Very Hot Hay Bales in Germany map

[TopoSolitario]

Using the Kiowa for reconnaissance on the Germany map is quite challenging, as the fields are filled with hay bales that emit an extremely high heat signature — even higher than vehicles.

This makes operating with FLIR particularly problematic, since there are hundreds of false heat sources scattered across the terrain.

[Tom Kazansky]

From Google AI:

Quote

Hay bales naturally heat up due to microbial activity, and excessively high temperatures (over 50°C) can lead to loss of quality and spontaneous combustion.

 

[rob10]

2 hours ago, Tom Kazansky said:

From Google AI:

While that's true (shockingly, AI actually got something right), it's the exception rather than the rule.  You're only going to get overheating bales if you bale it too wet and don't account for that by treating the hay with preservatives to prevent it.  While they legitimately should be slightly warmer than surrounding environment, the OP is correct that they shouldn't all be brighter than a running vehicle.

[Czar]

Yes it can happen but it is not the norm as it needs certain circumstances. Hay Bale Study. (I can't believe I'm posting this on a flight simming forum):

https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1115&context=ky_alfalfa

It would be weird if they wouldn't need to be wet/damp to generate such heat. Imagine... infinite thermal energy if it were otherwise.

[TopoSolitario]

Yes, I searched before posting and got the same conclusions about hay bale temperature, they can heat up but not that much and not in germany weather.

Through FLIR, distant bales look like a BTR with infantry, they are even brighter