Combined-arms assault bulletproof vest 6B43

The assault armored vest (abbreviated BL) is a means of individual protection of the personnel of land units, marines, airborne troops, special forces during combat operations.

Historical reference

In the Middle Ages, the protection of the warrior was ensured by lamellar armor. Closer to the XVII century blacksmiths were able to bring armor to a new level. Now the cuirass defended the person from the bullet of the pistol and even the heavy musket, if the shot was not fired at point-blank range. However, at that time, a low level of technology did not allow for the mass production of such armor.

By the beginning of the 20th century only French, German and Russian armies boasted the most bulletproof cuirasses. With the onset of the 1900's. Armor received a new turn in its many years of evolution. Military engineer A. Chemerzin in 1905 presented a 5-pound shell of metal inserts to the experts' court, which could withstand even a shot from the revolver from two meters. Soon prototypes of bulletproof vests arrived on the balance of the Moscow and the Moscow police. During the First World War, Russian infantrymen used a metal cuirass with bibs made of wire felt to protect them. In turn, the British had their vest DDSBA, made of a special brigantine. Where it was harder and more expensive were BBS armor from the American army. In the kit to the whole cuirass was also a helmet. The first similar to modern bulletproof vests appeared only in the late 1920's. in America. They were made of metal plates fastened with woolen cloth.

In the early 1950s, the engineers of the USSR and the USA engaged in the development of a new generation of BZ for a wide production. The first to succeed Americans, who discovered the high-strength properties of nylon and capron. It is these materials that formed the basis of the M1952 vests. The Russian response - 6B2 - did not differ in quality.

1991 was a new and decisive stage in the development of bulletproof vests. In the fighting in the Persian Gulf, lightweight BZs were successfully tested. Subsequently, on their basis, the Americans created the famous NGBAS. In 2007, US engineers improved the model to IOTV, which increases the area of protection. In Russia, the production of the 6B vests continued. Every year this BZ became safer and more comfortable.

Description of body armor 6B43

By the order of the Ministry of Defense of Russia in 2010, the army received a new variation of the combined arms protective equipment. The bullet-proof vest 6B43 (photo below) has improved technical and tactical characteristics, so it is ideal for assault units. Production of this personal protective equipment is handled by NPF Tekhinkom. Combined-arms assault bulletproof vest 6B43 belongs to class 6A. This is the means of the highest protection, which can boast only a couple of dozen countries in the world. The waistcoat is ideal for close combat, so it is widely used in land and sea operations. БЖ 6Б43 protects from defeat both armor-piercing bullets, and fragments of grenades, mines and other explosive shells. In addition, it can not be pierced with cold steel.

6B43 can be used in any climatic zones, as it is able to maintain strength in the temperature range from -50 ^o C to +50 ^o C. The protective properties of bulletproof vest are not affected by atmospheric precipitation or combustible materials. When in contact with hard ground, the modules are not wiped.

Characteristics 6B43

The design of body armor provides for adaptation to any conditions of combat. It protects all vital organs, makes it possible to place most of the items of equipment in removable modules. In 6B43 you can quickly change the height and girth of the case.

The weight of such BZ in its pure form (without additional equipment in the modules) is about 5 kg. In total, bulletproof vest 6B43 can withstand up to 10 kg of ammunition in the pouches. The total area of protection against bullets is up to 30 square meters. Dm, from debris - up to 68.5 square meters. Dm. It is worth noting that integrated panels of composite and ceramic materials provide full-scale circular protection against gunshot hits at a distance of 10 to 300 m.

Also, the design provides for the possibility of an immediate reset of the BZ. For increased ergonomics and improved overall dimensions in winter, you can use a waistcoat without shock absorbers. This will allow you to quietly wear armor under a jacket or coat. Ventilation pouches can easily be placed in pockets or small luggage.

Features of the design 6B43

The bullet-proof vest 6B43 is designed according to the modular principle. It is produced in two trim levels: basic and extended.

The first includes anti-fragmentation, unified and amortization modules. Its total weight can reach up to 9 kg. The anti-fragmentation module covers an area of 47 square meters. Dm, protecting the neck and torso. Unified and amortized armored panels prevent injuries in the chest and back. The bullet-proof vest 6B43 of the expanded configuration includes 6 types of modules. Its total weight is 15 kg. The set includes side, inguinal anti-fragmentation and bullet, shoulder, back, shock-absorbing modules.

The light version of the waistcoat excludes some of the protection levels. Weight of such BZ is 4.5 kg. It protects mainly from debris.

At the moment 6B43 are available in three sizes. In peacetime, BZ should be stored in a special case of wear-resistant material.

Test results

The 6B43 assault bulletproof vest is capable of withstanding a tight fire at -50 degrees under frost. The tests were carried out with weapons of different calibers. Similar results were achieved with firing at a 50-degree heat wave.

Exposure of 6B43 together with anti-fragmentation modules in sea and fresh water has shown that BZH is able to maintain its properties even in conditions of high humidity and acidity. The next step was the resistance test. To do this, the vest was dumped onto the concrete surface separately and together with an 80 kg dummy. The height of the fall ranged from 1 to 2 meters.

Also 6B43 successfully passed the decontamination and degassing tests.

Expert Reviews

The bullet-proof vest 6B43 is designed very competently. This is a joint development of Belarusian and Russian engineers. When creating a vest, only domestic components were used.

One of the main drawbacks of the model are separate adjustment belts for the "sitting" and "standing" positions. And let them made the most convenient and simple. The matter is that in Belarus till now do not let out rubber tapes more than 6 sm in width. Therefore, when constructing the 6B43, it was decided to divide the adjustments to increase their wear resistance.

Overall bulletproof vests 6B43 and 6B45 (upgraded version) are identical to each other. In the second, a bit more space is reserved for additional modules. In terms of protection, 6B43 does not differ from the best foreign designs. The advantages of the waistcoat are a high level of armor, quick emergency reset (2-3 seconds) and relative comfort.

The cost of 6B43

Body armor 6B43 in the base configuration can be purchased at a price of 80 to 95 thousand rubles. Used products can be purchased cheaper by 2-3 times (depending on the degree of wear).

The extended version of the model is estimated to be slightly more expensive - from 100 to 120 thousand rubles.

It is worth noting that the wholesale implementation of vests is closely monitored by proper government services.