The new uniforms have become 20% lighter and are three times more air permeable.
The field uniform for the Russian special forces began to be sewn from a new fabric, which is almost 20% lighter and three times more breathable, while maintaining its former strength, the BTK manufacturing company told Izvestia. Uniforms made of this material have already been tested and put into production. In an environment where walking for many kilometers has become a common practice not only for special forces, but also for infantry units, every extra kilogram matters. Therefore, reducing the weight of clothes is really a big win, experts emphasized.
The field uniform for the Russian special forces began to be sewn from a new fabric, which is almost 20% lighter and three times more breathable, while maintaining its former strength, the BTK manufacturing company told Izvestia. Uniforms made of this material have already been tested and put into production. In an environment where walking for many kilometers has become a common practice not only for special forces, but also for infantry units, every extra kilogram matters. Therefore, reducing the weight of clothes is really a big win, experts emphasized.
Special purpose lightness
Russian developers have launched the production of uniforms for Russian special forces, created from a new high-strength fabric, Izvestia found out. Its density has been reduced from 240 g/m2 to 195 g/m2, while air permeability has tripled, and strength has remained at the same level. Another advantage of the fabric is that clothes made from it dry out 25% faster after getting completely wet. This is especially important when performing tasks in the field, where the comfort and physical condition of military personnel depend on the ability of uniforms to remove moisture and dry quickly, said Andrey Podoprigorin, executive director for the state defense order of the BTK Group of Companies.
Unlike standard combined arms uniforms, special forces equipment must take into account a wide variety of mission conditions, from use in urban areas and mountainous areas to areas with extremely low temperatures. Therefore, several clothing options are produced that differ in design and material properties.
Image source: Photo: BTK Press Service
A separate area of BTK development is summer equipment for special units of the Russian Guard. It includes four types of suits: basic, lightweight, arctic and fire-resistant. Each of them is adapted to certain operating conditions and differs in the features of the cut and the materials used. A specific example of the application of the development was combat shirts for the special forces of the Russian Guard. The contract for their supply has already been concluded, and production is underway. At the same time, the new fabric is also suitable for other elements of the summer set — jackets and trousers.
— Our task is not just to provide individual protective properties, but to combine them in one product. For example, fabrics with permanent fire resistance are usually tougher, but the suit should remain comfortable even when worn for a long time. It is important that the material removes moisture from the body, protects it from precipitation and at the same time does not restrict the movement of the serviceman," said Andrey Podoprigorin.
When creating equipment, the manufacturer uses the principle of layering. The underwear has an odor protection technology, which makes it possible to wash it less often in the field. Modern membrane materials are used to protect against strong wind and rain, which retain their properties during prolonged use and temperature fluctuations.
Weight reduction without compromising functionality is one of the main directions in the development of military uniforms, experts emphasize.
— A modern uniform should not only protect from external influences, but also provide comfort during prolonged tasks. Therefore, when developing, we pay attention not only to the strength and wear resistance of materials, but also to how comfortable it is for a serviceman to move and work in such clothes," said Andrey Podoprigorin. — Our goal is to create equipment that does not distract from work, does not rub or restrict movement. Ideally, a person should hardly notice that he is wearing special clothes.
Image source: Photo: BTK Press Service
The products received positive feedback after testing. Special forces personnel noted the lightness of the material, its breathability and durability, as well as its ability to retain color during operation.
It's about the fabric
Reducing the weight of field uniforms is especially important in conditions where military personnel have to travel long distances on foot and carry additional equipment, a veteran of the People's Militia of the DPR with the call sign Naruto told Izvestia. Lightening the fabric can provide significant benefits, especially when it comes to a multi-layered set of clothes. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain its strength, the ability to remove moisture and maintain a temperature regime.
— Now walking for many kilometers has become a common practice not only for special forces, but also for infantry units. The routes are constantly lengthening, and every extra kilogram counts. Therefore, reducing the weight of clothes by 20% is a really big gain," he said.
According to Naruto, the main challenge for manufacturers is to combine lightness, strength, wear resistance, moisture wicking and protection from external influences. Some properties contradict each other. For example, membrane materials pass steam well and protect against moisture, but require special care and may be inferior to other fabrics in terms of wear resistance. In modern conditions, fire resistance is also important.
— Manufacturers have to find a balance between these characteristics, use modern materials, strengthen abrasion-prone areas and provide ventilation valves. This distinguishes high—quality combat equipment from ordinary sportswear," the source told Izvestia.
Valery Yuryev, Chairman of the Russian Union of Paratroopers, also drew attention to the importance of wear resistance and the ability to maintain its original appearance. According to him, a military uniform should not only mask a fighter, but also maintain a decent appearance.
Image source: Photo: BTK Press Service
— Do not pursue complex specifications to the detriment of the basic requirements. First of all, the material must be reliable and withstand long-term wear. It is important to understand how long it will last in real conditions," Yuryev emphasized. — It happens that the form is made easier, but after a few days of active wear, it tears. The second set, as a rule, is not provided for by supply standards, so military personnel have to find a replacement on their own.
The requirements for the top layer of equipment — insulated jackets and trousers - have also changed, Naruto emphasized. Initially, they were created by analogy with climbing equipment, but now such clothing must withstand prolonged use directly in a combat zone.
— During its implementation, it became clear that the upper layers needed to be reinforced and adapted to long-term operation. In such clothes, military personnel perform combat missions, are on duty, and spend long periods in the trenches. This places completely different demands on materials and construction," concluded Naruto.
The use of domestic raw materials is of particular importance, as it reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, Yuryev added.
Thus, manufacturers will have to further improve military clothing, taking into account the experience of its use in the field. The main tasks include weight reduction, increased wear resistance and adaptation of materials to prolonged loads. At the same time, the simplification of the form should not be at the expense of its reliability.
Sofia Sokolovskaya
Maxim Vysochin
