different countries);

Commercial camouflage (Commercial camouflage - those color variations that were not included in army units into service for some reason, and are currently produced by certain companies (factories) exclusively for independent military units and fans of hunting or tactical games. Commercial types of camouflage also include variations of existing army colors, from which additional colors were excluded, or, conversely, added).

Army camouflage of the Armed Forces of Russia and the USSR:

Digital Russian camouflage (Digital flora):

New pixel camouflage for the Russian Armed Forces.

VSR-98 Flora (Armed forces Russia-98 Flora):

It has been the main Russian combined arms camouflage since 1998 (based on the official designation). Camouflage "Flora" camouflages a person very well in central Russia. Because of its characteristic stripes, Flora was nicknamed “watermelon” camouflage. Available in three variations.

VSR-93 (Armed Forces of Russia-93):

He is also a “vertical”. Russian camouflage pattern from 1993.

Butane (Oak):

Aka “Dubok” This camouflage was developed in 1984. This pattern breaks up the silhouette of a person well at various distances against the background of vegetation.

Silver leaf 1957):

Camouflage “Silver leaf”, also known as “Birch” and “sunbeams”, as well as “border guard camouflage”. Camouflage with a deforming pattern, model 1957. Excellent for camouflage in deciduous forests of central Russia.

Camouflage with a deforming pattern, model 1944. Produced in four variations: spring, summer, autumn, winter.

Russian camouflage issued in 1942. Produced in two variations: summer, autumn.

Amoeba:

Camouflage issued in 1935. Produced in several versions.

Commercial Russian camouflage:

Modern camouflages: principles of creation, varieties, prospects

Part 1. General principles. Russian camouflages

Supplying almost everyone modern armies there is uniform intended for use directly on the battlefield - field uniform. Most armies in the world have this uniform in camouflage coloring. This material provides an overview of the main camouflage colors currently used in various armies peace.

It should also be noted that this material does not discuss the cut of uniforms, the quality characteristics of the fabric, and similar issues. The subject of consideration is exclusively the texture and color scheme used in camouflage.

Let me make a reservation right away that the material does not cover everything, but only the main and most common camouflages; also the topic of camouflages of the 1940s and earlier camouflages (of which there were quite a lot) is not disclosed; the topic of special (for example, urban, “hunting” or winter) colors is also not touched upon, since it is not possible to cover this entire volume within one material in the format of an article.

Basics of Camouflage Pattern Construction

Camouflage, or camouflage colors, serves the purpose of camouflaging the object on which it is applied. In this case, camouflage means reducing the contrast visibility of an object in the optical range in order to make it difficult to identify the object.
To achieve this goal, camouflage has two functions:
1. Deforming The function of camouflage is to violate the integrity of the perception of an object.
2. Imitation The function of camouflage is to ensure that the object is inseparable from the background.

The deforming function is implemented in modern camouflages primarily by breaking the silhouette of an object into a number of contrasting color spots. Imitation is implemented through the use of a color scheme similar to that characteristic of the area where camouflage is supposed to be used, and in the optimal form - through the imitation of natural objects (leaves, grass, areas of tree bark, stones, etc.), characteristic of of this area.

The difficulty of creating effective camouflage is that when implementing the first function, it is optimal to use large color spots (they break up the silhouette better, since they do not “merge” into a single color at medium and long distances), and when implementing the second function, it is optimal to use image of static natural objects on a scale of 1:1, that is, as a rule, small leaves, grass stems, etc. Thus, a contradiction is created, which various developers solve different ways. For example, in “hunting” types of camouflages, the deforming function is completely sacrificed to the imitation function - usually “hunting” camouflages represent a full-scale image of those natural objects where hunting is expected. In the Russian “Gorka” (its classic version), on the contrary, the imitation function is expressed much weaker than the deforming one: the imitation function consists only of the use of appropriate colors, while the deforming one is implemented in the form of the use of large-area overlay elements.

A few words about the colors of camouflage schemes. There are two general requirements to the colors used in creating camouflages:

1. The color must match the dominant/frequently occurring color in the area where the camouflage is intended to be used.
2. The color should be “unpleasant” to the human eye; the gaze should not intuitively stop at an object of that color.

That is why camouflage colors usually use dull, faded light brown, moderate gray and dark green colors; at the same time, for example, light green color Although it is widespread in nature, it is poorly suited for use in camouflage due to its brightness. The most commonly used colors in camouflage are: khaki, olive, marsh, dark and light brown, gray, black.

