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Airborne uniforms of the old and new models: demobilization and ceremonial. Paratrooper's backpack and other equipment and uniforms Paratrooper's equipment

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On November 2, 1930, during an exercise in the Moscow Military District, twelve people were air-dropped as part of a special unit. It is this moment that is taken as the starting point of the history of our Airborne Forces. Throughout its existence, not only the status of the paratroopers changed more than once, but also their uniforms. The uniform of our Airborne Forces received its current form relatively recently and has become a kind of calling card of one of the elite units

Russian army.

First paratrooper uniform Until the 40s of the last century, the form airborne detachment differed little from the uniform of the Red Army soldiers serving in aviation troops

. It consisted of a leather or canvas helmet with a soft lining and overalls made of moleskin or avisent. The blue buttonholes sewn to the collar of the overalls indicated that the detachment belonged to aviation. The edging of the buttonhole indicated the official position of the serviceman: the command staff had a golden edging, while political workers, sergeants and privates wore uniforms with buttonholes with black edging, which was considered an everyday (or as it is now called - office) option. At the beginning of the Great Patriotic War

the overalls were replaced with trousers with large patch pockets and a jacket.

The paratrooper's equipment in the pre-war years, in addition to the uniform, consisted of the following elements: Main parachute. Before the 1941 war and some time after it began airborne assault
used the PD-6 parachute, which is essentially a licensed analogue of the American “Irvin”. Before establishing their own parachute production, the Soviet military performed jumps with American parachutes.

A reserve parachute or line cutter.

The complete equipment of an Airborne Forces employee was:
two parachutes (main on the back, reserve in the lower abdomen);
duffel bag;

a machine gun with a magazine removed, which was attached vertically with the barrel down behind the left shoulder.

After the failed Finnish campaign, the military personnel were dressed in padded jackets, short fur coats, felt boots, cotton trousers, and a hat with earflaps. At the same time, the winter version is equipped with a camouflage white robe with a hood.

Headgear of paratroopers

The headdress was another way to show the official affiliation of a soldier. For commanders after 1938, a dark blue cap was officially approved as a headdress.

After 1941, its color was changed to a protective green hue.

The upper part, rim and band of the cap were decorated with blue edging. She also wore a cockade with a red star surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves. During the parachute jump, the command staff used special caps, which were fastened under the chin with straps.

Ordinary paratroopers wore caps in dark of blue color with blue edging and stars made of cloth, on top of which red stars were attached.

By the beginning of the war, the Airborne Forces had several standard clothing options, which depended on the time of year and official position:

	Average command staff	Average command staff
Summer:	over the everyday uniform there is a camouflage jumpsuit of reconnaissance military groups, a cap, chrome boots, a traffic police machine gun, and command equipment.	Over the everyday uniform there is a camouflage jumpsuit, a cotton or cloth cap, tarpaulin boots, a rifle (after the fall of 1941 a PPSh machine gun), and equipment.
Winter:	over the casual uniform there is a jacket with a fur collar, equipment and weapons, a hat with earflaps and high boots.	a white camouflage robe over an overcoat, weapons and equipment.

Since the helmet could fly off the paratrooper during a jump, this headgear was used exclusively during ground battles.

The evolution of the Airborne Forces headdress

The blue beret can easily be called the calling card of a modern paratrooper, but it only became part of the uniform after 1969. On June 30, 1967, the commander of the Airborne Forces, Colonel General V.S. Margelov. a new sample of the form was approved, created according to the sketches of the artist A.B. Beetle.

The artist proposed two options for the appearance of Airborne Forces employees:

The daily uniform of the Airborne Forces included a khaki beret and a red star. This coloring of the headdress remained on paper.
The second option involved wearing a crimson beret, and it was this that was accepted.

The right side of the beret was decorated with a blue flag with the symbols of the Airborne Forces, the so-called “corner”, and on the front side of the beret there was a star surrounded by a wreath of ears.

For officers, a beret with a 1955 model cockade and a star with wings were provided.

During the military parade on November 7, 1967, paratroopers wearing crimson berets marched across Red Square. And already in 1969, an order was issued that officially approved a new type of uniform for Airborne Forces employees with a blue beret.

The tradition of wearing a beret is different among paratroopers and airborne reconnaissance officers. The former wear the beret curved to the right, while the special forces of the air forces have an unspoken rule to bend the beret to the left.

The editors of the site hope that readers do not shy away from military service. You can read how you are punished for evading the army on this website.

The airborne troops were separated in separate genus troops only in 1991. Until this moment, paratroopers belonged to the ground forces, navy, and air force, and since 1946 they have been included in the reserve structure of the Supreme High Command and are directly subordinate to Supreme Commander.

In this regard, the color scheme of the uniform and insignia of the senior and junior command staff of the Airborne Forces were associated with the branch of troops to which they belonged in this moment.

In addition, the type of uniform of the Soviet paratrooper depended on the climatic conditions of the landing site and the position of the employee. It is customary to distinguish four groups of military clothing of the Soviet Airborne Forces:

casual summer uniform for sergeants and privates;
summer uniform for sergeants, privates and cadets air force;
casual summer set with shoulder straps and buttonholes for cadets;
winter version of the uniform with sleeve insignia for sergeants, military builders and airborne cadets.

At the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the equipment of paratroopers included a dark blue overcoat; a little later its color was changed to a combined arms color. Also, the equipment of the airborne special forces included so-called camouflage robes: white for winter and protective spotted colors for summer. Exactly the same robes were worn by scouts and riflemen of the assault group.

During the special mission, the landing group was additionally equipped with special uniforms. This included overalls, helmet, high boots, and goggles.

