View source for Improved Outer Tactical Vest

{{Short description|US Army body armor}}
{{Infobox military gear
| name               = Improved Outer Tactical Vest
| image              = File:MultiCam IOTV.jpg
| image_size         = 300px
| alt                =
| caption            = An IOTV outfitted in a [[MultiCam]] camo scheme that has [[MOLLE]] with neck, shoulder, groin and lower back protectors attached
| origin             = United States
| type               = [[Bulletproof vest]]
<!-- Service history -->
| service            = 2007–present
| used_by            = See ''[[Improved Outer Tactical Vest#Users|Users]]''
| wars               = [[War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)]]<br>[[Iraq War]]<br>[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]
<!-- Production history -->
| designer           = 
| design_date        = 2007
| manufacturer       = Point Blank Body Armor, BAE Systems, KDH Defense Systems, Protective Products Enterprises, UNICOR and Creative Apparel Associates
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 2007–present
| number             = 
| variants           =
<!-- General specifications -->

Universal Camouflage Pattern <br />
Operational Camouflage Pattern (2016–present)
| spec_label         = 
| weight             = 
| length             = 
| width              = 
| height             = 
| diameter           = 
}}

The '''Improved Outer Tactical Vest''' ('''IOTV''') is an enhanced version of, and a replacement for, the older [[Outer Tactical Vest]] (OTV) component of the [[Interceptor multi-threat body armor system]], as fielded by the [[United States Army]] beginning in the mid-2000s. The IOTV is compatible with the Deltoid and [[Axilla]]ry Protector System (DAPS) components, [[Small Arms Protective Insert|ESAPI]] (Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert), Enhanced Side Ballistic Inserts (ESBI), as well as the OTV's groin protector. A flame-resistant standalone shirt, the [[Army Combat Shirt|Army Combat Shirt (ACS)]], was designed in the late 2000s specifically for use with the IOTV.

The OTV design was considered insufficient and lacking in certain areas, which led to the IOTV's development and fielding beginning in 2007. The IOTV is currently produced by Point Blank Body Armor, [[BAE Systems]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/en-us/product/improved-outer-tactical-vest-iotv|title=Improved Outer Tactical Vest {{!}} BAE Systems {{!}} United States|website=www.baesystems.com|access-date=2016-05-23}}</ref> KDH Defense Systems,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kdhdefensesystems.com/product/iotv-iii-improved-outer-tactical-vest-gen-iii/|title=KDH Defense {{!}} IOTV III – Improved Outer Tactical Vest (gen III)|website=www.kdhdefensesystems.com|access-date=2016-05-23|archive-date=2016-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523082532/http://www.kdhdefensesystems.com/product/iotv-iii-improved-outer-tactical-vest-gen-iii/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Protective Products Enterprises,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pointblankenterprises.com/protective-products-enterprises/|title=Protective Products Enterprises|website=www.pointblankenterprises.com}}</ref> [[UNICOR]] and Creative Apparel Associates. The IOTV first saw action in combat with U.S. Army ground combat units in from mid-2007<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12519&Itemid=1 |title=Multi-National Force - Iraq - Combined security forces help Iraqis during Operation Arrowhead Ripper |website=www.mnf-iraq.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929083401/http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12519&Itemid=1 |archive-date=29 September 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> onward and currently remains the standard body armor type used by regular U.S. Army ground combat units overseas, although the new [[Modular Scalable Vest]] is set to replace it in the coming years.

== Background ==
While the Interceptor Body Armor and the Outer Tactical Vest were considered fairly effective, questions were raised over whether or not they were the best possible armor solution for soldiers of the United States Military. This debate was heightened by controversy over [[Dragon Skin]], produced by the now defunct [[Pinnacle Armor]]. Various claims surfaced that Dragon Skin was more effective at protecting soldiers than the then standard issue Interceptor Body Armor system, with independent studies and reports seeming to back these claims, eventually leading to multiple congressional members asking for further evaluation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna18720550|title=Are U.S. soldiers wearing the best body armor?|date=2007-05-20|website=msnbc.com|access-date=2016-05-23}}</ref> In response, the military made public testing that showed widespread failures in the testing of the Dragon Skin armor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dailynightly.msnbc.com/2007/05/army_responds_t.html|title=The Daily Nightly - MSNBC.com|website=dailynightly.msnbc.com|access-date=2016-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030539/http://dailynightly.msnbc.com/2007/05/army_responds_t.html|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ultimately, Dragon Skin never saw widespread adoption, and many of the perceived shortfalls of the Outer Tactical Vest such as standard of protection or modularity were addressed in the new Improved Outer Tactical Vest and E-SAPI plates.

