Assault body armor (abbreviated as BZ) is a means of individual protection for personnel of ground units, marines, airborne forces, special forces during hostilities.
Historical background
In the Middle Ages, the warrior was protected by lamellar armor. Closer to the 17th century, blacksmiths were able to take armor to a new level. Now the cuirass protected a person from a pistol bullet and even a heavy musket, if the shot was not fired at close range. However, at that time, the low level of technology did not allow mass production of such armor. Until the beginning of the 20th century, only French, German and Russian troops could boast of the most bulletproof cuirasses. With the advent of the 1900s. armor received a new round in its long-term evolution. Military engineer A. Chemerzin in 1905 presented to the experts a 5-pound shell made of metal inserts, which could withstand even a shot from a revolver from two meters. Soon the prototypes of bulletproof vests entered the balance of the Moscow and the capital police.
During the First World War, Russian infantrymen used metalcuirass with breastplates made of wire felt. In turn, the British had their own DDSBA vest, made from a special brigantine. Much heavier and more expensive were the BBS armor of the American army. A helmet was also included with the one-piece cuirass. The first bulletproof vests similar to modern ones appeared only in the late 1920s. in America. They were made of metal plates fastened with woolen cloth.
In the early 1950s, the engineers of the USSR and the USA took up the development of a new generation of BZh for wide production. The first to succeed were the Americans, who discovered the high-strength properties of nylon and kapron. It was these materials that formed the basis of the M1952 vests. The Russian answer - 6B2 - did not differ in quality. The year 1991 became a new and decisive stage in the development of body armor. In the fighting in the Persian Gulf, lightweight armored vehicles were successfully tested. Subsequently, on their basis, the well-known NGBAS were created by the Americans. In 2007, US engineers improved the model to IOTV, which increases the area of protection. In Russia, the production of 6B series vests continued. Every year this BZ became safer and more comfortable.
Description of body armor 6B43
By order of the Russian Ministry of Defense in 2010, a new variation of the combined arms protective equipment entered service with the army. Bulletproof vest 6B43 (see photo below) has improved technical and tactical characteristics, so it is ideal for assault units. The production of this personal protective equipment is carried out by NPF Tekhinkom.
Combined-arms assault body armor 6B43 belongs to class 6A. This is the highest means of protection, which only a couple of dozen countries in the world can boast of. The vest is ideal for close combat, so it is widely used in land and sea operations. BZh 6B43 protects against damage from both armor-piercing bullets and fragments of grenades, mines and other explosive projectiles. In addition, it cannot be pierced with melee weapons.
6B43 can be used in any climatic zones, as it is able to maintain strength in the temperature range from -50 oС to +50oC. The protective properties of body armor are not affected by precipitation or combustible materials. When in contact with hard ground, the modules do not wipe.
Characteristics 6B43
The body armor design provides for adaptation to any combat conditions. It protects all vital organs, makes it possible to place most items of equipment in removable modules. In 6B43, you can quickly change the height and girth of the hull. The mass of such a BZ in its pure form (without additional equipment in modules) is about 5 kg. In total, the 6B43 body armor can withstand up to 10 kg of ammunition in pouches. The total area of protection against bullets is up to 30 square meters. dm, from fragments - up to 68.5 sq. dm.
It is worth noting that the integrated panels of composite and ceramic materials provide full all-round protection against firearms at a distance of 10 to 300 m. Also provided in the designthe ability to instantly reset the BZ. For increased ergonomics and improved overall performance in winter, you can use a vest without shock-absorbing modules. This will allow you to discreetly wear armor under a jacket or coat. Ventilation pouches can easily be placed in pockets or small luggage.
Design features 6B43
Bulletproof vest 6B43 is designed on a modular basis. It is produced in two configurations: basic and extended. The first includes anti-fragmentation, unified and shock-absorbing 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 shock-absorbing armor panels prevent injuries in the chest and back.
Bulletproof vest 6B43 extended configuration includes 6 types of modules. Its total weight is 15 kg. The kit includes side, inguinal anti-fragmentation and bulletproof, shoulder, dorsal, cushioning modules.
The lighter version of the vest eliminates some of the levels of protection. The weight of such a BZ is 4.5 kg. It protects mainly from splinters. At the moment, 6B43 are available in three sizes. In peacetime, the BZ should be stored in a special case made of wear-resistant material.
Test results
Assault body armor 6B43 is able to withstand heavy shelling in -50 degrees frost. The tests were carried out with weapons of different calibers. Similar resultswere also achieved during shelling in 50-degree heat.
Exposure of 6B43, together with anti-fragmentation modules in sea and fresh water, showed that the BZ is able to maintain its properties even in conditions of high humidity and acidity. The next step was endurance testing. To do this, the vest was dropped onto a concrete surface separately and together with an 80-kilogram dummy. The drop height varied from 1 to 2 meters. Also, 6B43 successfully passed decontamination and degassing tests.
Expert reviews
Bulletproof vest 6B43 is designed very well. This is a joint development of Belarusian and Russian engineers. When creating the vest, only domestic components were used.
One of the main drawbacks of the model are separate adjustment straps for sitting and standing positions. And let them be made as convenient and simple as possible. The fact is that in Belarus they still do not produce rubber bands more than 6 cm wide. Therefore, when designing 6B43, it was decided to separate the adjustments to increase their wear resistance.
In general, body armor 6B43 and 6B45 (modernized version) are identical to each other. In the second, a little more space is given to additional modules. In terms of protection, 6B43 do not differ from the best foreign models.
The advantages of the vest are a high level of armor, a quick emergency release (in 2-3 seconds) and relative comfort.
Cost 6B43
Body armor 6B43 in the basic configuration can be purchased at a price of 80 to 95thousand rubles. Used products can be purchased 2-3 times cheaper (depending on the degree of wear).
The extended version of the model is estimated a little more expensive - from 100 to 120 thousand rubles. It is worth noting that the wholesale vests are closely monitored by the proper government agencies.