After the introduction of shoulder straps, aviation insignia appeared. The famous emblem with a parachute and two planes on either side was introduced in 1955. It is this badge that today is a symbol of unity and brotherhood of employees in air forces.

In 1979, a limited contingent of troops was introduced into Afghanistan, including a special group of airborne forces. In view of the climatic conditions of the territory of presence, it was developed special airborne forces. The prototype was the uniform of the army of the President of the Congo.

Features of the old-style Airborne Forces dress uniform

For special occasions, the air infantry was provided with a ceremonial set of uniforms, presented in summer and winter versions. In 1988, it underwent a number of changes.

Summer dress uniform old style:

cap with band;
untucked trousers;
open uniform;
White shirt;
black tie;
White gloves;
black low shoes or boots.

The ceremonial set of the summer uniform had a blue (sea) wave color.

Dress winter uniform airborne soldier old style:

hat with ear flaps, lieutenant colonels have a hat;
gray overcoat;
open uniform;
untucked blue trousers;
White shirt;
black tie;
white muffler;
brown gloves;
black boots.

Since 1967, the beret has become part of the ceremonial set of clothing, replacing the cap.

Distinctive features of the field uniform

Soviet paratroopers had two options for clothing at their disposal. field conditions: summer and winter. The summer field uniform set included:

cap;
jacket and trousers in khaki colors;
vest;
boots or high boots.

Description of the winter uniform of the Airborne Forces:

hats with earflaps;
khaki jacket and pants;
gray muffler;
brown gloves;
berets or boots.

Enter Soviet troops to Afghanistan demanded that management review the equipment of employees. The classic field uniform is being replaced by a lighter version, popularly called Mabuta after the colonel of the Congolese army. It was made of raincoat fabric with water-repellent impregnation, a ventilation system and a more comfortable cut.

Sand form consisted of trousers, a jacket and a cap and was used during combat missions in regions with hot climates.

What do modern paratroopers wear?

The shape of the new airborne forces is based on the principle of multi-layering. Depending on weather conditions, military personnel are allowed to combine clothing:

the modern uniform of the Russian Airborne Forces includes several combinations and sets of diverse clothing;
in the cool season, soldiers are provided with an additional lined jacket;
often military personnel from the special forces of the Airborne Forces are allowed to wear a jacket under their jacket;
in rainy, damp weather, the uniform consists of an underwear fleece shirt and overalls with waterproof impregnation.

Thus, what uniform the airborne soldiers will have in a particular case is decided independently by the unit commander, taking into account weather conditions.

A modern hat with earflaps has elongated ears, making it easy to overlap and fastened with Velcro, protecting the chin.

Additionally, the hat is equipped with a top flap, allowing it to turn inside out and transform into a visor. Felt boots were replaced with warm boots with thermal inserts. The outer jacket is a designer one and can easily be transformed from a windbreaker into a warm peacoat.

The new uniform set of the Russian Airborne Forces uniform for soldiers and field officers includes 19 items:

several jackets;
insulated vest;
costume;
three types of boots (summer, demi-season and winter);
balaclava;
mittens and gloves.

The summer uniform of the airborne special forces includes:

underwear (T-shirt and boxer shorts);
light jacket;
trousers;
cap (beret);
summer boots.

To sew a lightweight version of the airborne uniform, a mechanical stretch treated with a water-repellent compound is used.

Winter uniform for the Airborne Forces option includes:

two sets of insulated underwear (lightweight and fleece);
demi-season suit;
windproof suit;
insulated vest;
boots;
balaclava.

In winter, it is allowed to wear a blue sweater under a jacket that is part of the uniform.

The winter uniform of an officer and warrant officer of the Airborne Forces allows the wearing of a black fur hat and a black jacket.

For hot climates, a separate set of uniforms for airborne troops was developed. The new uniform of airborne troops has a light brown or sandy color.

The first option consists of a short-sleeved shirt with a turn-down collar, shoulder straps, trousers and boots in a basic color. The headgear used is a soft cap similar to a baseball cap with a hard visor and a field cockade.

Shorts are allowed instead of trousers. Insignia on this type of uniform are placed similarly to everyday uniforms. Award bars this option does not include clothing. The second option is an elongated jacket with shoulder straps, trousers tucked into ankle boots. On the head is a cap or Panama hat that matches the statutory uniform.

Casual or office workwear for the air infantry is similar to the uniform of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, only in blue.

The field uniform of an officer is exactly the same as that of the enlisted personnel of the Airborne Forces, the only difference is formal wear.

The ceremonial set of the Airborne Forces uniform consists of a blue jacket and trousers, a vest, a blue beret, aiguillette, white gloves and ankle boots.

Officer ceremonial uniform:

blue jacket;
untucked blue trousers;
shirt;
black tie;
White gloves;
black boots;
gold aiguillette;
blue cap with cockade.

Winter dress uniform of midshipmen and Airborne Forces officers includes a black jacket, a woolen cap or blue beret, a vest and combat boots. For enlisted personnel and cadets:

gray hats with earflaps;
demi-season blue jacket;
costume;
vest;
beret.

Airborne special forces take part in the parade in field uniform. Not only shoulder straps, but also chest and sleeve stripes and chevrons are used as insignia.
Before the collapse Soviet Union The uniform was identical for all Airborne Forces employees, regardless of the republic.

Today, each country that was part of the USSR has its own version of the uniform. In the Russian Federation, the main ceremonial color of the Airborne Forces uniform is blue.

For example, not so long ago, the uniform of the highly mobile Ukrainian Airborne Forces was completely changed, in particular, the blue beret was removed from the military personnel’s clothing, replacing it with a similar purple-colored headdress. The main reason for this transformation is that in Russia the blue beret is an integral part of the Airborne Forces uniform.

