They do not emit a warlike roar, they do not sparkle with a polished surface, they are not decorated with embossed coats of arms and plumes - and quite often they are generally hidden under jackets. However, today it is simply unthinkable to send soldiers into battle or ensure the safety of VIPs without these unpretentious-looking armor. Bulletproof vest - clothing that prevents bullets from entering the body and, therefore, protects a person from shots. It is made from materials that dissipate and destroy the bullet's energy, such as ceramic or metal plates and kevlar.
In the confrontation between the striking elements and the NIB (personal body armor), the advantage will always remain with the first. After all, if the design of the projectile and the energy transmitted to it can be changed and increased to achieve greater efficiency and power, then the armor, which is also being improved, continues to be carried by a vulnerable person who, unfortunately, cannot be modernized.
The revival of the cuirass
The proliferation of firearms, their use in military affairs and the sharply increased power of striking elements became the reason that armor and armor fell out of use, since they ceased to be an obstacle for bullets and only burdened their owners. However, the results of the Inkerman battle of 1854, in which the Russian infantry were shot as targets in the shooting range, caused the commanders to think not only about changing the traditional tactics of military operations, but also about protecting the soldiers. After all, the soldier from the deadly metal was protected only by the thin cloth of his uniform. This provision did not give rise to concern as long as the battles consisted of an exchange of musket salvos and subsequent hand-to-hand combat. However, the appearance of rapid-fire artillery, which bombarded the battlefields with fragmentation grenades and shrapnel, rapid-fire rifles, and later machine guns, led to the fact that the losses of the armies increased monstrously.
The generals treated the lives of soldiers differently. Some respected and cherished them, some believed that death in battle for a real man was honorable, and for some soldiers were ordinary consumables. However, despite their different attitudes, they all agreed that huge losses would not win the battle or lead to defeat. The most vulnerable were the soldiers of the infantry battalions, who attacked first, and the sapper companies, also operating on the front line, since it was on them that the enemy concentrated the main fire. In this regard, the idea arose to find protection for these fighters.
She was the first on the battlefield to try to return the shield. In Russia in 1886 steel shields designed by Colonel Fischer were tested. They had special windows for firing. However, they turned out to be ineffective due to their small thickness - a bullet fired from a new rifle easily shot through the shield.
Another project turned out to be more promising - cuirasses (shells) began to return to the battlefield. Fortunately, this idea was before my eyes, since at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. the cuirass was part of the ceremonial uniform of the soldiers of the cuirassier regiments. It turned out that a simple old-style cuirass, the main purpose of which was protection against cold weapons, withstands a 7.62-mm bullet fired from a Nagant from a distance of several tens of meters. Accordingly, a slight thickening of the cuirass (naturally to reasonable limits) would have allowed the fighter to be protected from shots from more powerful weapons.
This was the beginning of the revival of the cuirass. Russia for its army in February 1905 ordered 100 thousand infantry cuirasses from the company "Simone, Gesluen and Co" (France). However, the purchased item was found to be unusable. Domestic means of protection turned out to be reliable. Among their authors, the most famous is Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Chemerzin, who made cuirasses from various steel alloys of his own design. This talented person can undoubtedly be called the father of Russian body armor.
In the Central State Military Historical Archive there is a brochure, sewn into one of the files, published by typographic method, entitled "Catalog of the shells invented by Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Chemerzin." It provides the following information: "Shells weight: 11/2 lb (1 lb - 409.5 grams) - lightest, 8 lb - heaviest. Invisible under clothing. Shells are designed to resist rifle bullets. pierced by a 3-line military rifle. Shells cover: heart, stomach, lungs, both sides, back and spinal column against the heart and lungs. Impenetrability of each shell in the presence of the buyer is tested by shooting."
The "Catalog" contains several tests of protective shells, which were carried out in 1905-1907. In one of the acts it was reported: “In the city of Oranienbaum on June 11, 1905, in the presence of HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY THE STATE EMPEROR, a machine-gun company was firing. A shell made of an alloy invented by Lieutenant Colonel Chemerzin was fired from 8 machine guns from a distance of 300 steps. 36 bullets hit the shell. It was not pierced, there were also no cracks in it. During the tests, there was a variable composition of the shooting school."
In addition, the shells were tested in the reserve of the Moscow police, and they were made by its order. They were fired at from a distance of 15 steps. The act noted that the shells "proved to be impenetrable, and the bullets did not produce fragments. The first batch produced was satisfactory."
The Act of the Reserve Commission of the St. Petersburg Metropolitan Police contains the following record: "During the tests, the following results were obtained: while firing at the chest shell weighing 4 lbs. 75 spools (the spool is 4, 26 g) and the dorsal carapace weighing 5 lbs. 18 spools that were covered with thin silk fabric, covering the chest, sides, stomach and back, bullets piercing the fabric, deform and create a depression on the carapace, but do not pierce it, remaining between the carapace and the fabric, and the bullet fragments do not fly out."
Shield-shell, which the society of factories "Sormovo" offered during the First World War.