Short review history of the issue

Before the advent of mass-produced hand-held firearms that were effective over significant distances, the task of visually concealing one’s troops was less relevant than the opposite task - good visibility of one’s troops for a military leader. Due to the extremely limited means of tactical communication (in fact, there were no other means of communication except messengers), it was vital for the commander to observe the disposition and maneuver of his own troops, which is why it seemed advisable for these troops to use bright uniforms that were visible at a considerable distance. Often these uniforms had the colors of the national flags in one combination or another, and also differed in color among different units. The task of camouflaging individual soldiers was not highly relevant, because the main type of combat remained hand-to-hand; fire contact took place at an insignificant distance, at which the enemy soldier was visible regardless of the color of his uniform. In addition, the use of linear tactics and linear infantry formation made it absolutely pointless to use any camouflage clothing (it is difficult not to notice a dense line of 50 soldiers along the front at shotgun range, even if they were dressed in the most effective camouflage).

However, even in an era of dominance smoothbore weapons and linear tactics, camouflage was still used by individual units, primarily by the Jaeger units. The tactics of the rangers were somewhat similar to the tactics of modern infantry units (loose formation, use of natural shelters), and their weapons (rifled fittings with an effective range of up to 200-250 m.) made it possible to fire beyond the reach of enemy line infantry fire - but in the event of an attack the enemy's linear infantry (and even more so cavalry), the rangers were doomed. In addition, the rangers were vulnerable to fire from the same rangers from the “other” side. That is why it was among the rangers that the first developments appeared, designed to reduce the visual visibility of the shooter - one might say, the first camouflage. In all European armies, chasseurs, unlike line infantry, wore black, dark green and dark gray uniforms, and their headdresses did not have decorations or clearly visible emblems. Suvorov's instructions are widely known, instructing rangers to use plucked tree branches with leaves to enhance camouflage - a technique that works well in our time.

The situation with uniforms changed when, in the middle of the 19th century, rapid-fire rifled small arms began to enter service en masse, increasing the range of fire contact several times. It is generally accepted that the British were the first to move from the concept of a bright uniform to the concept of visual invisibility of a soldier during the Anglo-Boer War, because The bright red uniforms of the British were an excellent target for the Boer riflemen (who wore civilian clothes in dull “Protestant” shades). It was then that the British adopted a khaki-colored uniform for supply (khaki in Hindi means “dusty-earthy”), and seriously reduced the visibility of their soldiers. However, this version hardly withstands factual criticism, because dark green uniforms without decorations appeared in the army Russian Empire as a field uniform 10 years before the British encountered the Boers.

However, most European armies changed into uniforms of “protective” shades precisely in the second half of the 19th century and precisely taking into account the English experience. Research has been conducted in several countries to determine the most suitable and versatile camouflage color. The results, however, were different: Russia, England and Japan dressed the soldiers in khaki, France and Austria-Hungary - in sky blue, and Germany - in dark gray. These countries took part in the First World War in such uniforms.

At the same time, during the First World War, the first spotted camouflage of the modern type appeared. It became the German “fragmented camouflage”, so named because of the broken lines that delimit the color spots. Initially, this camouflage was used only on helmets, and these were not fabric covers, but simply paint applied to the metal of the helmet.

Camouflage received further development during the Second World War, and this time in its modern form - as the coloring of field uniforms. Initially, only samples of special shapes were produced camouflaged, i.e. camouflage suits and capes; however, by 1944, regular camouflage uniforms also appeared. Largest quantity Variants of camouflage during WWII appeared in the USSR and Germany, and in the USSR they emphasized the use of special sniper raincoats and camouflage overalls, and in Germany - directly on the uniforms of military personnel (mainly camouflage uniforms in Germany were worn by units of SS field units).

The main development of the camouflage colors of the field uniform was already in post-war years, especially from the 1970s to the present. It is modern camouflages that will become the main subject of consideration in this article.

Modern camouflages of Russia

In this material, modern Russian camouflages mean not only those samples that are in production and supplied to the Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation, but also those that are actively used by military personnel and employees of other law enforcement agencies. Among these camouflages, technically there are camouflages created in the USSR - within the framework of this material they are classified as “Russia”. Foreign-designed camouflages, also actively used by Russian security forces, are discussed in sections dedicated to the relevant countries.

KZS/Coloring-57

Historically, the first modern camouflage can be called a color scheme that has several names, the most common of which is “KZS”. It should be noted that KZS stands for “protective mesh suit”, and is not the name of the color, but the name of the product painted in this color. It is believed that the official name of the camouflage is “1957 pattern”, but this name is used quite rarely. Sometimes this color is unofficially called “Birch”, but such a name cannot serve as a unique name, because “Berezka” is also unofficially called another camouflage - VSR-93. Also, this coloring is sometimes called “border camouflage”, because... for a long time was supplied exclusively to the Border Troops of the KGB of the USSR.

This coloring exists in two variants while maintaining the same textural scheme: in one of the variants, the small spots have a gray-silver color, in the other (it was the one that was supplied to the border troops) - sand or khaki. The background color of both variants is olive; sometimes there are swamp-colored specimens. In any case, the background in this color scheme is always darker than the spots. The spots themselves have an “angular” structure, consisting of many squares.