In turn, in the Republic of Belarus the uniform of the special forces of the airborne special forces still includes a blue beret, as in Russia.

Clothing option for women

Despite the fact that there have been girls in the ranks of paratroopers before, until recently, service in the Airborne Forces was the privilege of men. So in 2008-2009 “Ryazan Higher Airborne School named after. Margelov” was recruiting girls to master the profession of a paratrooper officer. Six years later, the educational institution repeated the experiment.

The female airborne combat uniform is exactly the same as that of men:

several jackets;
costume;
three boot options;
mittens and gloves;
balaclava;
insulated vest.

Women's parade airborne uniform:

blue jacket;
blue skirt;
White gloves;
white muffler;
black boots.

What is a birch pattern

Camouflage is a mandatory part of the equipment of the military and, in particular, the reconnaissance troops of the Airborne Forces. The range of camouflage suits is wide, which allows you to choose the ideal camouflage for any climatic and weather conditions. Despite this, the leader of camouflage clothing until recently was the birch (official name KZM-P).

Initially, camouflage with a birch tree pattern was developed for border troops; later it was liked by airborne reconnaissance officers.

A camouflage suit with a birch pattern was created in 1957 and was used as part of the summer equipment of border guards and paratroopers. This camouflage ideally hid the fighter in deciduous forests and swampy areas. Due to its special pixel pattern, KZM-P is capable of dispersing the silhouette of a person at short and long distances.

The raster pattern of the birch camouflage suit resembles spots with jagged edges. Large and small patterns create an optical illusion of a melting silhouette. The light and dark colors of the camouflage coat suggest its use during the day and at night.

Ghillie suits with a birch tree pattern are presented in the form of a camouflage suit with a voluminous hood, overalls and a jacket with pants.

Although today the birch camouflage is not a statutory uniform, it is still popular, not only among the military, but also among civilians.

What kind of demobilization uniform do paratroopers have?

The tradition of sewing a demobilization outfit comes from the Soviet Union, when military service was considered honorable. DMB is a kind of confirmation that the soldier served well and is proud of his army uniform. What can we say about the guys who paid their debt to the Motherland in the ranks of the Airborne Forces.

And although in the early 90s they preferred to go into the reserves in civilian clothes, today military personnel have returned to this beautiful custom.

The demobilization uniform of an Airborne Forces soldier is prepared on the basis of a field uniform using several rules:

the suit should not be pretentious or overly elegant;
placement of insignia and external chevrons is carried out in accordance with the statutory rules.

For the layout of the suit, an acanthus tunic or “gorka” can be used, which is often chosen by airborne special forces, trousers, a vest and combat boots. Required attribute The finished outfit is a blue beret.

Today it is not at all necessary to sew a demobilization suit yourself, since online stores offer ready-made options.

It is an honor to serve in the airborne forces and many guys would like to be in the ranks of the blue berets. But this honor is not granted to everyone, which does not prevent civilians from trying on the paratrooper uniform.

Today there are not only adult, but also children's airborne uniforms on sale. Why do civilians wear military uniforms at events dedicated to the celebration of victory and other celebrations? Everyone has their own reasons for this. For example, children's military uniform The Airborne Forces are popular during the Victory Day celebrations.

On the other hand, as boxer Denis Lebedev explained, this shows respect for the paratroopers. It's hard to disagree with the athlete; they really deserve respect.

Video

Russian peacekeepers / Photo: sdrvdv.ru

At the beginning of June this year, the location peacekeeping 31st air assault brigade Airborne Forces a delegation of member states of the Treaty Organization visited Ulyanovsk for the first time collective security(CSTO). The guests were shown weapons that had been available for a long time and had just come into the possession of the military unit. We will talk about how Russian paratroopers are equipped and armed today.

Equipment and weapons

Parachutes

Airborne units use two types of parachute systems: D-10 complete with a reserve parachute and a more modern system special purpose"Crossbow-2", which entered the Airborne Forces in 2012. The latter is part of the equipment of the brigade's reconnaissance units.

The D-10 system, used for mass operations, allows landing from a height of up to 4 km. This system provides a vertical rate of descent of up to 5 m/s, as well as slight horizontal sliding. Unlike the D-10, the Arbalet-2 special-purpose system, at the same landing altitude, allows gliding at a distance of up to ten kilometers. It comes with a container that can hold up to 50 kg of cargo.

Ulyanovsk paratroopers have already tested the Arbalet-2 at two large-scale exercises - in Belarus, and also on Kotelny Island (the New Siberian Islands archipelago in Yakutia), as part of an airborne force formation.

« At Kotelny we were given the task of capturing the enemy airfield by landing. Was strong wind with gusts up to 20 m/s, temperature minus 32 degrees. However parachute system allows you to make a safe landing even in such weather conditions. We completed the task, everything went without injuries or any complications“,” said the scout-machine gunner of the special purpose company, senior lieutenant Ilya Shilov.

According to the paratrooper, “Crossbow-2” is a very convenient, well-controllable system compared to the previous generation. With this system, Ilya Shilov made 52 jumps.

« You get used to the heavy weight (the system itself is 17 kg, plus up to 50 kg cargo container). In comparison with the D-10, using the Crossbow-2 is like driving a Formula 1 car instead of a regular car“- notes the scout-machine gunner.

Firearms

The main weapon of the paratroopers is the AK-74M assault rifle. The “old reliable” one, as the military themselves say, has been replaced by a manual PKM machine gun. machine gun PKP "Pecheneg", the maximum length of a continuous burst of which is about 600 shots. All types of small arms received new optics and guidance devices, both night and day.

