The Modular Scalable Vest (MSV) is a bullet-resistant vest that has been introduced by the United States Armed Forces in 2018.
| Modular Scalable Vest | |
|---|---|
.jpg) A Modular Scalable Vest on display at Fort Belvoir in 2019 | |
| Type | Body armor |
| Place of origin | United States of America |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2018–present |
| Used by | U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force |
The Modular Scalable Vest is replacing all other body armor systems in use, including the OTV (outer tactical vest), IOTV (improved outer tactical vest) and SPCS (soldier plate carrier system).[1] The MSV is 5 lb (2.3 kg) lighter when fully loaded with ballistic plates compared with its predecessor, the IOTV.[2] The MSV fully loaded weighs 25 lb (11 kg).[3]
History
editThe U.S. Air Force has begun to issue the MSV to replace the IOTV, with the goal of issuing it exclusively by the end of fiscal year 2022.[4]
Design
editThe MSV has a four-tier configuration, allowing it to be scaled up or down depending on the threat and mission requirements
- Concealable soft body armor
- Hard armor plates and soft body armor
- Carrier with ballistic plates and soft armor
- Carrier with ballistic plates and soft armor as well as a "ballistic combat shirt" with "built in neck, shoulder and pelvic protection and a belt system to move items from the vest to the hips."[5]
Only a few ballistic material suppliers have been able to comply with the armor panel weight specifications demanded by the US Military: Teijn Aramid, DSM Dyneema and Honeywell Spectra.
References
edit- ^ Vazquez, Daniel (11 April 2020). "The Missing Aspect of Soldier Lethality: Improved Armor Carriers in a Constrained Fiscal Environment by CPT Daniel Vazquez". Soldier Systems Daily. Archived from the original on 15 September 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
- ^ "Florida Soldiers Test Army's New Body Armor". bodyarmornews.com. 2017-11-06. Retrieved 2018-06-28.
- ^ "New in 2018: Army to issue new body armor to soldiers". armytimes.com. 2017-01-01. Retrieved 2018-06-28.
- ^ Allyson B. Crawford, AFLCMC Public Affairs (15 October 2021). "Human Systems delivers better protection for warfighters in rapid time". Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
- ^ Pounds, Lance (26 October 2017). "Fort Carson Soldiers field-test new body armor". US Army. Archived from the original on 9 October 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2022.