In Russia, cuirasses gained great popularity by the beginning of the First World War. They were provided with the metropolitan police - to protect against bullets of revolutionaries and knives of criminals. Several thousand were sent to the army. The cuirasses of hidden wearing (under clothes), despite the high cost (1, 5 - 8 thousand rubles), also interested civilians, those who feared armed robberies. Alas, the first demand for these prototypes of civilian body armor became the reason for the appearance of the first crooks who took advantage of this demand. Promising that the goods they offered would not be shot even from a machine gun, they sold cuirasses that could not stand the test.
Soviet infantry armor shield. Found near Leningrad. Such shields were made in Russia during the First World War in 1916.
In the First World War, along with cuirass, armored shields became widespread, which showed low efficiency in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, which, after revision, received improved bullet resistance. On land, hostilities acquired a positional character, and the war itself became a "serf" everywhere. The greatest practical application was received by the shield of the simplest device - a steel rectangular sheet 7 mm thick with a stand and a loophole for a rifle (outwardly, such a shield resembled a Maxim machine gun armored shield). First of all, the shield of this design was intended for conducting combat operations in defense: it was installed on the parapet of the trench permanently for the observer (sentry). The extent to which these shields have become widespread is indicated by the fact that the use of shields after the war was enshrined in military regulations. So, the "Manual on military engineering for the infantry of the Red Army", which was put into effect in September 1939, determined the use of a portable shield in defense and illustrated the way of its use - in the illustration to the text, a rectangular shield measuring 45 by 40 centimeters is depicted dug into the parapet to the rifle loophole. The experience of military operations in 1914-1918 turned out to be so successful that portable shields were used during the Finnish-Soviet war of 1939-1940 and the initial period of the Second World War.
During the First World War, cuirasses and similar means of protection were used not only by Russia, but also by other countries. Testing in practice has shown both the advantages and disadvantages of these types of protection. She certainly protected the trunk and vital organs well. But the durability of the cuirass directly depended on the thickness. Light and thin, it absolutely did not protect against large fragments and bullets, and the thicker one, due to its weight, did not allow to fight.
Steel bib CH-38
A relatively successful compromise was found in 1938, when the Red Army received the first experimental steel breastplate CH-38 (CH-1). This breastplate only protected the chest, abdomen and groin of the fighter. Thanks to the savings in back protection, it became possible to increase the thickness of the steel sheet without overloading the fighter. However, all the weaknesses of this solution were identified during the Finnish campaign, in connection with which, in 1941, the development of the CH-42 (CH-2) bib began. The creators of this bib was the armored laboratory of the Institute of Metals under the leadership of Koryukov.
Steel bib CH-42
The steel bib consisted of two 3 mm plates - an upper and a lower one. This decision was applied, since the soldier could not bend or sit down in a one-piece bib. As a rule, soldiers wore such a "shell" on a sleeveless quilted jacket, which was an additional shock absorber. The soldiers used quilted jackets even though the bib had a special lining on the inside. However, there were cases when a bib was worn on top of a camouflage robe or even on top of an overcoat. CH-42 protected from shrapnel, automatic bursts (at a distance of more than 100 meters), but could not withstand shots from a machine gun or rifle. First of all, steel bibs were equipped with the ShISBr RVGK (assault engineer-sapper brigade of the reserve of the Supreme High Command). This protection was used in the most difficult areas: during street battles or the capture of powerful fortifications.
However, the assessment of the effectiveness of such a bib by the front-line soldiers was the most controversial - from flattering to complete rejection. However, after analyzing the combat path of these "experts", the following paradox emerges: the breastplate was appreciated in the assault units that “took” large cities, and in the units that captured the field fortifications, they received negative reviews. "Shell" protected the chest from shrapnel and bullets while the soldier was running or walking, as well as during hand-to-hand combat, so it was necessary in battles on city streets. At the same time, in the field conditions, attack aircraft sappers, as a rule, moved on their bellies. In this case, the steel bib was an unnecessary hindrance. In units fighting in sparsely populated areas, bibs first migrated to battalion depots, and later to brigade depots.
From the memoirs of the front-line soldiers: Senior Sergeant Lazarev, rushing forward, ran to the German dugout. A fascist officer jumped out to meet him, discharging the entire pistol clip into the attacker's chest point-blank, but the daredevil's bullets were not taken. Lazarev struck the officer on the head with a rifle butt. He reloaded the machine gun and entered the dugout. There he laid down several fascists, who were simply mad from what he saw: the officer fired at the Russian point-blank, but he remained unharmed.”There were many such incidents during the fighting, and the Germans who were captured many times asked to explain the reason for the“inability to kill the Russian soldier.” show the flap.
CH-46 entered service in 1946 and became the last steel bib. The thickness of the CH-46 was increased to 5 mm, which made it possible to resist a burst of MP-40 or PPSh at a distance of 25 meters. For greater convenience, this model consisted of three parts.
Almost all breastplates after the war were handed over to warehouses. Only a small part of them was transferred to the newly formed units of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces.
The first domestic body armor
But world practice has shown that it is necessary to create effective armor protection for ordinary soldiers and protect them on the battlefield from shrapnel and bullets. The first classic body armor appeared in the American Marines during the Korean War and consisted of armor plates sewn into a special vest. The first domestic body armor was created at VIAM (All-Union Institute of Aviation Materials). The development of this protective equipment began in 1954, and in 1957 it was accepted for supply to the USSR Armed Forces under the index 6B1. Then they made about one and a half thousand copies, and put them in warehouses. It was decided that mass production of body armor would be deployed only in the event of a threatened period.