After formation as part of 31 brigade reconnaissance battalion Many special silent weapons appeared. This is a special sniper rifle (VSS), a “Val” assault rifle, which fires special 9-mm subsonic cartridges SP-5 and SP-6, which penetrate body armor, or 6-mm steel sheet at a distance of 100 meters, as well as a PB pistol. To everyone special weapons there is also different variants optics.

In addition, the brigade entered service with 12.7 mm NSV machine gun on a new machine that allows you to fire not only at enemy ground targets and armored vehicles, but also at aircraft(it is most effective against helicopters). This weapon is convenient for use in the mountains, in an equipped stationary position.

In the arsenal of the paratroopers there is a 30-mm automatic grenade launcher on the AGS-17 “Plamya” machine, designed for combat operations outside of shelters, in open trenches and behind natural folds of the terrain, a lighter version of the AGS-30 and an RPG-7D3 hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher, which has both cumulative ammunition and high-explosive fragmentation.

« We also have newest weapons, working on the “fire and forget” principle. Thus, the Kornet anti-tank missile system, unlike the 9P135M launcher that was in our service before, has a more powerful missile and better armor penetration. In addition, the Kornet controls the rocket via a laser channel, while the previous model controlled it the old fashioned way, using a wired system. Thus, the range of an anti-tank missile system is limited only by the power of the main engine"- explains deputy commander 31 airborne brigade for armaments, guard Lieutenant Colonel Mikhail Anokhin.

Steel arms

One of the most interesting specimens is the shooting scout knife (SRS). It can be used traditionally, like a combat blade. In addition, the knife can fire one shot with a special cartridge, which is located in the handle: to do this, you need to cock the trigger and remove the safety. The distance at which the enemy can be hit is from 5 to 10 meters. The sheath can be used for cutting wires and stripping wires.

The non-shooting scout knife is used as a combat blade, including for throwing. In addition, the team recently acquired “Maple” knives, which are part of the survival kit. This military weapon, with a well-sharpened powerful blade. The sheath has a compass and can cut wire; they are adapted for sharpening a blade and have additional special blades - a saw and an awl.

In addition, the handle contains a survival capsule, which contains an antacid, needles, a pin, a device for extracting fragments, hooks, matches, fishing line - everything necessary to survive in difficult conditions until the paratrooper is found or he saves himself.

Equipment

Equipment depends on the tasks assigned to the paratrooper. So, the main weapon of a flamethrower is light infantry flamethrower LPO with a whole set various ammunition: from light-noise to thermobaric, high-explosive fragmentation, smoke, aerosol. When there is no need to use a flamethrower, the warrior performs tasks as an infantryman - for this he has an AK-74M assault rifle.

There are two types of snipers in the 31st brigade. There is a special sniper unit in the reconnaissance battalion: military personnel undergo training courses and have personalized weapons. In the arsenal of such a sniper there are special knives, sniper rifle and rifles operating at different ranges (from a kilometer and above), a pistol, rangefinders, a weather station. As well as a camouflage complex, the type of which varies depending on the area.

Sniper, which operates in the combat line of parachute or air assault units, is armed with a special SVDS rifle with a folding stock, which is designed specifically for landing, with a day and night optical sight; silent firing pistol.

Heavy has a PKP Pecheneg machine gun, which replaced the PKM machine guns, with a combined optical device, helping to fire both day and night. This is a weapon for destroying both infantry and lightly armored vehicles. In a short period of time, a machine gunner can create a barrage of fire in a sector, stop the enemy, give the commander an opportunity to get his bearings, and regroup his comrades.

Submachine gunner- this is a “classic” paratrooper who has bladed weapons, an AK-74M assault rifle, and a 1P29 “Tulip” aiming device, which allows him to observe the battlefield during the day, set the aiming range when firing, and work in active mode at night. His arsenal includes an under-barrel grenade launcher and binoculars.

In addition, all soldiers have tactical glasses, gloves, special pads on the knees and elbows, and a radio station that allows them to maintain constant contact with the squad leader.

Sappers brigades received new mine detectors to search for Korshun proximity mines (this device is capable of detecting explosive devices at a fairly large distance, behind walls made of concrete and brick, fences made of barbed wire and metal mesh, under asphalt, and so on). In addition, the brigade received modern compact mine detectors IMP2-S with settings for anti-personnel, anti-tank mines and any other item.

New lightweight but more durable demining suits can withstand explosions near an anti-personnel mine. A helmet with special glass can withstand a point-blank shot from a 9mm PM.

Military equipment

BMD-2 airborne combat vehicle

Tracked, floating, dropped from military transport aircraft by parachute-jet method fighting machine has a weight of 8.2 tons, a cruising range of up to 500 km, a speed of up to 63 km/h on land and up to 10 km/h on water (the BMD-2 can also swim backwards, but much slower - at a speed of 1.5 km/h). It has variable ground clearance, which makes it possible to parachute from aircraft, and also improves the vehicle's capabilities during camouflage on the ground.

The BMD-2 is armed with a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon, which was designed to destroy manpower, lightly armored vehicles and low-flying aerial targets. A 7.62 mm machine gun is paired with it. In addition, to combat enemy armored targets, the BMD-2 has an anti-tank guided system.

The combat vehicle has a cover awning and a camouflage net (white in winter, green in summer) attached to the sides. Ulyanovsk paratroopers have modified the BMD: on both sides of each vehicle, traveling kits are attached. These are boxes containing a supply of the most necessary things that may be required by a department that is suddenly alerted. The NZ includes a set of firewood, a stove, a gas stove, a tent, candles, batteries, a supply of ropes, entrenching tools, shovels, and picks. All so that the paratroopers do not waste time getting ready, but jump on the car and go to complete the task.

