We began to think about how to make it easier for military personnel to carry equipment in the twentieth century. As a result, several prototypes of unloading systems were created. Among specialists, such a device is called a shoulder-shoulder system (RPS). This element of equipment is indispensable in cases where you need to carry a large number of things necessary to perform tactical tasks. Information about the device, the configuration of the belt-shoulder system and the placement of equipment can be found in this article.
Acquaintance
The shoulder and shoulder system is an important element in the equipment of a soldier. In Soviet times, it was used exclusively in the ground forces by sergeants and military personnel. Due to the fact that army unloading is ideally suited for hours of combat conditions, today it is widely used by airsoft fans.
A bit of history
The first army unloading system appeared in the First World War. The system was the forerunner of a tactical vest in the form of a leather or tarpaulin belt. It was used as a platform, to which, with hinges or steel hooks, cartridge bags (pouches and bandoleers) and various supporting straps were attached. A satchel was attached to the belt-shoulder system. He was attached to the RPS with his own straps. Later, systems began to be made of leather and tarpaulin with metal, mainly steel hardware.
In the years of World War II, in order to reduce the cost of production, RPMs were made from leatherette. At the end of the twentieth century, these designs are made of nylon and aluminum alloys. According to experts, instead of tarpaulin, leather and metal, they began to use synthetics and plastic.
In the Red Army, the product was officially listed as RPS (knapsack camping equipment). Among the military - “unloading”. Military equipment contained a waist belt, a shoulder strap, cases and bags. In them, fighters of the Red Army carried weapons, ammunition and protective equipment. According to experts, the Soviet RPM in its layout was practically no different from the military equipment of the Germans and Americans.
About picking
In accordance with the rules of wearing, the following was attached to the waist belt from left to right:
- Bayonet knife.
- Bag with two grenades RGD-5 or F-1.
- Case with a flask inside.
- A special cover with a protective stocking and OZK gloves.
- Small Infantry Shovel.
- Bag with four shops for a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Additionally, another pouch clung, which contained clips of SCS.
Classification
The following types of army unloading are available:
- Systems containing removable pockets. This specific chest design contains a set of belts with pockets of various sizes and shapes. The advantage of this RPS is that it can be equipped depending on the task being performed. According to experts, in Russia such RPMs are used mainly by snipers, since it contains many pockets in which it is convenient to contain many different items. At the same time, this “unloading” is not suitable for fighters who need to constantly move. It is also not recommended to take the RPS for close combat. Otherwise, the pockets will open and their contents will fall out at the most inopportune moment.
- RPS with fixed pockets. The product is characterized by a monolithic, rigid and reliably stitched design. The disadvantage of this belt-shoulder system is that the owner cannot adapt it to his needs.
- RPS based on body armor. This product provides comprehensive body protection. The system is equipped with special mounts for pouches. Judging by the reviews, during the battle it is easy for a soldier to get to the right thing, which is an advantage of the CPF. The minus of the belt-shoulder system in its impressive weight, to which attachments are still added.
According to experts, the choice of a particular RPM depends on personal preferences and operating conditions of the equipment.
RPS "Vityaz". Description
The belt-shoulder system is represented by the following main elements:
- Hard waist belt. As a material for its manufacture, a polyamide tape is used. The width of the belt is 5 cm. Inside, it is equipped with a rigid plastic insert. To adjust the belt in the RPS has a special textile fastener. Fastening is carried out using acetal fasteks YKK.
- Shoulder straps with mesh lining. Thanks to the modular interface, additional pouches can be fastened. By means of a chest coupler the straps are secured. Thus, performing active actions, the fighter can not worry that the straps will move. Also, the design is equipped with mounts with which the automatic belt clings. On the back there is a modular interface that provides maximum ventilation and backpack fasteners. An evacuation loop is formed from the rear connecting tapes.
- Soft belt with foam padding and mesh lining. Provides comfortable operation of the RPS. Equipped with a modular interface through which the luggage bag is hooked to the structure.
- Ammo pouch. This element is of various types. It all depends on the specifics of the combat mission. Four magazines are placed in the pouches to the Kalashnikov assault rifle, two hand grenades and two RPGs. The back and front walls were reinforced with plastic. The bottom and valves are reinforced with a second tissue layer. Fighters fasten pouches with textile fasteners. The design was complemented by two buckles that connect the module and shoulder straps. Pouches for automatic horns are equipped with removable partitions.
- Baggage pouch. This element is not basic and is used as an addition. Used to carry flasks, spare ammunition and other things.
- Baggage bag designed for 7 liters. It is also an addition to the CPF.
About the benefits
Judging by the reviews, the strengths of the Vityaz RPS are as follows:
- The main load can be concentrated on the belt, due to which the design with a reduced center of gravity. Thus, the main burden falls on the pelvis, and the spine is released.
- Vityaz is ideal for hot climates, as the maximum area of the body opens. The chest does not shrink, which is especially important during prolonged use.
- RPS weighs a little, which makes it possible to carry significant loads.
- If necessary, the owner of the RPS can re-arrange it.
According to experts, today the shoulder system is being intensively improved for use not only by AK arrows, but also by fighters of other specialties.
RPS "Smersh"
Judging by the reviews, this unloading model is very popular among the military and fans to play airsoft. According to experts, this tactical vest is universal, since it is widely used in various military branches.
He can be worn as a state security officer and warrant officer of the airborne troops, as well as any contractor. According to experts, the basic model of the CPF was not very well assembled. However, each fighter can always equip him at his discretion. Some military men change the regular belt with a pistol of the required width. RPS "Smersh" is equipped with a very comfortable soft belt, which can also be replaced with a soft universal one. However, this is impractical, since this element does not have a serious functional load. The MOLLE belt is equipped with a few extra pouches. Early versions of the CPF were without slings. Today they are available, and the fighters have the opportunity to carry pouches with grenades and radio stations on their backs. However, they often interfere with the application.
Design with shoulder straps PLSE. Unlike ordinary ones, they are more convenient. The slings are fully stitched and adapted to carry the hydrator. The RPS is equipped with standard 2AK2RG pouches for carrying two automatic magazines and two hand grenades. With the partition removed, three horns and three grenades will fit in the pouch. In the combat zone, one fighter can carry several pouches on himself. As a result, he has 12 automatic clips and grenades in the amount of 8 pieces.
The presence of silent fasteners in this RPS is not provided. Instead, Velcro buttons are used. Mostly pouches of 4 pieces catch from the sides. In a standard complete set there is a food bag or "cracker". This item is used only by the military. Airsoft players do not predominantly attach it to RPS. The pouch with the radio is attached with MOLLE slings. This element can be closed (for a small radio station) and closed, in which the intercom with larger dimensions will fit. For carrying flasks, special covers are provided, which are often attached to waist belts. To take out a flask, it is enough for the fighter to unfasten buttons. In the RPS there is a place for a pouch with a first aid kit.
Strengths
Judging by the reviews of the owners, the unloading of the Smersh is easy to operate, it is quite simple to put on and take off. If necessary, RPS is easily combined with winter clothing and armor protection. The severity is evenly distributed on the back and lower back. The design is convenient, reliable and adapted for a long walking march.