It should be noted that this color scheme, although considered “morally outdated” by some experts, performs both functions quite well - deforming and imitation.

"Butane"

This camouflage was developed in the USSR in the 1980s as the main pattern for field uniforms. Despite the production of a significant number of products from it, it was not particularly widespread among the troops, although it was quite effective. Currently found in the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Armed Forces of Ukraine (in Ukraine for a long time it was the main camouflage), but in both cases it is being actively removed from supply, being replaced by other models.

Other names for this camouflage are “Oak” and “Amoeba”, and “Amoeba” is also the name of one of the camouflages from the Second World War. The colors themselves can vary, only the scheme remains unchanged: a light green background, dark green spots and light brown amoeba-shaped intersecting ribbons.

In the 1990s, in many parts of the RF Armed Forces there was a situation where officers wore “Butan”, and privates and non-commissioned officers wore VSR-93, so in the 1990s this camouflage was sometimes called “officer.”

VSR-93

Developed in the early 1990s, accepted for supply in 1993, replacing the ubiquitous khaki Afghan. When creating this camouflage, the experience of WWII camouflages, in particular, a number of German camouflages, was taken into account.

Quite often unofficially called “Berezka”, just like KZS. It was believed that the semi-official name of the VSR-93 was “Barvikha”, but this name does not appear in official documents. Also sometimes called "Watermelon" (or "Vertical Watermelon"), however "Watermelon" also applies to the VSR-98.

According to reviews of those wearing a uniform of this color, it is “very good to lie in,” because longitudinal spots very effectively imitate grass vegetation. However, camouflage, according to experts, is too highly specialized and is not universal and applicable to any terrain. In addition, there is information that this type of color “created an unsightly appearance for military personnel at parades,” so in 1998, products of this color were removed from supply.

VSR-98 "Flora"

Accepted for supply to the RF Armed Forces as the main one in 1998, it replaced the VSR-93. When developing this camouflage, the results of a study of the dynamic efficiency of camouflage were taken into account, that is, the ability of camouflage not to lose its functions when an object moves. According to the study, horizontal stripes help maintain camouflage functions when an object moves, while vertical stripes, on the contrary, unmask when moving.

Unlike previous camouflages, VSR-98 has not only digital code, but also the official name is “Flora”, but unofficially it, like the VSR-93, was called “Watermelon” or “Horizontal Watermelon” in the army.

There is a Flora color scheme in which the background is not light green, but dark yellow, sand or khaki. Such color schemes were popular among the troops of the North Caucasian Federal District, where the grass fades already in June and, accordingly, remains yellowish throughout the summer. Officially, "Flora" was withdrawn from supply in 2009 (according to other sources, in 2011), giving way to a more modern color scheme.

EMR/ZDU/Ruspat/Russian figure/Russian pixel

This camouflage appeared in 2008 (accepted for supply a year later), after a fundamental decision was made to change the “Flora”. Initially, it was assumed that since “Flora” roughly corresponds to the American “Woodland”, which in the US Armed Forces is actively changing to “digital” camouflages (see below), then the Russian Armed Forces should keep up with this process. The creation of the EMR was actively influenced by the German camouflage “Flektarn”, the developers of which managed to “combine the incompatible”: small spots that perform an imitation function are combined in this color scheme so that they form groups of large spots that perform a deforming function. The developers of EMP followed the same path, taking into account the results of studies that showed the effectiveness of extremely small (“pixel”) spots as constituent elements of a texture pattern (see derivatives from “Marpat”). The result was "EMP".

The name “EMP” stands for “Unified Camouflage Pattern” - this is the name under which this camouflage is supplied to the RF Armed Forces. However, it is known that the first manufacturer of products with this color gave it the name “ZDU” - “protection to the limit.” In the West, this camouflage is known as “Ruspat” (Russian Pattern) by analogy with the American pats. Also unofficially, this camouflage is called “Russian Number”, “Russian Pixel” or (in military usage) simply “Pixel”.
Currently, EMR is the main camouflage used by the Russian Armed Forces. Interestingly, it is also supplied to the Belarusian Armed Forces, but it is believed that the Belarusian version of the EMR has a slightly different color scheme.

"Undergrowth"

Created in the early 1990s at the St. Petersburg NPO Spetsmaterialy as an alternative to the VSR-93 for adoption by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. When creating it, the same principles were followed as in VSR-93, however, the vertical stripes were made more angular, the brown color was replaced by black, and the base was made lighter than in VSR-93. When creating “Undergrowth”, it was taken into account that vertical stripes visually increase the height of a person in such camouflage, which is relevant for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, because an employee in such a uniform has an additional psychological impact on detainees.

Officially it was supplied to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and was actively used by various units of the Special Forces.