Bullet-proof vest 6B1
The protective composition of the body armor was hexagonal plates that were made of aluminum alloy and arranged in mosaics. Behind them were layers of nylon fabric, as well as a batting lining. These vests were protected from shrapnel and bullets of cartridge 7, 62, which were fired from 50 meters from a submachine gun (PPS or PPSh).
At the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, several of these body armor entered the units of the 40th Army.
But, the complex design of protection, which consists of a large number of hexagonal elements with special chamfers, which ensured their overlap, significant weight and low level of protection for a long time buried this attempt, as well as the idea of creating individual armor in the USSR.
In the 50s - 60s, VIAM created two bullet-resistant body armor weighing 8-12 kilograms: a steel body armor and a two-layer body armor made of aluminum alloys (the front layer was made of V96Ts1 alloy and the back layer was AMg6). About 1000 mass-produced bulletproof vests were sent to six VOs. In addition, by special order, the KGB produced two bulletproof vests for NS. Khrushchev, First Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee, before his visit to Indonesia.
They remembered about body armor in our country 10 years later. The initiator was the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs, which faced a dilemma - try to create domestic vests or buy imported ones. Problems with foreign exchange in the country became the reason for the choice in favor of starting their own development. With a request to develop a bulletproof vest similar to the police vest of the TIG company (Switzerland), the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs turned to the Research Institute of Steel. The ministry also presented a sample of body armor.
Bullet-proof vest ZhZT-71M
A year later, the Research Institute of Steel created and produced the first militia body armor, called ZhZT-71. Due to the use of high-strength titanium alloy in its construction, the level of protection significantly exceeded the level specified by the customer. On the basis of this bulletproof vest, several modifications were created, including ZhZT-71M, as well as the ZhZL-74 bulletproof vest designed against edged weapons.
Bullet-proof vest ZhZL-74
At that time, the ZhZT-71M body armor was unique, as it protected against pistol and rifle bullets. At the same time, the kinetic energy of rifle bullets exceeded the energy of a bullet fired from a TT pistol almost 6 times.
For this bulletproof vest, it was necessary to develop special technology. rolling of titanium, which provided a combination of toughness and high strength required to realize the protective qualities of titanium armor. Also, a fairly powerful shock absorber was used in this bulletproof vest (thickness about 20 mm). This shock absorber was designed to reduce the level of so-called over-the-counter injuries, that is, injuries when armor is not penetrated. These vests used the so-called "scaly" or "tiled" layout of the armor elements. The disadvantages of this scheme include the presence of a large number of overlapping joints, which increase the likelihood of a bullet "diving" or a knife penetration. To reduce this probability in ZhZT-71M, armored elements in a row were riveted to each other semi-movable, and their upper edges had specials. trap protrusions that prevented the penetration of a knife or bullet between the rows. In ZhZL-74, this goal was achieved due to the fact that the elements made from an aluminum alloy specially developed for body armor were located in two layers. In this case, the "scales" in the layers were oriented in different directions. Thanks to this, high reliability of protection against any types of bladed weapons was provided. Today, the design of data protection vests can seem imperfect and complex. However, this was due not only to the lack of extensive experience among the developers of body armor and the lack of protective materials used today, but also to significantly overestimated requirements for protection against cold weapons, as well as the required protection area.
By the mid-70s, many units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were equipped with these body armor. Until the mid-1980s, they remained virtually the only means of police protection.
Since the mid-70s, the Research Institute of Steel was entrusted with a large cycle of work on equipping the special forces of the KGB, which later became known as the "Alpha" groups. We can say that none of the customers of body armor has contributed so much value to the emerging appearance of body armor as the employees of this closed department. There was no such word as "trifle" in the lexicon of these divisions. At a critical moment, any trifle could become fatal, therefore, the thoroughness with which we jointly worked out new products for individual body armor, to this day, commands respect. The most difficult ergonomic and medical tests, a scrupulous assessment of the parameters of operation in various unexpected situations, a huge number of tests of the protective qualities of various types of armor - were the norm here.
The first generation of army body armor
As for the army vests, here until the end of the seventies the work did not leave the search stage. The main reasons for this were the lack of light armor materials and the stringent requirements of the military. All previous models of domestic and imported body armor used ballistic nylon or high-strength nylon as the basis. Alas, these materials, at best, provided an average level of splinter resistance, and were not capable of providing high protection.
