Soviet НАЗ-И (NAZ-I) Survival Vest, as worn by helicopter pilots during the Soviet-Afghan War (Early 80s). This rare piece is complete with the original belt and was given to me by Ken Conboy.
This vest predates the NAZ-IR model with Flora camouflage. The Afghans hate and fear those heli (especially Mi-24 Hind attack) that used for close air support, bxmbing villages, convoy, patrolling and destroying whatever they find moving. (Source: Osprey Men-at-Arms series)
This vest was developed by NPP Zvezda or JSC Research & Development Production Enterprise Zvezda, for complete explanation please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-HsB3lo5_4&t=542s (Youtube @ Andres FST)
Vest Detail
It was made from very thin material in green color, and according to Andres its non-flammable fabric. Only one size fits all (thats explain the drawstrings and the shoulder and side seams).
Front-Left Side:
– Small medicine package holder.
– Radio Station antenna connector pocket.
– 121.5MHz AM transceiver and beacon R-855-UM pocket.
– AKS-74U magazines pocket.
– (Belt) Hand-grenades pocket.
Front-Right side:
– 15mm signal flares pocket.
– Makarov and spare magazines pocket.
– Night-day signal equipment pocket.
Back-Side:
– Russian Survival Mirror pocket.
– x2 (Left and Right) AKS-74U magazines pocket.
Period Pictures:
НАЗ-И 8803020 and logo marking:
ID: Soviet Pilot Survival Vest tipe НАЗ-И (NAZ-I), yang dipakai di konflik Soviet-Afghan. Vest ini tergolong sangat langka, terlebih lagi yang ini lengkap dengan original belt-nya. Dikasih oleh Pak Ken Conboy untuk lanjut rawat.
Zipper detail:
All rights reserved (c), Frownland Archive.
Frownland Archive 