Modular Scalable Vest
US Military Body Armor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Modular Scalable Vest (MSV) is a bullet-resistant vest that has been introduced by the United States Armed Forces in 2018.
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| Modular Scalable Vest | |
|---|---|
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
The 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
The 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: Teijin Aramid, DSM Dyneema and Honeywell Spectra.