The Advanced Bomb Suit

Infantry Magazine, Sept-Dec, 2000

The Advanced Bomb Suit, developed at the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center (Natick), will replace the legacy PS-820 bomb suit beginning next summer.

The PS-820 suit was first fielded in 1988 to Army explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) units. Until then, their main protection had come from a flak vest and helmet. Although the current suit still performs as designed, many improvements are needed.

The present suit's 61 pounds of aramid armor, fiberglass, and polycarbonate is unevenly distributed, which could throw a technician off balance during delicate operations, and the area behind the legs is uncovered. In addition, the face shield fogs up on a cool day, its shape distorts depth perception, and its bulk is clumsy and intrusive.

The new suit uses a compact face shield attached to a ballistic and impact-protective helmet instead of a chest plate with a contoured face shield attached on top. A ventilation system helps clear the visor and provides fresh air. The new suit integrates the Soldier Intercom System into the helmet for hands-free communication with the command post and other team members.

The current suit was designed to withstand fire, heat, and impact from high-speed fragmentation. The new suit enhances these capabilities by adding tougher upper leg and abdominal protection along with impact protection to the head and spine. Although the new suit is expected to weigh slightly more than the legacy PS-820, its new generation of ballistic material protects better, and the weight is better distributed.

The new suit can be removed within seconds when an injured soldier must be transported for medical treatment.