PASGT

Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) Vest

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:

SIZES		NSNs			WEIGHT

Xsmall		8470-01-092-8497		7.5 lbs. (3.2 kg)
Small		8470-01-092-8498		8.3 lbs. (3.7 kg)
Medium		8470-01-092-8499		9.0 lbs. (4.0 kg)
Large		8470-01-092-8500		10.3 lbs. (4.6 kg)
Xlarge		8470-01-092-8501		11.0 lbs. (4.9 kg)

Approximate cost per unit is $350.

Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops Helmet

The Personnel Armor System Ground Troops (PASGT) helmet is the standard infantry helmet. The item was originally type-classified in the late 1970s and fielded in early 1980s.

The helmet provides ballistic protection from fragmenting munitions to the head, temple, ear and neck areas. It is available in five sizes. The helmet shell is a one-piece composite structure made up of multiple levels of Kevlar® aramid fiber. The current PASGT in the field is made of Kevlar® 29 and weighs between 3.1 lbs (x-s) and 4.2 lbs (x-l). The recently type-classified version, made of Kevlar® KM2, weighs approximately 10 % less. The current chinstrap is a two point design, having an open chincup and two adjustable buckles and a single snap fastener on the left. When the wearer has a properly sized helmt, the helmet’s cradle-type suspension provides standoff between the head and inner helmet surface allowing for ventilation and deformation during impact. A cloth cover is available in several camouflage patterns. A band is used in conjunction with the cover. For parachutists, a pad, retention strap, and liner are available to provide impact protection and increase helmet stability during airborne operations.

Recent Improvements:

The PASGT helmet has undergone a multi-phase Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP). That program has type-classified several improvements to the PASGT helmet improving helmet comfort, stability, and safety.

Suspension: A new suspension assembly (webbing) and headband have been type-classified, providing better stability, more comfort, and eliminating the metal clips. The suspension system and headband are 1.5 inches wide and hook/loop tape is used to attach the headband to the suspension assembly. Fielding to high-priority units will take place during the fall of 1997.

Comfort Pad: The Comfort Pad is a 5-3/8 inch diameter foam pad that provides comfort in the crown area of the helmet. It attaches to the suspension webbing with a hook/loop strap.

Parachutists' Impact Liner: The Parachutists' Impact Liner (PIL) is a foam pad that is slid into the helmet between the suspension webbing and helmet shell. It improves non-ballistic (bump) impact protection by approximately 25%. It is easily installed and removed in seconds.

Suspension Assembly:

XS	8470-01-442-2969
S	8470-01-442-2990
M	8470-01-442-2995
L	8470-01-442-3001
XL	8470-01-442-3021

Headband:

XS	8470-01-442-1434
S-M-L	8470-01-442-1429
XL	8470-01-442-1430

Parachutists' Impact Liner:

One size:		8465-01-420-4920

Comfort Pad:

One size:		8470-01-364-7074

Current and Future Efforts:

Lightweight Shell: It is planned that current work in the Science and Technology area will result in a FY98 Soldier Enhancement Program. The program will develop and test a new lightweight shell. The target is a 25 % reduction in weight when compared to the Kevlar® 29 helmet in the field today. The SEP program is planned for two years with procurement of helmets in FY98. Currently, a draft performance specification has been prepared and is being circulated for industry comment.