LONG/ LARGE · Aircrew Body Armor Vest 'Chicken Plate' Vietnam Style (With Plate)

LONG/ LARGE | Aircrew Body Armor Vest 'Chicken Plate'

This Vietnam style Aircrew Body Armor is a 1989 production, one of the last years these vests were produced. The vest and plate are in overall great condition and includes the aluminum oxide ceramic front plate these were issued with, with a pocket for a rear plate (not included) that was mainly only issued to door gunners. This is the same vest issued in Vietnam, except a later production and in better shape than most Vietnam era ones.

"The 1968-1991 designed version of the aircrew small arms protective body armor carrier featured large envelopes to accommodate a front torso protector for pilots or front and rear plates for gunners, who did not have the benefit of armored seats. It had a front pocket for maps, stretchable webbing sides and, unlike the 1967 standardized carrier, quick-release snap fasteners with non-slip buckles on both shoulders. Attached to the outside overlapping waistband was an elastic loop with a snap fastener that prevented opening in the wind stream.

Army aircrews were issued the carrier with aluminum oxide ceramic plates whereas Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps airmen received lighter and more expensive silicon or carbide plates. All three types of ceramic armor successfully protected against 0.30 caliber fire at 100 yards range."

Size

Long (Large)