Armored personnel carrier BTR-D

Unified vehicle of the airborne troops. In addition to the fact that it transports personnel, it can be used to transport any cargo and mount almost any weapon.

The Ulyanovsk brigade has at least three variants of the BTR-D. The first one has a machine-gun and grenade launcher compartment mounted on it. The paratroopers made their own changes here too: they came up with a mounting system for a heavy machine gun and an AGS mounted grenade launcher, consisting of cables. This allows soldiers on the move to fire from two guns at once at the same time.

The second option, which is in service with anti-tank units - the BTR-RD - has two 9P135M1 (or 9K111-1 “Konkurs”) launchers. When an armored personnel carrier is armed with a Konkurs, it is capable of destroying up to ten tanks. The ground-based “fighter” hits targets at a distance of up to four kilometers.

The third option, the BTR-3D, has a ZU-23 anti-aircraft artillery mount. There is an option when the car carries a calculation with a portable anti-aircraft missile system 9K38 “Igla”, which is capable of firing at air targets flying at speeds up to 320 m/s, and also if the enemy uses false thermal interference.

The base of all tracked vehicles is unified (the only difference is that armored personnel carriers have one more roller). The spare parts that may be needed for repair or restoration are the same.

On the basis of the BTR-D, a reconnaissance and fire control point for the airborne artillery division (battery) 1B119 was also constructed. Its task is to communicate with the Nona-S self-propelled artillery gun and control fire, so that these two vehicles are usually on the battlefield together.

Self-propelled artillery gun "Nona-S"

The 120-mm self-propelled artillery gun 2S9-1M “Nona-S” is a unique artillery system even today, combining the properties of guns different types. Its purpose is direct fire support for airborne units on the battlefield.

"Nona-S" is capable of hitting not only manpower and destroy the enemy’s defensive fortifications, but also fight tanks. Special high-explosive fragmentation artillery shells can fire at a range of up to 8.8 km. Their effectiveness is similar to 152 mm howitzer shells. HEAT shells are also used to combat armored vehicles.

The vehicle reaches speeds of up to 60 km/h on land and up to 9 km/h afloat. It is equipped special system, which makes independent calculations and provides data that must be entered for accurate shooting.

BTR-80

Among the three vehicles that entered the 31st brigade after the deployment of a reconnaissance battalion in it is the BTR-80, which in the near future will be replaced by the more modern BTR-82A, adopted by the Russian army last year. The amphibious armored personnel carrier has an eight-wheel base and a range of up to 500 km. It is more mobile than the BMD - on the highway it reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h.

The main armament of the BTR-80 is a 14.5-mm heavy-caliber Vladimirov heavy machine gun. The BTR-82A is equipped with a 30 mm automatic cannon, coaxial with a 7.62 mm machine gun.

Electronic warfare complex "Infauna"

The RB-531B “Infauna” multifunctional electronic warfare complex is designed to protect armored vehicles and personnel from damage by radio-controlled mine explosive devices and melee weapons. “Infauna” automatically carries out radio suppression of means of detonating radio-controlled mine devices within a radius of up to 150 meters. That is, the complex is capable of covering an entire company of armored vehicles.

In addition, “Infauna” has cameras with launchers that automatically record a shot from an anti-tank or hand-held grenade launcher and fire aerosol ammunition. Within two seconds they cover the paratroopers with a curtain.

The complex reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h. The big advantage is that it can operate both as part of an electronic warfare unit and engineering units. Infauna has a mode that allows you to accompany sappers conducting mine clearance. The car follows them and, in the immediate vicinity, conducts radio suppression.

Jamming complex "Leer-2"

The Leer-2 mobile automated complex for technical control of radio-electronic imitation and jamming of radio-electronic equipment was created on the basis of the GAZ-233114 (Tiger-M) armored vehicle. This is a high-tech machine that carries out complex technical control and assessment of the radio-electronic situation.

At the beginning of June this year, the location peacekeeping 31st airborne assault brigade A delegation of member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) visited Ulyanovsk for the first time. The guests were shown weapons that had been available for a long time and had just come into the possession of the military unit. We will talk about how Russian paratroopers are equipped and armed today.

Equipment and weapons

Parachutes

Airborne units use two types of parachute systems: the D-10, complete with a reserve parachute, and the more modern special-purpose system "Arbalet-2", which entered the Airborne Forces in 2012. The latter is part of the equipment of the brigade's reconnaissance units.

« At Kotelny we were given the task of capturing the enemy airfield by landing. There was a strong wind with gusts up to 20 m/s, the temperature was minus 32 degrees. However, the parachute system allows for a safe landing even in such weather conditions. We completed the task, everything went without injuries or any complications“,” said the scout-machine gunner of the special purpose company, senior lieutenant Ilya Shilov.

According to the paratrooper, “Crossbow-2” is a very convenient, well-controllable system compared to the previous generation. With this system, Ilya Shilov made 52 jumps.

Firearms

The main weapon of the paratroopers is the AK-74M assault rifle. The “old reliable” one, as the military themselves say, has been replaced by a manual PKM machine gun, the maximum length of a continuous burst of which is about 600 rounds. All types of small arms received new optics and guidance devices, both night and day.

After the formation of the 31st reconnaissance battalion brigade, many special silent weapons appeared. This is the “Val” assault rifle, which fires special 9-mm subsonic cartridges SP-5 and SP-6, which penetrate body armor, or a 6-mm steel sheet at a range of 100 meters, as well as a PB pistol. Each special weapon also has different optics options.

In addition, the brigade entered service with 12.7 mm NSV machine gun on a new machine that allows you to fire not only at enemy ground targets and armored vehicles, but also at aircraft (it is most effective against helicopters). This weapon is convenient for use in the mountains, in an equipped stationary position.