In 1979, a limited contingent of Soviet troops was deployed to Afghanistan. The events of that time showed that the troops needed to provide assistance to the civilian population, and to fight the armed rebels. The first series of new 6B2 body armor was hastily sent to Afghanistan. This bulletproof vest was created in 1978 at the Research Institute of Steel in cooperation with TsNIISHP (Central Institute of the Garment Industry). It used the design solutions of the ZhZT-71M body armor, which was developed by order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In 1981, the bulletproof vest was adopted for the supply of the Armed Forces of the USSR under the name Zh-81 (GRAU index - 6B2). The protective composition of the body armor consisted of titanium plates ADU-605-80 having a thickness of 1.25 millimeters (19 on the chest, including 3 plates in 2 layers, two rows in the heart area) and a ballistic thirty-layer screen made of TSVM-J aramid fabric. With a mass of 4.8 kg, the body armor provided protection against pistol bullets and shrapnel. He could not resist bullets fired from long-barreled weapons (bullets of cartridge 7, 62x39 pierced the protective composition already at a distance of 400-600 m). By the way, an interesting fact. The cover of this bulletproof vest was made of nylon fabric, and Velcro, fashionable at that time, was used for fasteners. This gave the bulletproof vest a "foreign" look and gave rise to rumors that these bulletproof vests were purchased abroad - either in the GDR, or in the Czech Republic, or even in a capitalist country.
Bullet-proof vest J-81 (6B2)
In the course of hostilities, it became clear that the Zh-81 body armor could not provide optimal protection for manpower. In this regard, the 6B3TM bulletproof vest began to arrive in the troops. The protective package of these body armor consisted of 25 plates (13 on the chest, 12 on the back) ADU-605T-83 made of VT-23 titanium alloy (thickness 6, 5 millimeters) and 30-layer fabric bags from TVSM-J. Since the weight of the bulletproof vest was 12 kilograms, it was replaced with 6B3TM-01 bulletproof vests with differentiated protection (chest - from small arms, back - from pistol bullets and shrapnel). In the design of the 6B3TM-01 body armor, 13 ADU-605T-83 plates (VT-23 alloy, 6.5 mm thick) were used in front, as well as 12 ADU-605-80 plates (VT-14 alloy, 1.25 mm thick) at the rear; 30-layer TVSM-J fabric bags on both sides. The weight of such a bulletproof vest was about 8 kilograms.
The bulletproof vest consisted of a front and back, which are connected by a textile fastener in the shoulder area and a belt-buckle fastener designed for height adjustment. The sides of the product consist of covers with fabric protective pockets and pockets with armored elements located in them. There are pockets on the outside of the covers: in front - a breast pocket and pockets for four magazines, on the back - for a raincoat and 4 hand grenades.
Bullet-proof vest 6B3TM-01
An interesting feature of 6B3TM (6B3TM-01) body armor is that titanium armor was used in the manufacture, having a hardness differentiated in thickness. Hardness in the alloy was achieved by a unique technology of titanium processing using high frequency current.
Bullet-proof vest 6B4-01
In 1985, these bulletproof vests were adopted under the designation Zh-85T (6B3TM) and Zh-85T-01 (6B3TM-01).
In 1984, the 6B4 body armor was launched into mass production. In 1985, the bulletproof vest was put into service under the designation Zh-85K. The 6B4 bulletproof vest, in contrast to the 6B3, had ceramic rather than titanium plates. Thanks to the use of ceramic protective elements, the 6B4 body armor provides protection against armor-piercing incendiary and bullets with a heat-strengthened core.
The 6B4 bulletproof vest provided all-round protection against shrapnel and bullets, but its weight, depending on the modification, ranged from 10 to 15 kg. In this regard, following the path of the 6B3 body armor, they created a lightweight version of the body armor - 6B4-01 (Zh-85K-01) with differentiated protection (chest - from fragments and small arms bullets, back - from shrapnel and pistol bullets).
The 6B4 series of body armor included several modifications that differed in the number of protective plates: 6B4-O - 16 on both sides, weight 10, 5 kg; 6B4-P - 20 on both sides, weight 12.2 kg; 6B4-S - 30 in front and 26 in the back, weight 15.6 kg; 6B4-01-O and 6B4-01-P - 12 plates at the back, weight 7.6 kg and 8.7 kg, respectively. Protective elements - 30 layers of TVSM fabric and ceramic plates ADU 14.20.00.000. In vests 6B4-01, ADU-605-80 plates (titanium alloy VT-14) with a thickness of 1.25 mm are used on the back.
Bullet-proof vest 6B4 consists of two parts, connected by a textile fastener in the shoulder area and is equipped with a belt-buckle fastener that allows you to adjust the size by height.
The front and back of the body armor consist of covers, which contain a fabric protective pocket (back), a pocket (in front) and blocks of pockets with armor elements. This body armor is equipped with two spare armor protection elements. In contrast to 6B3TM, the case of the 6B4 product lacks a breast pocket and has an elongated chest section, which provides protection for the lower abdomen. Later models have a splinterproof collar.
The final in a series of vests of the first generation of domestic production is the 6B5 series, which was created in 1985 by the Research Institute of Steel. For this, the institute carried out a cycle of research work to determine standardized standard means of personal body armor. The 6B5 series of body armor was based on previously developed and in service products. It included 19 modifications that differed in purpose, level and area of protection. A distinctive feature of this series is the modular principle of building protection. That is, each subsequent model could be formed using unified protective nodes. Modules based on fabric structures, ceramics, steel and titanium were used as protective assemblies.
Bullet-proof vest 6B5-19
The 6B5 bulletproof vest was adopted in 1986 under the designation Zh-86. 6B5 was a cover in which soft ballistic screens (TSVM-DZh fabric) were placed, and the so-called circuit boards for placing armor plates. The protective composition used armor panels of the following types: titanium ADU-605-80 and ADU-605T-83, steel ADU 14.05 and ceramic ADU 14.20.00.000.
