Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) Vest (original) (raw)

The PASGT Vest is a front opening design which protects the upper torso of the body. The ballistic filler consists of 13 plies of 14 oz/yd2 (457 g/m2) water repellent treated Aramid (Kevlar 29) fabric. The inner and outer cover, shoulder pads and front closure flap of the vest are water repellent treated 8 oz/yd2 (271 g/m2) ballistic nylon cloth. The outer cover is woodland camouflage printed and the inner cover is olive green. The vest has a 3/4 collar, pivoting shoulder pads, two front pockets, two grenade hangers and rifle butt patches at the front shoulder area. The front flap and pocket flaps have hook and loop fastener tape closures. The side overlaps are made flexible through the use of 1-1/2 inch (3.8 cm) wide elastic webbing.

The PASGT vest has an increased ability over the now obsolete nylon vest to stop or slow down fragments, It will reduce the number of wounds, especially serious and lethal, from exploding conventional and improved conventional munitions. When the PASGT Vest is worn in combat areas, an 18-53 percent decrease (threat dependent) in all fragmentation caused casualties is predicted.

The PASGT Vest provides a superior fit due to its unique design. The Kevlar ballistic filler in the back is made in four sections; the three upper back sections slide over each other and over the lower back section to allow for any changes in body dimensions associated with various movements. The shoulder pads with elastic webbing and snaps allow more freedom of upper arm movement, and compatibility with the other clothing and individual equipment is increased. In addition, vinyl envelope and plastic stiffeners are eliminated through the use of water repellent treated materials, and camouflage properties are increased.

Size and Cost:

Approximate cost per unit is $350.