Frag Out! Magazine

PLCE Prototype (Trial PLCE) Preparing a prototype of the ultramodern webbing (for its time of course) took British experts almost three years. And so, in 1985 soldiers were issued not only a brand new L85A1 assault rifle but also with matching webbing, later called PLCE Prototype/Trial PLCE. From the beginning it was designed only as a test model – allowing to develop a new, more technically advanced descendant of P58 to be used for mass production. The basic set consisted of unusual – for that time – main yoke with six attachments straps and mesh textile known from SAS vest (this yoke was later copied by Arktis) combined with a modified P58 belt, two ammunition pouches, entrenching tool case, water bottle pouch and utility pouch. Compared to its ancestor – P58 webbing – the prototype had many advantages (for example uncomfortable poncho roll and twin kidney pouches disappeared), nevertheless improvements were not complete and some archaic elements of design still remained. It was undoubtedly a compromise between innovators' dreams and tradition Something Completely Different" Witold Klapper The story of the most popular and recognized British webbing, that is PErsonaL Load Carrying EquiPmEnT (PLCE), starts in the Falkland islands in 1982 during conflict between Great Britain and Argentina. After these 73 days of fighting in extreme conditions, the British at last realized that their equipment is a complete rubbish and should be thrown away immediately (or sold, for example to Africa). British Forces required new and better stuff – and fast, as another conflict might not be solved with equal success... The rear echelon in London happened to listen to good advice and this is how a huge reform of British Army personal equipment started – and it is still in progress. EQUIPMENT

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