This – a brief overview of existing schemes of personal equipment a soldier (not including backpacks and satchels). Some of them have become classics, are used in our time, having undergone a significant evolution for the 20 th century. Some entirely new.
Improvement of tactical gear is inextricably linked with the improvement of small arms and tactics. I wonder how the new requirements and technologies have completely changed the face of tactical gear. If you look at the evolution of materials used in the manufacture of Airsoft tactical vest equipment.
In the first half of the 20 th century, the materials are leather and canvas. Accessories – Steel. During the Second World War, in order to save steel used leather, but it was soon forced measure. Since 60-ies of the 20 th century there are new materials: nylon and aluminum alloys. And, finally, completely replaced the synthetic canvas and leather, and plastic – metal. Wide dissemination of the textile fastener (as a zipper pouches, adjustable handling systems). Cordura, and similar polyamide fabric (usually with a density of 1000 Den) replaced the usual nylon. In appearance of new models of equipment (mostly backpacks) are clearly seen the “sporty” design.
Recently there is a tendency to unite body armor and unloading system, which is caused by a large spread of personal body armor.
So, the basic scheme of Airsoft tactical vests equipment (the names of some of them can move, but to something cumbersome and unconvincing, so they will use their common slang analogues).
The most common piping system for the first half of the 20 th century, became a classic. In the original version is a leather or canvas belt, as a platform for attaching pouches and support straps. Pouches made of leather or canvas. They were attached to a belt loop or ordinary steel hooks (in the U.S. system). Typically, RPS staffed with knapsack, which could be attached to the RPS, or had its own strap.
Further development of the SRU went on ways to improve methods of attaching pouches (steel clips, hooks PLCE) and improve comfort (soft pillows on the straps tighter belt, quick release plastic buckle the lap belt).
Breastplate (chest rig) Airsoft tactical vests.
Structurally, a bib is made up of the panel itself, which can be attached or sewn pouches. Shoulder straps, which are usually cross at the back and waist, which captures the bib bottom. Recently, the bibs have become very popular due to ease of use in engineering. Bib partially used during the Second World War, the U.S. Marines, on the Pacific Ocean. The Chinese have adopted a licensed version of the AK steel manufacture, canvas jackets for the three stores, known in the west, as the Chi-ROM (Chinese Communist). Chi-com has been widely used in many local wars of the 20 th century. Served as the prototype of the Soviet breastplates Belt-A.
And of course, Chi-ROM influenced the design idea in the west. Bib beginning to be used in the British Army (British Army PLCE chest rig), and in the U.S. Army (Rangers) – RACK (Ranger Assault Carry Kit).
There was a lot of commercial versions bibs, which differ in the perfection of design and modularity. Bib with slots for the stores can carry a decent ammunition for small thickness, which is useful for operations on the machines.
Get this addition, as bib (small panel between the shoulder straps over the main platform). Through this panel, an opportunity to consolidate in armored breastplate. On some systems can be attached to the breastplate dorsal portion, thereby extending its functionality.
Tactical Vest (tactical vest, assault vest)
Vest began to be used during the Second World War. One of the first vests used in Italy, a paratrooper. Known under the slang name “samurai vest”. The vest worn over his head and fastened at the sides, worn over a belt. On the chest of the vest was sewn on four horizontal cartridge pouch for longer to store sub-machine gun Beretta M38 (neck pouches were opened to the right and fastens with leather valves), and on his back – seven more. At the bottom of the vest were four grenade cartridge pouch with Velcro buttons.
Also, in England, was designed to vest Commando (Battle Jerkin).
Especially for the Normandy landings, the Americans advanced to the bomb squad, which should clear the landing zone, developed and adopted for the supply of “assault vest. The vest was made of durable cotton and has eight roomy pockets. The fitted style jacket allows the wearer to run and crawl is much freer than with “garlands” set pouches and bags. On the back of his waistcoat pocket, placed a large, equal to the amount of infantry knapsack M1928; lower pocket at waist level corresponded Infantry “rusks” bag M1936.
After World War II vests used by the British SAS and other special units, particularly in Vietnam. In the late 1980′s, the U.S. army takes on the supply vest Load-Bearing Vest M-1988, which replaced the SRU ALICE. In 90 of the 20 th century, vests become standard equipment in the armies of many countries. We can say that the concept of a vest replaced RPS, as the standard army equipment. Benefits vest before RPS that they can disperse the load over a larger area (not just the belt). Today’s vests are made, usually on the net basis. Most of the modular and non-dimensional “(ie, can be adjusted to any shape). Adjust the volume by ribbons with buckles or lacing. Front fastened with a zipper, buckles or Velcro.
Bandolier is a subsidiary element of the equipment. It is a bag for shopping or a modular platform, which is worn on a wide strap over his shoulder.
During the Second World War, Bandolier used by German paratroopers, in addition to the standard equipment for carrying ammunition.
In the U.S. army cheap, disposable Bandolier were a kind of packaging for the cartridges, to facilitate their transport porters of ammunition. During the Vietnam War soldiers were widely used such Bandolier, as a supplement to the standard outfit.
In our time there were modular Bandolier, which allows easy transfer necessary ammunition (eg, for competition shooting).
Fastdropoff bulletproof vest (Releasable Armor Vest)
Fastdropoff flak jacket (the RAV) appeared recently. The idea is that of injury or falling into the water, the vest can be removed immediately, without making much effort.
The first such vest was RAV company Paraclete (2005).
Then there were other similar jackets. But their design is reduced to one principle. Power strip on the shoulder and the lap section converge at the back and fastened to one or several points of line. When pulling the rope, fastening opens, and the vest disintegrates into several parts. These vests are made of Kevlar bags and two (front and rear) armor. Perhaps adherence protect the neck, shoulders, groin.
Another feature of this type of body armor is that they were originally made modular and allow you to consolidate pouches, depending on the tasks at any convenient place for a soldier and a complete set. At the moment, these jackets are widely used Army and U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq, thanks to the high level of protection, comfort and safety.
Fastdropoff vest (Releasable Modular Vest)
It is a modification of bystrosbrasyvaemogo armor, without a function body armor. It has all the advantages of this scheme.
Pleyt Carrier (plate carrier)
PC – a kind of “poncho” of two armored. One of the first modern computer – ISAPO (Interim Small Arms Protective Overvest). We used to put on top of fragmentation vest PASGT, to enhance security.
This PC is not an element of ammunition, but recently appeared modular PC, which can strengthen various pouches.
Further development of this type of equipment – a PC with the side parts (Cummerbund), which cover the torso like the sidewalls of the tactical vest.
Loin platform
As Bandolier – auxiliary equipment, which allows to increase the number of portable equipment (ammunition, holsters, mask). Mounted on a pistol belt or directly onto the discharge system. There are modular or fixed pouches. Originally used special forces to combat terrorism.
Tactical Belt
Another type of auxiliary Airsoft tactical vests equipment. Typically, a soft, modular belt, which is used in conjunction with the bib. Sometimes the belt suspenders complement light, turning it into a light modular RPS (eg option for medical).