A collection of life support and self-defence apparatus designed for pilots will be showcased by AO “Rosoboronexport,” a subsidiary of the Rostec State Corporation, at the Dubai Airshow 2023 International Aviation and Space Exhibition.
The new export item has been specifically engineered to assist pilots of aircraft and helicopters who have been forced to land due to an emergency landing or ejection. The system was designed by export specialists at Rosoboron in conjunction with Russian Aerospace Force pilots and specialised equipment manufacturers, drawing inspiration from practical combat encounters. Although comparable in appearance to the equipment used by the Russian Armed Forces, its components are sourced from alternative manufacturers.
Before the arrival of search and rescue units, the ability of aircraft and helicopter flight personnel to survive critical situations is mainly determined by the condition of their equipment, which should include life support and self-defence capabilities. By analysing the actual experiences of recent military conflicts, Rosoboronexport has designed an effective gear and equipment to enable personnel to endure the most severe conditions and maintain combat readiness. The company will debut this one-of-a-kind product at Dubai Airshow 2023. It is composed exclusively of Russian-made components that have undergone combat testing, according to Alexander Mikheev, general director of Rosoboronexport.
Rosoboronexport sells a life support system and self-defence equipment for pilots in foreign markets. The system is organised into four groups based on theme: functional uniform, individual protection and survival equipment, communication and observation devices, and self-defence equipment.
The initial cluster consists of combat trousers, a blouse, and boots. The provided equipment options exhibit versatility in accommodating varied climatic and meteorological conditions, spanning a temperature spectrum of +50 to -50 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, this cluster incorporates a load-bearing system featuring pouches for ammunition, life support, a first aid kit, a compact Lebedev pistol holster, and a tactical pouch to transport an emergency supply kit.
Personal protection and survival equipment consist of a modernised ZSh-7 protective helmet, a “plate carrier” bulletproof vest, and two varieties of armour plates—ceramic and SVMPÉ. In addition, this cluster is equipped with a portable emergency supply pack that has been customised to replicate the challenges pilots face while enduring actual combat situations. A dry ration, a first aid kit, a knife, a hook with a line and additional equipment are included.
The system is equipped with communication and observational facilities such as a PN-21K monocular night vision device, GE-O-ONV1-01M night vision binoculars for helicopter piloting, and an “Azart” R-187 family radio station equipped with a headset.
Rosoboronexport proposes, in taking into account the guidance provided by specialists from the Russian Aerospace Force, that the flight crew be furnished with the compact PLK 9mm Lebedev pistol and either the 5.56mm compact Kalashnikov AK-19 or the 9mm Kalashnikov PPK-20 submachine gun with a PKU-2 collimator sight.
