Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1086092
Early, 1st generation IIFS VTLB (1991-1994) 1st generation VTLB had vertical magazine pouches and was made from Woodland camouflage Cordura fabric. In this article we will focus on load bearing component as ECWSS is a different story. It consisted of sleeping bag, bivy cover, additional hood, booties and stuff bag. The only one contract was awarded in 1993 (in production till 1996) and it was quickly replaced with Modular Sleeping System (MSS) with two sleeping bags and redesigned bivy cover. Both ECWSS and MSS were designed to fit the bottom compartment of FPLIF. The genesis: HDCES Program In 1983 Natick Labs (NLABS) launched Hot/Dry Clothing and Equipment System (HDCES) research program. As with the LINCLOE, the expected outcome was new clothing and equipment system. The LINCLOE led to ALICE, the HDCES finally led to IIFS. The equipment parts tested were desert combat uniform DBDU, reversible desert parka, two sleeping bag systems and boots. HDCES was split in two parts: IFLS – (Improved Fighting Load System) featuring load carrying best and NBC carrier MELS – (Mission Existence Load System) featuring new pack, squad tent and tent stove From our point of view, the most important parts were vest and pack. The idea of vest followed the LINCLOE concept. NLABS engineers developed single-piece OD nylon fabric vest. There were two front parts and straps on the back. Sides were connected with parachute cord and the front was connected with two straps with buckles. Vest could be carried without belt, but there was a possibility to attach it with straps with snaps and Velcro. On the front there were four pockets for total of 6 M16 magazines and two pockets for hand grenades. On the sides of the vest there were M249 SAW boxes pockets. On the back there were three 2-1/4" webbing straps for additional equipment. The idea of equipment attached near the neck might seems weird now, but even in LINCLOE there was a vest with attachment points everywhere. Fortunately, enough, the www.fragoutmag.com