The Soldier Integrated Protective Ensemble Advanced Technology Demonstration was conducted in the fall of 1992 at Fort Benning, Georgia.
These photos of SIPE components were taken by Natick Research, Development, and Engineering Center.
Download the report here.
Wow, that brings back memories. Two years of design and rapid prototyping, lots of trips to Natick and D.C.. Still have a bunch of the samples in the shop, 25 years later.
I always wondered who made the clothing. You should send me some photos.
Figured that was you, Hobey. Your skills and products have come a long way since then. Thanks for helping bring the Vest Carrier design on IAE to this century.
I always wondered who made the clothing. You should send me some photos.
I was in A Co. 1/19 at OSUT at the time and a couple of guys got pulled to walk around wearing that very heavy gear. I got pulled to move filing cabinets at the School of the Americas and ate lunch at their kick-ass DFAC…
Man, what could have been…that frame and belt appears to be significantly better then the MOLLE frame and belt we are still stuck with.
SSD, these types of posts are always a favorite! Could you do more on other prototype/modernization projects from the past?
I love seeing prototype stuff from back in the day when researchers speculated what the “future” might look like.