==Technical details==
{{multiple image
| image1            = Program Executive Office Soldier fields the Improved Outer Tactical Vest, upgraded body armor, in April 2007.jpg
| caption1          = US Army soldier showcasing the IOTV in [[Universal Camouflage Pattern]] for PEO Soldier in April 2007.
| image2            = Hires 080217-F-3873G-169-1- - Copy.jpg
| caption2          = Private Derek Hayes, [[25th Infantry Division (United States)|25th Infantry Division]], wears an Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) with a groin protector in [[Iraq]] in February 2008.
}}

A size Medium IOTV weighs {{convert|3.6|lbs}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kdhdefensesystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/iotv-iii.pdf|title=IOTV-III Sales Sheet|website=kdhdefensesystems.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706004822/http://www.kdhdefensesystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/iotv-iii.pdf |language=en|access-date=2018-04-09|archive-date=2016-07-06 }}</ref> less than a Medium OTV vest, while providing more coverage. However, a fully equipped IOTV, complete with all its components (soft armor panel inserts, four ballistic plate inserts (front and back plates and two side plates), collar, and groin protectors) still weighs {{convert|30|lbs}}, with a Large IOTV weighing about {{convert|35|lbs}}. The functionality of the enhanced side ballistic inserts, which provide coverage under the arms and down the sides of the torso, is built into the IOTV.

The IOTV provides the ability to don the vest in two ways. The first is to simply place the vest over the head and pull down, and the second is to remove fasteners on the wearer's left shoulder, sliding into the vest to the right. To complete the procedure for both methods the wearer then lifts up the front panel of the vest and fastens the waistband, which takes the weight of the vest off the shoulders somewhat, and then fastens the side protection modules.

A key design feature for the IOTV is that the entire armor system is able to be released with the pull of a hidden lanyard. The armor then falls apart into its component pieces, providing a means for escape in case the wearer falls into water or becomes trapped in a hazardous environment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/2497/army_to_field_improved_body_armor|title=Army to Field Improved Body Armor|website=www.army.mil}}</ref> The hidden release lanyard also allows medical personnel easier access to a casualty, which was one concern that was not addressed with the old Interceptor armor. It also features a grid of [[Pouch Attachment Ladder System|Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS)]] webbing on the front, back, and sides for the attachment of modular pouches and accessories such as neck and throat protection, groin protection, or deltoid protection. Equipment attachment rings for the Tactical Assault Panel (TAP), which has replaced the older Fighting Load Carrier vest (FLC), have been in all IOTV models since the Gen II, which was introduced in the early 2010s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.military.com/equipment/improved-outer-tactical-vest-iotv|title=Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV)|last=Harper|first=John|website=Military.com|language=en|access-date=2016-05-13}}</ref>

===Female model===
In response to the large numbers of female soldiers in the army, a female-specific version of the IOTV (F-IOTV) was developed. Previously, standard tactical vests were issued to women in combat. Army soldiers found that women's movement was restricted, in ways such as bending over, getting in and out of tight spaces, or positioning their rifles against their shoulders. The long armor plates inside the vests would also rub against their hips and cut into their thighs when they sat down. Development of a model for women began in 2009. After much testing and measurements, the Army came up with a vest that is shorter to accommodate smaller torsos and has tailoring to fit closer to women's chests. The new vest eliminates gaps between the material and the body and can be fitted with smaller side ballistic inserts for small waist sizes. The vest has a lighter feel because it does not rest on the female soldier's shoulders like the male vest. The first female soldier vests were given to soldiers deploying for Afghanistan in September 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/87464/|title=Deploying Soldiers test new female body armor prototype {{!}} Article|last=Service|first=Donna Miles, American Forces Press|website=www.army.mil|access-date=2016-05-23}}</ref>

==Features==
Nearly all modern military body armor is designed to prevent penetration from bullets to vital areas of the body, in addition to protection against knives and fragmentation from explosives. Typically this is accomplished through both highly durable woven synthetic fibers such as [[Kevlar]] or [[Dyneema]], and either metal or ceramic ballistic plates. The IOTV is the standard issue torso protection component to the United States Army.

