The Department of the Army's Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) is looking for help in designing a new large assault pack that will have an internal capacity of 2900 cubic inches and be specifically suited to airborne operations.
We've previously heard the new pack referred to as the medium ruck and now as the large assault pack. This is going to be in addition to the MOLLE assault pack and large ruck, not a replacement for either.
The Army is looking for an external frame pack that gives an airborne infantryman the capability to comfortably carry a 60lb. load. The new pack will carry more weight than the current assault pack can bear and will allow greater mobility than is afforded by the large rucksack.
Other baseline requirements for the pack include an integrated single point release system and Velcro style lowering line suitable for rotary and fixed wing personnel airborne operations, a storage pocket for the hook-pile-tape lowering line, 18 personnel attaching straps and the single point release handle when the large assault pack is not rigged for airborne operations.
The Army will close their solicitation for information December, 30 2009.
The Army's system contains two packs at this time, the MOLLE large rucksack, with 4000 cubic inch capacity, and the MOLLE assault pack, with an 1800 cubic inch capacity.
