RZ Vest "Belt-A - Lifchik M87" - replica

A replica of the first version of the "Pas A" vest, produced in the USSR from 1985. Officially, this vest was called "Poyas-A" (Belt A), but the name "Lifchik" was commonly adopted. It entered the equipment of the army (mainly GRU and VDV) in 1985. The version available with us is a replica of the upgraded vest from 1987 - the history of the "lifchik" at the bottom of the description. Allows carrying an additional 6 magazines for AK-74, 4 hand grenades and 2 signal flares. Fully adjustable with straps to ensure it fits any size of wearer. 

The vest is made of original Soviet tarpaulin and straps manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s, so it is no different from the original.

Vest:
- 3 AK magazine pockets - each holds 2 magazines (5.45)
- 4 pockets for grenades
- 2 holders for signal flares
- Straps with shoulder pads for easy carrying of the vest

Please note: the photos also show the waistcoat in our arrangement - with magazines and other equipment - these items are not included in the set for sale. 

Material: Tarp - 100% cotton, webbing straps, metal clasps
Weight: 550 g

History of Belt A:

The first variant of Belt A began to be issued in 1985. First, as a test, it was intended for GRU and VDV special units. It was used by the soldiers who received it until the end of the war. The most important characteristic were the flaps of the pouches were closed with a special type of naps - with a pin and springs. It held 6 magazines for the AK-74 (or 3 for the AK-47), the holders for 2 ROP flares were located on the sides of the magazine pockets, the pockets for grenades were placed horizontally. The shoulder straps ran crosswise behind the back, and the shoulder pads were rigidly sewn to the straps.

A second variant was introduced in 1986. Probably for cost-saving reasons, the naps with a pin was replaced by a conventional one pierced through the pocket flap. Other than that, there were no changes to the first variant. It is much rarer than the first type.

A third variant came into use in 1987. The top heads of the naps were retracted inside the closing flaps. Other than that, the design is the same as the previous two models. This version from the outside is identical to the 1985 version. The difference can only be seen when you open the pocket - there are different fasteners inside. We launched this particular variant due to the fact that no one was producing naps like the 1985 version any more. 

At the end of 1988, the final version of the M88 Belt A appeared. In all likelihood, this version did not make it to the war in Afghanistan. Nevertheless, it was used for much longer than earlier versions. The vest in this version was used in GRU, VDV and other units until the early 21st century. The design was greatly modified, thanks to the experience of soldiers: the magazine pockets were widened and shortened so that they could also accommodate 2 magazines each for AK-47s. The grenade pockets were swapped with flare holders in places and were arranged vertically - one above the other, closer to the magazine pouches. The shoulder pads were not sewn to the shoulder straps, but were free to adjust. The shoulder straps themselves were now of thicker webbing and were attached to a horizontal tie-down strap. The pouches were closed with leather straps and brass cleats. Two canvas straps were also added to hold Belt B for 10 cartridges for the sub-lock grenade launcher. A replica of this version of Belt A is also available from us (product no. 15679 https://www.frontowiec.com/en/redzone/5679-rz-vest-belt-a-lifchik-m88-replica.html)