New NAZ vest for the Aerospace Forces
Chest part of the NAZ vest with hanging pouches
Enterprises of the Rostec state corporation are working to improve the equipment of military personnel. They recently developed a new special vest designed for the flight crew of the Aerospace Forces. This product should improve the protection of pilots from various threats, and in addition, it is proposed to use it to carry a portable emergency supply.
New solution
In case of accidents or damage by means of Defense Pilots of combat aircraft and helicopters have at their disposal special rescue equipment and the so-called portable emergency supply (PES). The PES includes a set of means and tools for self-defense, survival in difficult situations, calling for help, etc.
Traditionally, the NAZ is located in a compact container that is suspended from the pilot's parachute system. After landing, the pilot can quickly pick it up and use it. This type of equipment has been used for the past several decades and has generally proven itself well.
However, the NAZ with a parachute system suspension is not without its drawbacks. There may be situations in which the pilot loses the container and is left without the necessary tools, weapons etc. In this regard, alternative solutions aimed at improving ergonomics and enhancing performance are proposed from time to time.
Recently, the state corporation Rostec developed a new version of the NAZ for pilots and the means of carrying it. In this project, they abandoned the traditional container, and the NAZ components are now placed in a vest, which must always be on the pilot. This is the first such development in the domestic industry. We have not previously created NAZ vests.
Survival tools
The press service of Rostec recently reported the appearance of a new NAZ vest. It has not yet been specified which organization within the corporation developed this product. However, the main features and positive qualities of the vest have been named, and plans for its release have been disclosed.
Rear view. You can see the lifting belt system.
When developing the vest and the NAZ for it, both ready-made elements in production and new components were used. At the development stage, Rostec specialists actively interacted with future users of the vest and took into account their wishes and feedback.
At the moment, the new NAZ vest has successfully passed a full cycle of tests, both on stands and dummies, and with the participation of real people-testers. The product was tested on a centrifuge with overloads of up to 9 units and on an ejection seat simulator. The vest was tested in a wind tunnel at speeds of up to 1470 km/h. The product's resistance to heat flow typical of fires was checked.
The Rostec press service quotes a tester who participated in the centrifuge testing. He noted that the new vest helps the anti-G suit work and even eases the impact of G-forces.
Rostec is currently preparing for serial production of new NAZ vests. The first batch of these products is expected to be released next year. They should soon be delivered to the troops and complement the equipment of combat pilots. Pilots will be able to fully appreciate all the advantages of the vest and its components, and, in appropriate situations, implement their advantages in practice.
Special design vest
In terms of the main design features, the new Rostec development is an unloading vest with all its characteristic features. At the same time, the vest for pilots has several specific features related to the tasks being solved and the requirements for it.
The design is based on a vest with a solid chest section and a narrow back section connected by a system of belts. The vest is put on in the traditional way and fastened with a front zipper. The chest section of the product has MOLLE straps for attaching pouches and other equipment. Internal pockets are also provided.
A Russian fighter pilot with a vest to carry essential supplies
The chest and back parts of the vest have pockets for placing aramid armor packages. Protection levels Br1 and C2 are provided. The user is protected from pistol bullets and small fragments.
The vest has a built-in suspension system consisting of durable textile straps, loops and carabiners. The main loop is large and is located at the back of the vest collar. This system is designed to move and evacuate an injured pilot in various conditions. In particular, it allows for lifting with a winch.
The new NAZ kit includes all the necessary tools and equipment. The pilot receives an emergency food supply, a water bottle and an additional container with a filter, as well as a first aid kit with a wide range of medications. In addition, there is a survival knife, a liquid-free compass and signaling equipment.
A special flashlight-beacon with several operating modes has been developed for the NAZ vest. The visible light mode serves for illumination and signaling, and the blue light filter allows you to search for traces of blood. There is also an infrared flashlight mode.
All elements of the NAZ are placed in pouches of various shapes and sizes, which are suspended from the vest. Thanks to this, the user has constant and convenient access to any means. In an emergency, this can be critical.
For self-defense, the pilot must use a pistol of one of the models in service. It is proposed to carry the weapon in a universal holster, adjustable for a specific model. The holster, along with other pouches, is hung on the vest.
A Ka-52 helicopter pilot with a new type of vest
Convenience and efficiency
Rostec is currently preparing serial production of the new vest with NAZ. Shipment of the products may begin as early as next year, subject to an order from the Aerospace Forces. The developer organization makes positive forecasts and expects to receive a contract.
It is quite possible that the VKS will really show interest in the new NAZ vest and decide to introduce such products instead of existing analogues. This will be facilitated by a number of characteristic features of the new system, due to which obvious advantages of various kinds are achieved.
First of all, the concept of the new project itself is of interest. It is proposed to abandon a separate container with all its characteristic shortcomings and risks. All necessary means are constantly present with the pilot, and he can use them at any time and without effort. At the same time, such NAZ does not require additional efforts for carrying in an emergency.
The composition of the NAZ components was determined taking into account the requirements of the VKS and potential users. At the same time, it included newly developed means, such as a multi-mode flashlight-beacon. In essence, we are talking about the development of existing kits using the latest solutions and samples.
It should be noted that the unloading vest with a set of pouches has specific ergonomics. Numerous protruding elements can interfere with the pilot's placement in the cockpit and impair the convenience of his work. However, the modular MOLLE system allows you to place pouches and elements of the NAZ in an optimal way and avoid possible problems and difficulties.
The invisible component
It is obvious that the combat effectiveness aviation depends not only on the technical characteristics of aircraft and helicopters, but also on their weapons. Of great importance are auxiliary systems, in particular, rescue and survival equipment. They are designed to preserve the life and health of the flight crew and ensure their rapid return to duty.
Russian industry is developing survival and rescue systems, and regularly presents new models of this kind. The latest development in this area is the NAZ vest, designed to replace existing types of kits. It is expected that the Aerospace Forces will begin to receive such products en masse next year, and this will have a positive effect on the issues of rescuing pilots in difficult situations.
Information