The covers of early models of body armor were made of nylon fabric and had various shades of gray-green or green. There were also lots with covers made of cotton fabric with a camouflage pattern (two-color for the units of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs and the KGB, three-color for the marines and the Airborne Forces). Bullet-proof vest 6B5 was produced with a camouflage pattern "Flora" after the adoption of this combined-arms color.
Bullet-proof vest 6B5 in the colors "Flora"
Bulletproof vests of the 6B5 series consist of a front and a back, which are connected by a textile fastener in the shoulder area and have a belt-buckle fastening for adjusting the size for height. Both parts of the product consist of covers, with fabric protective pockets, pocket blocks and armor elements located in them. When using water-repellent covers for protective pockets, the protective properties are retained after exposure to moisture. Bullet-proof vest 6B5 includes two water-repellent covers for protective pockets, two spare armor elements and a bag. All models in the series are equipped with a splinterproof collar. The body armor cover on the outside has pockets for weapons and machine-gun magazines. In the shoulder area there are rollers that prevent the rifle strap from slipping.
The main modifications of the 6B5 series:
6B5 and 6B5-11 - protects the back and chest from bullets from APS, PM pistols and shrapnel. Protective package - 30 layers of TSVM-J fabric. Weight - 2, 7 and 3, 0 kilograms, respectively.
6B5-1 and 6B5-12 - provides protection of the back and chest from bullets of APS, TT, PM, PSM pistols and fragments, has enhanced anti-splinter resistance. Protective package - 30 layers of TSVM-J and titanium plates ADU-605-80 (thickness - 1.25 mm). Weight - 4, 7 and 5, 0 kilograms, respectively.
6B5-4 and 6B5-15 - protects the back and chest from small arms bullets and shrapnel. Protective bag - ceramic plates ADU 14.20.00.000 (22 in front and 15 in back) and a 30-layer fabric bag made of TSVM-J. Weight - 11, 8 and 12, 2 kilograms, respectively.
6B5-5 and 6B5-16 - provides protection: chest - from shrapnel and small arms bullets; backs - from pistol bullets and shrapnel. Protective bag: chest - 8 titanium elements ADU-605T-83 (thickness 6, 5 mm), from 3 to 5 titanium elements ADU-605-80 (thickness 1, 25 mm) and a 30-layer fabric bag made of TSVM-J; back - 7 titanium elements ADU-605-80 (thickness 1, 25 mm) and a 30-layer fabric bag made of TSVM-J. Weight - 6, 7 and 7.5 kilograms, respectively.
6B5-6 and 6B5-17 - provides protection: chest - from shrapnel and small arms bullets; backs - from pistol bullets and shrapnel. Protective package: chest - 8 steel elements ADU 14.05. (thickness 3, 8 (4, 3) mm), from 3 to 5 titanium elements ADU-605-80 (thickness 1, 25 mm) and a 30-layer fabric bag made of TSVM-J; back - 7 titanium elements ADU-605-80 (thickness 1, 25 mm) and a 30-layer fabric bag made of TSVM-J. Weight - 6, 7 and 7.5 kilograms, respectively.
6B5-7 and 6B5-18 - provides protection: chest - from shrapnel and small arms bullets; backs - from pistol bullets and shrapnel. Protective package: chest - titanium plates ADU-605T-83 (thickness 6, 5 mm) and a 30-layer fabric bag made of TSVM-J; back - 30-layer fabric bag made of TSVM-J. Weight - 6, 8 and 7, 7 kilograms, respectively.
6B5-8 and 6B5-19 - provides protection: chest - from fragments and bullets of small arms (third class of protection of the Russian Ministry of Defense); backs - from bullets from APS, PM pistols and shrapnel. Protective bag: chest - 6 plates of steel ADU 14.05 (thickness 3, 8 (4, 3) mm) and from 5 to 7 titanium plates ADU-605-80 (thickness 1, 25 mm) and a 30-layer fabric bag made of TSVM -J; back - 30-layer fabric bag made of TSVM-J. Weight - 5, 7 and 5, 9 kilograms, respectively.
Bullet-proof vests 6B5-11 and 6B5-12 provided anti-fragmentation protection. These bulletproof vests were intended for calculations of missile systems, artillery guns, self-propelled artillery installations, support units, staff of headquarters, etc.
Bullet-proof vests 6B5-13, 6B5-14, 6B5-15 provided all-round protection from bullets and were intended for personnel of units that performed short-term specials. tasks (assault and the like).
Bullet-proof vests 6B5-16, 6B5-17, 6B5-18, 6B5-19 provided differentiated protection and were intended for personnel of combat units of the Airborne Forces, Ground Forces and the Navy's marines.
After the adoption of 6B5 series body armor for supply, the rest of the body armor previously accepted for supply was decided to be left in the army until it was completely replaced. However, the 6B3TM-01 body armor remained in the army in the 90s, and was actively used in local conflicts and wars throughout the entire former USSR. The 6B5 series was produced until 1998, and was withdrawn from supply only in 2000, but remained in the army until it was completely replaced with modern body armor. Bullet-proof vests of the "Beehive" series in various modifications are still in parts.