« We also have the latest fire-and-forget weapons. So, unlike the 9P135M launcher, which we had in service before, it has a more powerful missile and better armor penetration. In addition, the Kornet controls the rocket via a laser channel, while the previous model controlled it the old fashioned way, using a wired system. Thus, the range of an anti-tank missile system is limited only by the power of the main engine“,” explains Lieutenant Colonel Mikhail Anokhin, deputy commander of the 31st Airborne Brigade for Armament, Guard.

Steel arms

One of the most interesting specimens is . It can be used traditionally, like a combat blade. In addition, the knife can fire one shot with a special cartridge, which is located in the handle: to do this, you need to cock the trigger and remove the safety. The distance at which the enemy can be hit is from 5 to 10 meters. The sheath can be used for cutting wires and stripping wires.

The non-shooting scout knife is used as a combat blade, including for throwing. In addition, the team recently acquired “Maple” knives, which are part of the survival kit. This is a military weapon, with a powerful blade that can be sharpened well. The sheath has a compass and can cut wire; they are adapted for sharpening a blade and have additional special blades - a saw and an awl.

Equipment

Equipment depends on the tasks assigned to the paratrooper. Thus, the main weapon of a flamethrower is a light infantry flamethrower LPO with a whole range of different ammunition: from flash-noise to thermobaric, high-explosive fragmentation, smoke, aerosol. When there is no need to use a flamethrower, the warrior performs tasks as an infantryman - for this he has an AK-74M assault rifle.

There are two types of snipers in the 31st brigade. There is a special sniper unit in the reconnaissance battalion: military personnel undergo training courses and have personalized weapons. In the arsenal of such a sniper there are special knives, a sniper machine gun and rifles operating at different ranges (from a kilometer and above), a pistol, range finders, and a weather station. As well as a camouflage complex, the type of which varies depending on the area.

Sniper, which operates in the combat line of parachute or air assault units, is armed with a folding stock, which is designed specifically for landing, with a day and night optical sight; silent firing pistol.

Heavy has a PKP Pecheneg machine gun, which replaced the PKM machine guns, with a combined optical device that helps fire both day and night. This is a weapon for destroying both infantry and lightly armored vehicles. In a short period of time, a machine gunner can create a barrage of fire in a sector, stop the enemy, give the commander an opportunity to get his bearings, and regroup his comrades.

In addition, all soldiers have tactical glasses, gloves, special pads on the knees and elbows, and a radio station that allows them to maintain constant contact with the squad leader.

New lightweight but more durable demining suits can withstand explosions near an anti-personnel mine. A helmet with special glass can withstand a point-blank shot from a 9mm PM.

Military equipment

BMD-2 airborne combat vehicle

A tracked, floating, parachute-jet-landed combat vehicle from military transport aircraft has a weight of 8.2 tons, a cruising range of up to 500 km, a speed of up to 63 km/h on land and up to 10 km/h on water (float BMD -2 can also go backwards, but much slower - at a speed of 1.5 km/h). It has variable ground clearance, which makes it possible to parachute from aircraft, and also improves the vehicle's capabilities during camouflage on the ground.

Armored personnel carrier BTR-D

Unified vehicle of the airborne troops. In addition to the fact that it transports personnel, it can be used to transport any cargo and mount almost any weapon.

The third version - BTR-3D - has a ZU-23 anti-aircraft artillery mount. There is an option when the vehicle carries a crew with the 9K38 Igla portable anti-aircraft missile system, which is capable of firing at air targets flying at speeds of up to 320 m/s, and also in the event that the enemy uses false thermal interference.

The base of all tracked vehicles is unified (the only difference is that armored personnel carriers have one more roller). The spare parts that may be needed for repair or restoration are the same.

Self-propelled artillery gun "Nona-S"

The 120-mm self-propelled artillery gun 2S9-1M “Nona-S” is a unique artillery system even today, combining the properties of guns of different types. Its purpose is direct fire support for airborne units on the battlefield.

“Nona-S” is capable of hitting not only manpower and destroying enemy defensive fortifications, but also fighting tanks. Special high-explosive fragmentation artillery shells can fire at a range of up to 8.8 km. Their effectiveness is similar to 152 mm howitzer shells. HEAT shells are also used to combat armored vehicles.

The vehicle reaches speeds of up to 60 km/h on land and up to 9 km/h afloat. It is equipped with a special system that makes independent calculations and provides data that must be entered for accurate shooting.

BTR-80

Among the three vehicles that entered the 31st brigade after the deployment of a reconnaissance battalion in it is the BTR-80, which in the near future will be replaced by a more modern one, adopted by the Russian army last year. The amphibious armored personnel carrier has an eight-wheel base and a range of up to 500 km. It is more mobile than the BMD - on the highway it reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h.

The main armament of the BTR-80 is a 14.5-mm heavy-caliber Vladimirov heavy machine gun. The BTR-82A is equipped with a 30 mm automatic cannon, coaxial with a 7.62 mm machine gun.

Electronic warfare complex "Infauna"

The RB-531B multifunctional electronic warfare system is designed to protect armored vehicles and personnel from damage by radio-controlled mine explosive devices and melee weapons. “Infauna” automatically carries out radio suppression of means of detonating radio-controlled mine devices within a radius of up to 150 meters. That is, the complex is capable of covering an entire company of armored vehicles.

Jamming complex "Leer-2"

The Leer-2 mobile automated complex for technical control of radio-electronic imitation and jamming of radio-electronic equipment was created on the basis of the GAZ-233114 (Tiger-M) armored vehicle. This is a high-tech machine that carries out comprehensive technical monitoring and assessment of the radio-electronic situation.