"Raster undergrowth"/"Raster"

It was created at the same NPO “Special Materials”. It represents the first “dual-frequency” camouflage pattern in the practice of creating camouflage colors. The fact is that the original “Undergrowth” had a good imitation, but rather weak deforming effect, and therefore, when creating its improved version (“Rastra”), it was as if they superimposed on the original “Undergrowth” in a special way a twisted brown mesh network - the result is “double camouflage” or “camouflage on camouflage”.

As a result, the original drawing of the “Undergrowth” is perceived by the eye as if at one frequency, and the superimposed “raster” network - at another, which contributes to the impossibility of intuitive perception of a person in such camouflage as an integral object. There is even a common rumor that if you just walk down the street in “Rastra”, you will not attract anyone’s attention - the gaze of passers-by will simply slide past. This discovery of Special Materials specialists was subsequently used by the Americans to create a series of Cryptek camouflages, but more on that below.

Another name for “Rastra” is “Pheasant”, but it is used for products produced in this color not directly by NPO Spetsmaterialy, but by other manufacturers. Raster camouflage is also officially supplied to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. For some unknown reason, however, it was not widely used.

"Tiger" / "Reed"

Strictly speaking, this camouflage, although produced in the Russian Federation on an industrial scale by various companies and, moreover, is widely used in various law enforcement agencies, is not a Russian development - it is rather an “adaptation” of an existing foreign camouflage (originally the Malaysian commercial Tiger Stripe) to Russian conditions.

Color scheme, traditional for Russian camouflages, can change by turning a light green base into sand or khaki.

If the “Tiger” was the result of a deliberate alteration of an existing foreign analogue, then the “Kamysh” appeared due to an accident when the manufacturer mistakenly sewed the uniform so that the stripes of the “Tiger” turned out to be vertical. However, the classic “Tiger” is often called “Kamysh”.

Officially it was never in supply, unofficially it is used by all law enforcement agencies, although now its popularity is falling due to the advent of more effective colors.

"Partisan"

Commercial camouflage, not officially available anywhere. Unofficially, it is very popular, especially in the North Caucasus Federal District, where its yellow-brown deforming stripes are very relevant against the background of the scorched most of warm season herbs. Created under the influence of German camouflages from WWII (almost exactly copies one of them), that is why it is called “Partisan” - because, as far as we know, initially its creators, without particularly “bothering” with coming up with a name, planned to call it “SS camouflage” "

In the European part of Russia, this camouflage is very effective in August-September. The rest of the time it has an excellent deforming, but controversial imitation function.

"Kink" / "Chip"

Another commercial camouflage, unofficially not in supply, but very actively used in various law enforcement agencies. It is known that a number of units (not units, but units) of the Special Forces, both army and explosives, prefer the uniform of this particular color.

When creating “Kink,” the experience of “Flektarn” was used, as in the case of EMP. Interestingly, “Kink” has such a specific location and color combination of spots that it creates the illusion of three-dimensionality of smooth fabric, and, accordingly, has a very good deformation effect. Unlike most Russian camouflages, Izlom does not allow the use of colors other than the original ones.
As with Partizan, it is believed that this camouflage is effective mainly in August and September.

Surpat

Developed by the Russian company “Survival Corps” by order of employees of special forces units. It is an adaptation of the American “pattern” scheme to Russian conditions.

Unlike the original (American “pattern” camouflages), Surpat uses light gray as a base; the location of the spots has been changed; brown and green colors are as close as possible to the color scheme characteristic of the Russian landscape. Despite this, it is distinguished by significant versatility in relation to terrain - tests conducted by Survival Corps itself showed Surpat’s performance in almost any natural area.

There is no official information about the use of Surpat in any units of the Armed Forces or the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, but sometimes on documentary materials you can see military personnel in this camouflage.

Range

Another adaptation of “patterns” to Russian conditions. It has slightly less versatility compared to Surpat, however, in comparison with it, it has a slightly better imitation effect in forest landscape conditions.

There is also a “Spectrum-SKFO” version, where the color scheme is adjusted towards “yellowness”. Unlike Surpat, it is widely produced by several manufacturers. It is interesting that it was “Spectrum” that was personally used by I. Strelkov and his unit.

Dusk

Initially created as a hunting, exclusively commercial camouflage. Like most hunting camouflages, it was intended for very narrow conditions: rocky surface with moss, morning and evening time of day. However, it unexpectedly turned out that this camouflage performs quite well in a much wider range of conditions than those for which it was created, which is why it has become very widespread.

It is not officially employed anywhere in the supply chain, but is unofficially used by some departments and individual employees. Russian companies also produce a wide range of Western-designed camouflages, but they will be discussed in the sections of the countries where they were created.

The next part of the material will be devoted to the consideration of camouflages of Anglo-Saxon countries.