New country - new body armor.
In the early 90s, the development of personal protective equipment for the armed forces stalled, funding for a large number of promising projects was curtailed. However, the rampant criminality has become the impetus for the development and production of personal body armor for individuals. During these years, the demand for them significantly exceeded the supply, therefore, companies offering these products began to appear in Russia. The number of such firms exceeded 50 in 3 years. The apparent simplicity of the body armor became the reason that a lot of amateurs and sometimes outright charlatans got into this area. At the same time, the quality of body armor plummeted. Experts from the Research Institute of Steel, having taken one of these "bulletproof vests" for evaluation, found out that simple food-grade aluminum was used as a protective element.
In this regard, in 1995, a significant step was made in the field of personal body armor - GOST R 50744-95 appeared, which regulated the classification and those. requirements for body armor.
Even in these difficult years for the country, progress did not stand still, and the army needed new body armor. There was such a concept as a basic set of individual equipment (BKIE), in which a significant role was assigned to body armor. The first BKIE "Barmitsa" included the "Zabralo" project - a new army body armor that replaced the "Uley" series.
Bullet-proof vest 6B13
Within the framework of the Zabralo project, they created body armor 6B11, 6B12, 6B13, which were adopted in 1999. These body armor, unlike the times of the USSR, were developed and produced by a large number of organizations. In addition, they differ significantly in characteristics. Bullet-proof vests were or are being produced by Scientific Research Institute of Steel, JSC Cuirassa, NPF Tekhinkom, TsVM Armokom.
Upgraded 6B13 body armor with the ability to attach UMTBS or MOLLE pouches.
6B11 is a body armor of the 2nd protection class with a weight of 5 kg.6B12 - 4th class of protection for the chest, 2nd - for the back. Body armor weight 8 kg. 6B13 provides all-round protection of the 4th class, with a mass of 11 kg.
The bullet-proof vest of the "Visor" series consists of the chest and back sections, which are connected by pile fasteners in the shoulder area and a belt-yarn connection in the belt area. The fasteners allow you to adjust the size of the body armor according to your height. The connection of the sections in the belt area is made with a pile fastener and a belt with a hook and a carabiner. The body armor sections are made up of outer covers. Inside them there are fabric protective screens with external pockets, in which the armor elements are placed (one on the back section and two on the chest). The chest section is equipped with a fold-down apron providing groin protection. The reverse side of both sections is equipped with dampers to reduce contusions. The damper is designed in such a way that natural ventilation of the living space is provided. The bullet-proof vest is equipped with a collar, which consists of two parts. The collar protects the neck from splinters. The collar parts are connected with pile fasteners, which allow you to adjust their position. Adjustment knots of body armor series "Zabralo" are compatible with similar units of the transport vest 6SH92-4, which is designed to accommodate items of equipment included in the wearable part of ammunition for individual equipment for specialties of the navy, airborne forces, airborne forces, etc.
Depending on the modification, the bulletproof vest is equipped with quick-change fabric, steel or organo-ceramic panels "Granit-4". The protective package has a design that excludes ricocheting at an angle of approach of a bullet from 30 to 40 degrees. Bulletproof vests also provide protection for the soldier's neck and shoulders. The top of the body armor has a water-repellent impregnation, a protective camouflage color, and also does not support combustion. All materials used in the manufacture of body armor are resistant to aggressive liquids; explosion-proof, non-flammable, non-toxic; do not irritate the skin in direct contact. Bulletproof vests of this series can be used in all climatic zones. They retain their protective properties in the temperature range from -50 ° C to + 50 ° C, and when exposed to moisture.
Russian bulletproof vests of the XXI century
At the beginning of the century, a new stage in the development of basic sets of individual equipment began - the Barmitsa-2 project. In 2004, within the framework of this project, the Permyachka-O BZK (combat protective kit) under the designations 6B21, 6B22 was adopted for supply. This kit is designed to protect against the defeat of military personnel with small arms, all-round protection from shell fragments, grenades, mines, protects against local armor contusion injuries, atmospheric exposure, thermal factors, mechanical damage. In addition, Permyachka-O provides camouflage, placement and further transportation of ammunition, weapons and other elements necessary for the conduct of hostilities. The Permyachka-O combat protective kit includes:
- jacket and trousers or protective overalls;
- bulletproof vest;
-protective helmet;
-protective mask;
-protective glasses;
- universal transport vest 6SH92;
-ventilated linen;
-protective boots;
-raid backpack 6SH106, as well as other items of equipment;
- the set additionally includes - summer and winter camouflage suits.
BZK "Permyachka-O" with a vest 6SH92
Depending on the design, the basis of the suit is made up of protective trousers and a jacket or overalls. These elements protect against small fragments (the mass of fragments is 1 gram, at a speed of 140 meters per second) as well as open flames (for at least 10 seconds). The helmet and body armor are made according to the first level of protection. They are able to protect against edged weapons, as well as shrapnel weighing 1 gram at a speed of 540 meters per second. To protect the vital organs (vital organs) from being hit by bullets, the body armor is reinforced with a ceramic or steel armor panel of the third (modifications 6B21-1, 6B22-1) or fourth level of protection (modifications 6B21-2, 6B22-2).