Unusual character airborne operations dictated the development of the necessary specialized equipment, which in turn led to the expansion of the capabilities of military art in general

The operations of the German paratroopers in World War II presented conflicting requirements for weapons and equipment. On the one hand, paratroopers needed high firepower, which they could demonstrate in battle in order to act decisively and with maximum efficiency, but, on the other hand, the arsenal available to them
was limited by the extremely low carrying capacity of landing equipment - both aircraft, parachutes and gliders.

During the landing operation, the paratrooper jumped from the plane practically unarmed, except for a pistol and additional bandoliers. When parachutists were introduced into battle by glider landing, the capacity and aerodynamic characteristics of the Gotha DFS-230 gliders dictated their limitations - the aircraft could accommodate 10 people and 275 kg of equipment.
This contradiction was never overcome, especially in the part that concerns field artillery guns and anti-aircraft guns. However, German companies, such as the Rheinmetall and Krupp concerns, which had powerful technical resources, found many innovative solutions to problems associated with mobility and striking firepower parachute units. On the ground it was often difficult to distinguish the equipment of paratroopers from the standard one. ground forces ah Wehrmacht, however, specialized weapons still appeared, and they not only increased the combat potential of paratroopers, but also influenced the development of military equipment and weapons of the coming half of the 20th century.

Outfit

Protective clothing has a very important for skydiving and parachutists, it started with high, ankle-covering boots. They had thick rubber soles that were very comfortable, although not suitable for long walks, and provided good grip on the floor inside the aircraft fuselage (since they did not use the large boot nails typically found on the type of footwear supplied to soldiers in other branches of the military). Initially, the lacing was on the sides to avoid snagging parachute lines, but it was gradually realized that this was not necessary, and after operations in Crete in 1941, manufacturers began supplying boots with traditional lacing to paratroopers.

Over their combat uniform, the paratroopers wore a waterproof, hip-length canvas jumpsuit. It underwent various improvements and was designed to provide additional protection against moisture when jumping, and was also more suitable for wearing a harness.

Since landing has always been one of the most risky stages of a jump for a parachutist, his uniform was equipped with special knee pads and elbow pads. The trouser legs of the combat uniform set had small slits on the sides at knee level into which canvas thickenings lined with plant fluff were inserted. Additional protection was provided by external “shock absorbers” made of leather-covered porous rubber, which were secured with straps or ties. (Both the thickening and the overalls themselves were usually discarded after landing, although the overalls were sometimes left in order to put a belt over it.) The trousers had a small pocket just above the level of the knees, into which a sling knife, important for a paratrooper, was placed.

Sling cutter Fliegerkappmesser - FKM

1 - M38 helmet
2 - Jumping blouse with a splintered pattern with sleeve insignia
3 - Trousers M-37
4 - M-38 gas mask in a canvas bag
5 - 9 mm MP-40 SMG
6 - Pouches for MP-40 magazines on the belt
7 - Flask
8 - Rustic bag M-31
9 - Folding shovel
10 - Ziess 6x30 binoculars
11 - Boots

As the war picked up pace, the uniform of paratroopers acquired more and more distinctive features of the uniform of ground forces soldiers. This seasoned soldier, however, still wears his special paratrooper helmet, by which the paratroopers were easily recognized among other German units.

Probably the most important piece of protective equipment. Indispensable both for jumping and combat was a specific landing helmet. In general, it looked like an ordinary German infantryman's helmet. but without a visor and brim that dropped down, protecting the ears and neck, equipped with a shock-absorbing balaclava and a chin strap firmly fixing it on the fighter’s head.

German paratroop helmet

Parachute helmet liner

Diagram of the German airborne helmet

Since in most cases paratroopers had to fight for quite a long time without the opportunity to receive supplies, the ability to carry a large number of additional ammunition.

German paratrooper with bandolier

A specially designed paratrooper bandoleer had 12 pockets, connected in the center by a canvas strap that was draped around the neck, and the bandoleer itself hung over the chest so that the fighter had access to the pockets from both sides. The bandolier allowed the paratrooper to carry about 100 cartridges for the Kag-98k rifle, which should have been enough for him until the next drop of equipment or the arrival of reinforcements. Later in the war, bandoliers appeared with four large pockets that could hold up to four magazines for the FG-42 rifle.

Parachutes

The first parachute to enter service with German paratroopers was backpack parachute forced opening of RZ-1. Created by order of the Technical Equipment Directorate of the Ministry of Aviation in 1937, the RZ-1 had a canopy with a diameter of 8.5 m and an area of 56 square meters. meters. When developing this landing device, the Italian model “Salvatore” was taken as a basis, in which the parachute strands converged at one point and from there were attached with a V-shaped braid to the belt at the parachutist’s waist with two half rings. The unfortunate consequence of this design was that the skydiver was left hanging from the lines in an awkwardly inclined position facing the ground - this also dictated the technique of jumping head first out of the aircraft to reduce the impact of the jerk when the parachute opened. The design was noticeably inferior to the Irwin parachute, which was used by Allied paratroopers and Luftwaffe pilots and which allowed a person to be in an upright position, being supported by four vertical straps. Among other things, such a parachute could be controlled by tightening the supporting lines of the suspension system, which made it possible to turn in the wind and control the direction of descent. Unlike the paratroopers of most other countries, the German paratrooper could not have any influence on the behavior of the parachute, since he did not even have the opportunity to reach the straps behind his back.