The IOTV is designed to take the weight of the vest off the shoulders and move it to the lower torso, and made to permit maximum freedom of movement. The vest is also equipped with a mesh inner cover that is designed to improve airflow inside of the armor. There is also a back pad in the lower back area of the vest, which is designed to defeat fragmentation impacts to the lower back/kidney areas. However, the back pad does not provide significant ballistic protection. The vest can withstand a direct impact from a 7.62 millimeter (both NATO and ex-Soviet types) on the front or rear if using the older [[Small Arms Protective Insert|SAPI]] plates (NIJ standard III). Use of the new [[E-SAPI]] plates increase protection to armor-piercing versions of the aforementioned rounds in addition to .[[.30-06 Springfield|30-06 Springfield]] M2 armor-piercing rounds (NIJ standard IV). The IOTV provides, without the ballistic ceramic plates inserted, protection from small caliber rounds (i.e. [[9×19mm Parabellum|9mm]]) and fragmentation. The soft kevlar panels have been tested to stop 9&nbsp;mm 124 grain full metal jacket bullets at 1,400&nbsp;ft/s (426&nbsp;m/s) with minimal deformation and has a V-50 of roughly 1,525&nbsp;ft/s (465&nbsp;m/s). This means that the bullet has to be traveling faster than 1,525&nbsp;ft/s (465&nbsp;m/s) for it to have more than a 50% chance of breaking through the soft armor panel. These specifications are similar to the NIJ standard level III-A certification; however, military standards do not require their vests to be NIJ certified as this is primarily a law enforcement standard.

The modular design of the vest allows greater tactical flexibility in regards to different situations faced by ground troops. A US Army medical research report concluded that greater modular design leads to the ability to find a more effective balance between projectile protection and the physical endurance of the soldier, preventing losses in agility and mobility, and therefore reducing potential injuries or casualties.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a585406.pdf|title=Injury Control in the Military|last=Potter|first=Adam|date=2013-04-09|website=Defense Technical Information Center|publisher=US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine|access-date=2016-05-22|archive-date=2016-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624181309/http://dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a585406.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Initially, the vest came in the [[Universal Camouflage Pattern]] (UCP), and IOTVs with it were standard issue until the UCP pattern began to be replaced beginning in 2016, with the [[Operational Camouflage Pattern]] (OCP).

=== E-SAPI plates ===
[[Small Arms Protective Insert|E-SAPI]] (Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert) plates and their smaller counterparts E-SBI (Enhanced Side Ballistic Inserts) plates, are [[ballistic plate|ceramic ballistic plates]] that provide the bulk of the protection against projectiles when carried in an Improved Outer Tactical Vest, and are also used as part of many other body armors such as the [[Modular Tactical Vest]]. E-SAPI plates are designed to cover the vital front and back torso areas of the torso, while E-SBI plates are designed to protect the sides of the torso. The plate component itself is made of boron carbide, a widely used and extremely hard boron-carbon ceramic. Backing the plate is a layer of Spectra, a woven polymer material with extremely high tensile strength meant to stop any projectile that manages to pass through the ceramic strikeface.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/Armor-Piercing-Myths-10-9-2011.asp|title=Armor Piercing Myths|website=www.strategypage.com|access-date=2016-05-20}}</ref>