Armored panels of the fourth level of protection used in "Cuirass-4A" and "Cuirass-4K" are composite structures of an ergonomic shape. They are made on the basis of aramid fabric, polymer binder and aluminum oxide or silicon carbide ("Cuirassa-4A" or "Cuirassa-4K", respectively).
The protective properties of the combat protective kit do not change at temperatures from -40 to +40 C and also remain after prolonged exposure to moisture (wet snow, rain, etc.). The outer fabric of the elements of the UPC and the raid backpack has a water-repellent impregnation.
BZK "Permyachka-O" is produced in six main modifications: 6B21, 6B21-1, 6B21-2; 6B22, 6B22-1, 6B22-2.
The kit has a significant mass, however, it should be remembered that it consists of 20 elements. The weight of the anti-splinter kit (modifications 6B21, 6B22) is 8.5 kilograms, the UPC reinforced with an armored block of the third level is 11 kilograms; UPC of the fourth level - 11 kilograms.
On the basis of the BZK, a sniper protective and camouflage kit is manufactured, which includes additional camouflage elements - a camouflage mask, a set of camouflage capes, a camouflage tape for a rifle, etc.
Large-scale complex "Permyachka-O" was tested in the North Caucasus during military operations. There he showed, in general, a positive result. Minor flaws were mainly related to the ergonomics of individual elements of the kit.
Bullet-proof vest 6B23
In 2003, NPP KlASS developed a combined-arms body armor, adopted in 2004 for supply under the designation 6B23.
The body armor consists of two sections (chest and back). They are interconnected with each other using connectors in the shoulder area and the outer part of the belt attachment and a hinged flap on the belt. Between the layers of the protective screens are pockets that can accommodate fabric, steel or ceramic panels. The body armor has a collar to protect the neck. The belt mounts on the side have protective shields to protect the sides. The inner part of the sections has a ventilation and shock-absorbing system in the form of vertical polyethylene foam strips that provide a reduction in contusion (behind-the-bar) impact and ventilation of the under-vest area. This body armor can be combined with a 6SH104 or 6SH92 transport vest.
The bullet-proof vest can be equipped with armor panels of various levels of protection. Pectorals - 2 level of protection (fabric), 3 level of protection (steel), 4 level of protection (ceramic). Dorsal - steel or fabric.
Depending on the type of armor panels used, the weight of the body armor differs. Bullet-proof vest with 2 class of chest and back protection weighs 3.6 kg, with 3 class of chest protection and 2 class of back - about 7, 4 kg, with 4 class of chest protection and 2 class of back - 6.5 kg, with 4 class protection of the chest and the 3rd class of the back - 10, 2 kg.
The 6B23 bulletproof vest had such a successful design that the Ministry of Defense adopted it as the main means of individual body armor for the personnel of the combat units of the marines of the Navy, Airborne Forces, Ground Forces, etc. However, the rearmament of the Russian army, as always, is proceeding slowly and the troops receive new body armor in limited quantities. As before, special forces, marines, and airborne forces have priority in supply.
The next stage of development is the development and implementation of a basic set of individual equipment "Ratnik", which is 8-10 times more effective than "Barmitsa".
Special body armor.
However, not everyone can use combined arms body armor. For example, the 6B23 body armor will inconvenience the crew of a combat vehicle, since it makes it difficult to leave the tank or BMP through the hatches, while in the vehicle itself it hinders movement. But the crew of such vehicles also needs protection. First of all, from the damaging elements arising from hitting ATGM, shells, grenades, as well as from thermal effects.
Protective set 6B15 "Cowboy"
For the crews of armored vehicles in 2003, a protective kit "Cowboy" (6B15) was accepted for supply.
At present, the "Cowboy" protective kit is produced by two organizations: the ARMOCOM company and the Research Institute of Steel.
The kit includes:
-Anti-fragmentation body armor (first class of protection);
-fireproof suit (Research Institute of Steel) or overalls (ARMOCOM);
- anti-fragmentation pad for a tank headset (ARMOCOM) or a tank headset TSh-5 (Research Institute of Steel).
The mass of the whole set is 6 kilograms (Research Institute of Steel) or 6.5 kilograms (ARMOCOM).
The bulletproof vest consists of split sections (chest and back) and a turn-down collar. On the cover of the body armor there is an evacuation device and patch pockets designed to accommodate standard equipment.
The kit provides protection for the groin, shoulders and neck. It can accommodate and transport standard weapons and other items that are included in the equipment of servicemen of this type of troops. "Cowboy" ensures the performance of functional duties by a member of the crew of an armored vehicle for two days.
Armor protection elements are made of ballistic fabric for which the high-strength domestic Armos fiber with oil- and water-repellent treatment is used as a basis. The outer covers of the body armor, overalls and linings are made of fire-resistant fabric and have a camouflage color. Resistance to open flame is 10-15 seconds. The protective properties of the kit are preserved in atmospheric precipitation, after 4-fold decontamination, disinfection, degassing, and after exposure to special liquids and fuels and lubricants used in the operation of armored vehicles. Temperature range - from minus 50 ° С to plus 50 ° С.
"Cowboy" has a camouflage color, and also does not increase the unmasking signs of equipping armored vehicle crews outside of combat vehicles.
