The Tula-based factory, “Oktyabr” which is part of “RT-Capital” (a company under Rostec), is currently developing a lighter version of the “Obereg” body armor that is just as strong as the original model. Pavel Pavlenko, the CEO of the factory, made this announcement in Rostec’s “Our Crash” project, which was released on the corporation’s Telegram channel. Pavlenko highlighted that the second version of the vest is in the final stages of development and has some configuration changes, as well as other class BR5 plates for protection. However, it weighs approximately 10 kilograms less. This will undoubtedly be welcomed by soldiers, as every kilogram, especially after wearing it for several hours, has a significant impact on the spine and the entire body, explained Pavlenko.
The factory director also noted that the protective properties of the new body armor will not be compromised. Initially, it was reported that the weight of the “Obereg” body armor, capable of withstanding direct hits from armor-piercing bullets like the B-32, is 11.7 kilograms. The production of the vest was announced at the Oktyabr factory in April. The chest plate of the vest provides BR5 protection class and consists of ceramic plates that absorb the kinetic energy of bullets, as well as high molecular weight plastic. The side sections have BR1 protection class, but can be replaced with BR3 protection upon customer request.
As part of the “Our Crash” project, products manufactured by Rostec enterprises will undergo crash tests to verify their strength. The corporation emphasizes that extreme conditions will be created to test the products. Earlier, a servicewoman revealed the use of cassette shells by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Ugledar.