Another drawback of the RZ-1 was the four buckles that the paratrooper had to unfasten to free himself from the parachute, which, unlike similar Allied products, was not equipped with a quick release system. In practice, this meant that the skydiver was often dragged along the ground by the wind while he made desperate efforts to unfasten the buckles as quickly as possible. In such situations, it would be easier to cut the parachute lines. For this purpose, every paratrooper since 1937 had a “kappmesser” (sling knife), stored in a special pocket of his combat uniform trousers. The blade was hidden in the handle and opened by simply turning it down and pressing the latch, after which the blade fell into place under the influence of gravity. This meant that the knife could be used with one hand, making it an important item in the airborne kit.
Following the RZ-1 in 1940 came the RZ-16, which featured a slightly improved suspension system and halyard operating technique. Meanwhile, the RZ-20, which entered service in 1941, remained the main parachute until the end of the war. One of its main advantages was more simple system buckles, which at the same time was built on the same problematic Salvatore design.

Quick release buckle system on the German parachute RZ20

German parachute RZ-36

Another parachute was later produced, the RZ-36, which, however, found only limited use during the Ardennes operation. The triangular shape of the RZ-36 helped control the "pendulum swing" typical of previous parachutes.
The imperfection of the RZ series parachutes could not help but affect the effectiveness of landing operations carried out with their use, especially with regard to injuries received during landing, as a result of which the number of soldiers capable of taking part in hostilities after landing was reduced.

German landing containers

German container for dropping equipment

During parachute operations, almost all weapons and supplies were dropped in containers. Before Operation Mercury, there were three sizes of containers, with the smaller ones used to transport heavier military cargo, such as, say, ammunition, and the larger ones for larger, but lighter ones. After Crete, these containers were standardized - length 4.6 m, diameter 0.4 m and cargo weight 118 kg. To protect the contents of the container, it had a bottom made of corrugated iron, which crumpled upon impact and acted as a shock absorber. In addition, the loads were padded with rubber or felt, and the containers themselves were supported in a given position by suspension or placed inside other containers.

Drop containers dug out of the ground

A platoon of 43 people required 14 containers. If there was no need to open the container immediately, it could be carried by the handles (four in total) or rolled on a cart with rubber wheels that was included with each container. One version was a bomb-shaped container, used for light loads that were difficult to damage. They were thrown from aircraft like ordinary bombs and, although equipped with a braking parachute, did not have a shock absorber system.

German landing container for equipment found in the river by black diggers

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Already in the forties, military uniforms

Clothing and equipment of airborne groups must meet basic requirements; it must not only be comfortable, but also ensure the accomplishment of assigned combat missions.

Trousers from a special suit of parachute parts With buttons The belt is adjustable in size using side elastic bands High waistband for the convenience of carrying ammunition on a belt Belt loops for a wide waist belt Reinforcing lining with a softening insert on the knees (photo A) Mesh for ventilation in the groin area Bottom of the trousers with an elastic band The cuffs at the bottom of the trousers are cinched with tape, which prevents debris from getting into the shoes Pockets: 2 side pockets and 2 hip pockets with a folded top, which prevents items from spontaneously falling out 1 knife pocket 2 back pockets Material: 100% cotton YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Designed for parachute parts of the suit turned out to be very convenient for tourists. Everything that is suitable for a parachute is also good for a backpack. Durable, heavy duty canvas fabric, pre-shrunk and highly fade resistant. The tarpaulin breathes, protects from wind and moisture, is not afraid of a fire (if you do not dry clothes on a fire rope) and is not bitten by insects. The loose-fitting jacket does not restrict movement and has no protruding parts. Due to the absence of lower pockets, it can be worn either untucked or tucked into trousers. Buttons characteristic of uniforms. The bottom of the jacket is adjustable in size. Two front pockets and easy-to-access side sleeve pockets are secured with flaps. The internal pocket for documents is made of water-repellent fabric. Ventilation in the most overheated areas of the jacket and trousers is provided by mesh fabric. The most tense ones (elbows and knees) are reinforced with additional pads (on the knees with a softening insert). Pants with a high, adjustable elasticated waistband and straps for a wide belt are comfortable and allow you to wear them on a belt. necessary ammunition. The loose fit and drawstring bottom of the legs allow you to move freely around the most hard to reach places and protect the boots from debris getting inside. The restraint of the jacket is more than compensated by the abundance of pockets on the trousers. Slit pockets on the sides are simple and familiar, two back pockets with flaps, two front pockets with flaps on the front of the hips and a pocket for a knife. You can place everything you need from salt, matches, maps, compass and GPS to machine gun horns. Durable, comfortable, breathable, unpretentious suit will be reliable protection in the forest and in the air.

MPA-78 Light jacket provides excellent protection from wind, thanks to the stitched lining, removable hood and windproof strip. On the right and left shelves there are patch pockets fastened with textile fasteners. There are also front side welt pockets with a zipper. The sleeves are adjustable in width using tape and plastic patches (Velcro). Along the shoulder line there are false shoulder straps fastened with buttons. On the left side of the jacket lining there is a horizontal zippered pocket. The demi-season jacket of the Ministry of Defense provides excellent protection from wind thanks to the stitched lining, removable hood and windproof flap. On the right and left shelves there are patch pockets fastened with textile fasteners. Appearance. Jacket of a straight silhouette with an insulated stitched lining, with a central side zipper, with an external wind flap, and a drawstring at the waist. The front has a stitched yoke extending to the back, with upper welt pockets with flaps fastened with textile fasteners, side welt pockets fastened with a zipper. Set-in two-seam sleeves with stitched cuffs on an elastic band and plastic patches (Velcro) at the bottom to adjust the width. Along the shoulder line there are shoulder straps with false shoulder straps, fastened with buttons. Stand collar. The hood is fastened with a zipper, consisting of three parts. The hood along the front neckline is adjustable with an elastic cord and clamps. On the left side of the jacket lining there is a horizontal zippered pocket. Characteristics protection from cold protection from rain and wind regular cut Materials rip-stop membrane

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