Protective set 6B25
Later, ARMOCOM presented a further development of the 6B15 kit - the 6B25 kit for crews of armored vehicles of artillery and missile forces. In general, this set repeats 6B15, but it includes a transport vest, as well as winter trousers and a jacket made of fire retardant fabric.
The set also includes an electric foot heating device, which is a shoe insole that provides a surface temperature of 40-45 ° C.
Command personnel are the next category of military personnel who do not need to wear heavy general body armor. Bullet-proof vests 6B17, 6B18 were adopted in 1999, and "Strawberry-O" (6B24) in 2001.
Bullet-proof vest 6B17 is a non-standard device and is designed to protect servicemen from shrapnel and pistol bullets, who perform work in the process of guarding objects such as headquarters, commandant's offices, carrying out patrol services, as well as escorting special-purpose cargo in urban conditions. 6B17 has general protection of the first level and fabric armor panels of the second level. Body armor weight 4 kg.
Concealed wearing body armor 6B18 was intended to be worn by junior officers. In terms of weight and level of protection, it repeats 6B17.
Armored set 6B24 "Strawberry-O"
The Strawberry-O (6B24) armored set is designed to be worn by senior command personnel. The set is produced in summer and winter versions: summer - trousers and jacket with short sleeves (4.5 kg), winter - body armor, winter trousers with removable insulation and jacket (5 kg). The protective properties are achieved by using ballistic fabrics that are used for hemming trousers and jackets. Protective armor panels are provided on the back and chest.
In 2008, the above-described body armor was implicated in a high-profile scandal. The head of the supply department of the GRAU (Main Missile and Artillery Directorate) of the Russian Ministry of Defense purchased about 14 thousand protective kits for the department from CJSC "Artess" in the amount of 203 million rubles. Subsequently, it turned out that body armor of the second class of protection was pierced by pistol bullets and shrapnel. As a result, the entire batch of body armor supplied by "Artess" to the Ministry of Defense was declared unusable. According to the decision of the investigation, they began to withdraw from the warehouses. This incident was the reason for the initiation of a criminal case against the general and the management of the Artess company.
"NGO of Special Materials" in 2002 submitted to the state. testing two bulletproof vests for naval sailors. In 2003, they were accepted for supply under the designations 6B19 and 6B20.
Bullet-proof vest 6B19
Bullet-proof vest 6B19 is intended for the marines and watch outward combat posts of ships. During the first tests, the sailors immediately assessed the quality of the vests, their improved ergonomics, the strength of the armor plates (the plates could not be pierced from the SVD rifle with an LPS bullet at a distance of 50 meters) and covers. The Marines were also pleased with the results of the trial operation of 6B19 body armor. Even in spite of the fact that they had to "sweat" in them on the marches, it was still harder for the marines dressed in regular bulletproof vests. A special design feature of the 6B19 is a special rescue system, thanks to which a soldier who has fallen into the water unconscious will not drown. The system automatically inflates two chambers and turns the person upside down. NSZH consists of two chambers, automatic gas filling systems, has a positive buoyancy reserve of 25 kg.
Bullet-proof vest 6B20
The 6B20 body armor was developed for combat swimmers of the navy. 6B20 consists of two main systems (a protective system and a buoyancy compensation system) as well as several subsystems.
The protective system protects vital organs from being hit by melee weapons, bullets of underwater small arms and from mechanical damage that are possible during diving work. The protective system of the body armor is made in the form of a chest panel placed in a cover. The design of the suspension system allows it to be used separately from the protective module.
The buoyancy compensation system allows you to adjust the amount of the diver's buoyancy at different depths and to keep the diver on the water surface. The system consists of a buoyancy chamber with herbal safety valves, an air control system, a rigid mounting backrest, an outer cover, a weight drop system and a harness. Depending on the breathing apparatus used, the buoyancy chambers are filled from a self-contained air balloon or from the balloons of the breathing apparatus through an inflator (buoyancy control device).
The bulletproof vest does not melt when exposed to an open flame for 2 seconds and does not sustain combustion. The materials used in the manufacture are resistant to the effects of sea water and oil products.
The design of the body armor ensures the reliability of its fixation on the body of swimmers when jumping into the water from a height of 5 meters with weapons in various types of diving and special equipment. In addition, it does not interfere with the independent ascent of the swimmer into an inflatable boat, platform or liferaft that rise up to 30 centimeters above the water. The maximum average time that combat swimmers need to cover a distance of 1 mile in a submerged position in fins with body armor does not exceed the standard time to overcome this distance without body armor.
A 30-year confrontation between the developers of means of protection and means of destruction has led to some balance. However, as life shows, it is unlikely that it will be long. Objective laws of development force weapons developers to look for ways to increase the destructive power of weapons, and these paths began to take on clear outlines.
However, the defense does not rest on its laurels. Today, the largest manufacturers and developers of body armor, such as NPO Tekhnika (NIIST MVD), Research Institute of Steel, NPO Spetsmaterialy, Cuirass Armocom are looking for new protective materials, new protective structures, and are exploring new principles of individual body armor. There is every reason to think that the expected increase in the power of destruction will not catch defense developers by surprise.
