Knights of the Twentieth Century (Rytsali Dvadtsatego Veka),
Abstract
The report traces the development of protective armor worn by soldiers from ancient times to the present. Armor was widely utilized during the middle ages, but its use declined as firearms became more sophisticated. World War I, however, saw the return of protective plates and helmets. The British firm of Barrats was especially noted for its production of bullet-proof vests and steel derbys. During World War II bullet proof armor was adopted by individual units of the Soviet Army. Steel armor covered the chest, stomach, and back of Red soldiers. Russian helmets also proved to be very good; they have been retained without change up to our time. With the development of polymer chemistry, experiments on the composition of helmets made from new, synthetic materials began to be conducted in many armies of the world. Scientific research centers are also making military armor vests. Designers are also concerned about soldiers feet; a steel, v-shaped plate is attached to the sole of boots to reflect shrapnel from antipersonnel mines. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 29, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0719551
Entities
People
- O. Zholondkovskii
Organizations
- United States Army Foreign Science and Technology Center