When a bullet strikes the E-SAPI plate, the kinetic energy is dispersed throughout the ceramic layer, and the majority of military rounds in common use are stopped or broken up. If the bullet continues through the boron carbide layer, the Spectra backing either stops the bullet, or, if the bullet was powerful enough, allows the bullet to pass through into the IOTV itself, and likely the wearer. Even in the event of the E-SAPI plate failing to prevent penetration, the velocity and energy of the penetrating round is often reduced to the point where the resulting wound is non lethal. E-SAPI plates are manufactured by Armorworks Enterprises, Ceradyne, Simula, and BAE Systems.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil/Portals/105/PdMICE/Docs/PI%20Sheets/ESAPI%20PI%20Sheet%20%20Dec%202014.pdf|title=ESAPI PI Sheet|date=December 2014|website=Marine Corps Systems Command|publisher=United States Marine Corps|access-date=2016-05-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125184254/http://www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil/Portals/105/PdMICE/Docs/PI%20Sheets/ESAPI%20PI%20Sheet%20%20Dec%202014.pdf|archive-date=2017-01-25|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Durability standards are high for E-SAPI plates, with Army requirements on environmental condition testing involving the plates being kept 6 hours at both a high temperature and a low temperature in addition to being dropped twice among a variety of other requirements. USSOCOM requirements are even more stringent, involving 24 hours at high and low temperatures.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dodig.mil/Inspections/IE/Reports/FINAL%20REPORT-%20DoD%20Testing%20Requirements%20for%20Body%20Armor-Reduced.pdf|title=Final Report-Testing Requirements For Body Armor|last=Granetto|first=Paul|date=January 29, 2009|website=Department of Defense Inspections|publisher=Department of Defense|access-date=May 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212004406/http://www.dodig.mil/Inspections/IE/Reports/FINAL%20REPORT-%20DoD%20Testing%20Requirements%20for%20Body%20Armor-Reduced.pdf|archive-date=February 12, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> While E-SAPI plates do hold significant defensive advantages over the preceding SAPI plates, the increased protection comes at the cost of increased weight and significantly increased cost. Comparing medium-sized plates, a SAPI plate weighs {{convert|1.82|kg|abbr=on}} while an E-SAPI plate weighs {{convert|2.5|kg|abbr=on}}, over a 35 percent increase in weight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/BAEProd/groups/public/documents/bae_publication/bae_pdf_mps_indv_hard_armor.pdf |title=Hard Body Armor Insert Plates |website=BAE Systems, Archived from original on 2008-08-04 |publisher=BAE Systems |access-date=2016-05-22 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080804230459/http://www.baesystems.com/BAEProd/groups/public/documents/bae_publication/bae_pdf_mps_indv_hard_armor.pdf |archive-date=August 4, 2008 }}</ref> In regards to cost, E-SAPI plates cost 50 percent more, coming in at approximately $600 per plate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/up-to-160m-for-enhanced-interceptor-vest-protection-updated-0986/|title=Up to $160M for Enhanced Interceptor Vest Protection|website=Defense Industry Daily|access-date=2016-05-23}}</ref> SAPI plates were largely phased out in favor of E-SAPI plates beginning in 2005.

=== XSAPI plates ===
XSAPI (X Threat Small Arms Protective Insert) plates are ceramic ballistic plates that have begun replacement of the ESAPI. They are mostly issued to personnel in higher threat environments like Iraq or Afghanistan. The plates are tan colored<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ciehub.info/equipment/protective/IBA/SAPI/XSAPI.html|title=X Small Arms Protective Insert|website=CIE Hub|access-date=2019-12-01}}</ref> and the first batch was shipped in the second quarter of 2009, Ceradyne receiving a $77 million contract for delivery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/104165/ceradyne-wins-$77m-for-xsapi-body-armor.html|title=Ceradyne, Inc. Receives $77 Million XSAPI Body Armor Order|website=www.defense-aerospace.com|access-date=2019-12-01}}</ref> Its threat level is presumably against the [[7.62×51mm NATO|M993 7.62 NATO penetrator]], as denoted by the back's marking.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/562765631645286421/650839361348173824/pix488839178.jpg|title=Image of back of XSAPI|date=December 1, 2019|access-date=December 1, 2019|archive-date=September 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909030241/https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/562765631645286421/650839361348173824/pix488839178.jpg|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the text "7.62mm AP/WC Protection" displayed on the back of the plate, "WC" is the chemical formula for [[tungsten carbide]], the penetrator material of the M993 projectile. [[File:USMC-060818-M-4675V-.jpg|thumb|A [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]] corporal showing the [[E-SAPI]] plate which successfully stopped a bullet in combat when he was hit.]]

