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Archive for the ‘Armor’ Category

BAE ECLiPSE Modular Vest Program

Saturday, July 5th, 2008

ECLiPSE

Many already know that BAE’s Specialty Defense division won the USSOCOM contract for the SPEAR BALCS armor carrier. Their offering is called RBAV for Releasable Body Armor Vest and is designed to accommodate BALCS sut soft armor as well as front and rear plates. What most people don’t know is that it is now available commercially as the Releasable Body Armor Vest – Special Forces and that it but one product in an entire family of body armor carriers.

BAE ECLiPSE RBAV-SF

In addition, BAE is also offering the vests:

The Releasable Body Armor Vest – Homeland Security is intended for the Law Enforcement role. Similar to the SOCOM issue model but it also features Velcro on the chest and upper back to accommodate removable “Police” patches.

The Mounted Crewman Protective Vest is still under development but the concept unique to the ECLiPSE line. Resembling a slimmed down cross between a plate carrier and concealable armor package, the MCPV was designed with the tight spaces armor crewman have to contend with in mind.

The Tactical Body Armor Vest was designed for those who do not require a cut-away system.

The Enhanced Concealable Military Protective Vest is a low profile carrier which incorporates side pockets for magazines.

BAE offers their vests in Coyote, Khaki, Ranger Green, Black and Universal Camo but some products may not be available in all colors.

The ECLiPSE line is available from BAE.

All photos are property of BAE.

Tracking the Elusive Cut-Away Plate Carrier

Friday, June 6th, 2008

Rumors recently began to surface about a cut-away plate carrier. For awhile it looked like plate carriers were becoming passe, namely because the military had put so many restrictions on their use. However, in keeping with the Marine Corps’ new philosophy of “Survivability Through Mobility” their recent fielding of the Scalable Plate Carrier to units in Afghanistan has signaled a major course correction. But where do you go next? Why releasable, of course. So far two vendors have informed me that they have have filed patent applications and are on the cusp of releasing their designs. Check back for the exclusive debut of a new cut-away plate carrier.

USMC Scalable Plate Carrier

Saturday, May 24th, 2008

Responding to an Urgent Needs Statement from Marines in Afghanistan, MARCORSYSCOM has begun fielding a plate carrier. The recent backlash over the Modular Tactical Vest can also be credited with this bold move. It seems as though the services are getting the message that a more mobile shooter is a more lethal shooter. No details as to manufacturer have been released. However, an interesting feature on the prototype is offset PALS webbing on the upper chest.
Marine Scalable Plate Carrier