Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/901315
Plecak ALICE MEDIUM w najwcześniejszej wersji produkcyjnej. Plecaki takie produkowano na kontrakty z lat 74 i 75. Wyposażone były w komplet worków wodoodpornych. a padded "envelope" for the frame and the rucksacks were attached to the frame with hook clasps so, actually, pipes of the frame were in direct contact with soldier's back. The height adjustment proposal was rejected already at the negotiations stage in September 1969, since it would unnecessarily extend the time needed for design works and the final product would be much heavier, which would make it non-compliant with the requirements set at the beginning of the LINCLOE project. On 29 July 1970, a new pack model was shown and it met the requirements of Army in terms of the size of the smaller pack. Basically, it was upgraded variant of Tropical Rucksack. From that point on, at the initiative of E. Metzger, further tests included three sizes of packs and the new model was designated as Medium. Final tests lasted from June to September of 1972. During a meeting in Natick on 24 November 1972, the Small pack was canceled because in spite of modifications introduced throughout the duration of the program, it had major problems with durability of the attachment, as well as with insufficient capacity. During the meeting, it was decided that the carrying comfort of the Medium pack without frame had to be improved, while the frame itself had to be simplified and reinforced at the bottom. The pack-to-frame attachment system, with hooks and D-rings, was still defective. The attachments tore off and caused unnecessary noise. Due to the comments, Medium and Large packs were redesigned. An "envelope" was added to the upper part of the back, which could be used for putting the frame into it. Straps and buckles were added to the bottom to attach the packs to the frame. D-rings were removed from the frame, similarly to the upper cushion pad that was replaced with an "envelope". What is more, the bottom part of the frame was reinforced with an additional pipe around 1/3 of the height. What is more, the frame got a characteristic, bent shape, which significantly increased comfort. In such form, Medium and Large packs were standardized on 17 January 1973 along with a completely new load bearing equipment system – the legendary ALICE. SERIAL PROduCTION FIELd PACkS, COmbAT, mEdIum ANd LARgE The first contract for ALICE Medium and Large field packs was awarded in 4Q1973 (thereby, 1974 in the contract). Medium pack was assigned FSN 8465- 001-6480 and the Large received 8465-001-6481. equipment