== Effectiveness ==
The Improved Outer Tactical Vest as a whole is an improvement over previous US body armor systems, with the fragmentation vest from the Vietnam War being limited to fragmentation protection, the [[Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops|PASGT]] vest being limited to pistol rounds, and the previous Outer Tactical Vest being unable to stop armor piercing rounds.

In response to the feedback of soldiers on the effectiveness of the armor system, the Army has continually upgraded the IOTV with new features, with Generation III involving a more intuitive quick release system. Rather than producing entirely new IOTV armor sets, body armor conversion kits have been delivered at a lower cost in order to bring older Generation armor sets up to newer standards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Getter |first=Maj. Chris |title=Army upgrades body armor, saves money |url=https://www.army.mil/article/147237/Army_upgrades_body_armor__saves_money/ |access-date=23 May 2016 |website=The United States Army}}</ref>

=== Alternatives ===
One criticism carried over from the older OTV to the newer IOTV is what is regarded as the excessive weight of the armor, especially by dismounted infantrymen who regard the armor almost as a liability. In response to this, the U.S. Army is looking into supplementing the heavy IOTV with the newer [[Modular Body Armor Vest]] (MBAV) and [[Soldier Plate Carrier System]] (SPCS) already in service in [[75th Ranger Regiment|Ranger]] and [[Airborne forces|Airborne]] units. The MBAV and SPCS do provide less soft body armor coverage, but are lighter than the IOTV, and were thus more suitable for patrol in [[Afghanistan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/02/11/army-plans-to-field-new-protective-vest-armored-shirt-in-2019.html|title=Army Plans to Field New Protective Vest, Armored Shirt in 2019|last=Sweeney|first=Heather|website=Military.com|language=en|access-date=2016-05-23}}</ref> The Army plans to introduce the torso and extremity protection (TEP) system beginning in 2018, which includes a modular scalable vest, ballistic combat shirt, blast pelvic protection system, and battle belt to reduce overall weight from {{convert|26|to|21|lb|kg|abbr=on}} while maintaining coverage by reducing excess bulk.<ref>[https://www.armytimes.com/articles/deploying-soldiers-could-see-lighter-body-armor-by-2018 Deploying soldiers could see lighter body armor by 2018] - Armytimes.com, 16 April 2017</ref> The [[Modular Scalable Vest]], first issued in 2018, is set to replace the IOTV as the standard protective vest issued to US soldiers.

== Users ==
* {{USA}}: U.S. Army<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tactical-life.com/news/iotv-body-armor-improved-outer-tactical-vest/|title = IOTV Body Armor, Improved Outer Tactical Vest|date = 29 January 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://2002-2009-fpc.state.gov/88477.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2017-09-10 |archive-date=2017-08-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828005111/https://2002-2009-fpc.state.gov/88477.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* {{UKR}}: Nearly a thousand vests purchased by Ukraine from private owners between 2014 and 2016, and utilized by Ukrainian soldiers involved in combating the [[Russian military intervention in Ukraine (2014–present)|Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://old.reddit.com/r/MilitaryPorn/comments/v35hfe/a_germandonated_gefechtshelm_m92_helmet_and_an/ | title=A German-donated Gefechtshelm M92 helmet and an American IOTV bulletproof vest saved a Ukrainian soldier from shrapnel &#91;1109x1280&#93; | date=2 June 2022 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Dragon Skin]]
* [[Gold Flex]]
* [[Modular Tactical Vest]]
* [[Osprey body armour|Osprey body armor]]
* [[PRU-70]]
* [[Soldier Plate Carrier System]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Improved Outer Tactical Vest}}
* [https://www.army.mil/article/2497/army-to-field-improved-body-armor/ "Army to Field Improved Body Armor"] at United States Army Official Homepage

{{Types of armour}}
{{US Army uniforms}}

[[Category:Ballistic vests]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2000s]]
[[Category:Military equipment of the United States]]