Warrior in Chernobylskayan digital camouflage
Warrior-M in Multicam, featuring MOLLE webbing.
The Ратник[Warrior] ballistic vest, designed by the Agroprom Research Institute and manufactured by the Treneska based 'Vympel' company is a modern piece of equipment suitable for all combat environments, and protects from small caliber armor piercing rounds commonly used by the worlds military forces.
It was first developed in 2006 as a private venture, and competed in the 2009 equipment trials, but did not make into the finals due to the Ratnik being underdeveloped at the time. Following this, the Agroprom Research Institute redesigned the plates intended to be used, while having an unusual shape has better coverage then the standard "Rectangle" Titanium-Steel Alloy plates used by the State Research Institute's PSZ series armor. A further requirement was that the new protective equipment was to be suitable for extended periods of wear. In 2016, it was resubmitted and approved for use as privately procured equipment, and currently is slated to become the new piece of equipment for the 2020 modernization program.
The design of the vest is of two components; an subvest section, consisting of soft armor, and plate sleeves which attach to the vest to accommodate different shapes of armor plates used. The materials largely make up the vest provide class 3 protection from pistol rounds and shell fragments on the front, back and shoulders. The subvest being made of a DYNEEMA, provide better protection then Kevlar, while being more durable to natural erosion. The plate sleeve, constructed of DYNEEMA, with Twaron panels act as a "catchers mitt" for projectiles; a shot at a 30-40 degree angle will not ricochet, rather remain in the sleeve. The Ratnik vest is non-combustible and resistant to aggressive liquids due to special treatment of materials.
The Ratnik uses 5mm Tungsten Disulfide plates; a single large plate on the front, and a pair of smaller rectangular plates which protect the wearers spine and vital organs. While making the vest somewhat heavy, weighing in at 10.5kg, they provide NIJ 101.04 Level IV protection on the front and back over a total 50dm2 area. This will stop .30-06 Armor Piercing ammunition, and multiple hit protection from smaller calibers.
For export, the Ratnik is available in all common patterns, and if requested the Vympel company can complete contracts that require nation-specific camouflage*. The plate sleeve can be changed to suit existing inventory of plates, however this is not recommended as it will change the protective qualities of the vest. If requested, a sub variant of the vest, known as the Ratnik-M features MOLLE webbing over the front and sides, with an optional cummerbund to enable distribution of equipment at the torso.
Export cost of the vest and standard plates is $1200, and with orders larger then 10,000 a 5% discount is given.
*Covers in Lyran Multispectral Disruptive Patterns must first be cleared through Lyran Arms. there is a 20% tax per vest to cover customs charges.
