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Combat & Survival/ April 2004
THE
CHEST RIG STORY
by
Bob Morrison
...Our last rig is a Russian M-23
pattern, produced by SPLAV, which takes the basic design just
a little bit further, though its origins are obvious. Our example
is made from a waterproof fabric in the current Russian Woodland
camo, but other colours are available. The major differences
with this rig over the others are the sheer variety of pockets,
the easy to use adjuster/quick-release buckles and the hanging
straps which allow other items of kit to be slung from it. It
too has a central map pocket between its layers and useses the
cross-strap plus waist belt system, and even its basic shape
is quite similar to the British one. However, it can carry a
lot more ready ammo than any of the others. Our example has
four pouches which can each carry a pair of AK-74 magazines,
four pouches with internal elastic straps to carry a pair of
under-barrel launcher rifle grenades, two separate pouches for
individual special purpose rifle grenades, three pouches for
fragmentation grenades (complete with fuse pockets and ring-pull
lanyards) and two scabbards with Velcro and elastic fastening
straps for bayonets or combat knives. Russia's recent experiences
in Chechnya, where most of the fighting was on a par with the
urban comabt seen during the Great Patriotic War (WWII) has
seen the career wing of her armed forces evolve from a peasant
army with only rifle, bread bag and personal weapon into a modern-day
force to be reckoned with. |
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SOLDIER OF FORTUNE / February 1997
(Russian Edition)
ASSAULT
VESTS: YOU CAN'T DO WITHOUT ONE
by
Evgeny Rasskazov
...
Another representative of new generation assault vests is
the Tarzan M21, manufactured by "SPLAV". This one
is intended for use by police
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forces, but may be used in combat operations. The creation of
this model was inspired by real life events, as it is commonly
know, many of regional and Moscow-based police units, such as
OMON and SOBR, took part in combat operations in Chechnya. At
that time many of their personnel just didn't have the proper
webbing.
Tarzan
M21 is intended for use in special operations - conducted mostly
in built-up areas. At the same time it is also suitable for
use by both land vehicle-borne infantry and paratroopers. The
M21 is made from hard-wearing material Kordura 400 and can be
'filled up' with ammunition for all variety of AKs, GPs, KS-23,
pump-action rifles as well as PPKlin/KEDR systems. Tarzan has
a 'double space' front, while the back is completely open. The
advantage of this design is that while providing a significant
payload space, it can be easily adjusted to the wearer's body
size (height: 165 - 210cm / chest: 48(M) - 62(XXL)). Due to
the unique design and different sorts of locks and fastenings,
the whole payload is concentrated on the front part of the AV.
Nowadays the TARZAN family is represented by a whole series,
which include particular models made specially for the Army
with a load capacity of upto 8-12 AK mags, 4 F-1 grenades or
24 VOG-25 grenades. There is also a purely 'police version'
as well as first-aid/medical kit version and the one with replaceable
parts (for special assault units). The open back provides for
air circulation, which is important while engaged in intensive
combat. I personally tried one on and have to say that it feels
'cool' and comfortable. This AV is definitely one of the best
I've ever seen and tried on. Its design is very similar to V-96
assault vest from "ANA" (St Petersburg), which differs
from the Tarzan by thick hard-wearing cotton it is made from
with an intention to be used by MVD troops...
Translated into English by
FSU Connections Ltd
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Copyright FSU Connections Ltd 1999-2005
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