KIBV3 Integrated Ballistic Vest

Modular Ballistic Protection with a Two-Piece Soft Armor System

KIBV3 is an integrated ballistic vest designed as a lighter and more flexible alternative to the four-piece CATAPHRACT GEN3 configuration.

The vest uses a two-piece soft ballistic system consisting of front and rear inserts. Both inserts feature extended side wings designed to overlap around the sides of the torso, providing increased coverage without the need for separate ballistic cummerbund inserts.

KIBV3 is compatible with the soft ballistic inserts used in CIBV2 MED, allowing users of the previous-generation system to continue using their existing armor inserts.

Instead of a ballistic cummerbund, KIBV3 uses a hybrid cummerbund that stabilizes the vest, provides additional equipment mounting capability, and helps reduce the overall weight and bulk of the system.

Internal front and rear pockets also accommodate standard 25 × 30 cm / 10″ × 12″ hard ballistic plates, allowing the level of protection to be increased according to the mission and threat environment.

KIBV3 retains the same modular construction and core features as CATAPHRACT GEN3, providing a versatile platform for duty, tactical, and other high-risk applications requiring extended ballistic coverage.

Two-Piece Soft Ballistic Protection

The core protection system consists of two shaped soft ballistic inserts:

• front insert,
• rear insert.

Both inserts feature extended side wings designed to overlap around the sides of the wearer when the vest is correctly adjusted.

This configuration provides continuous soft ballistic coverage around the torso without requiring separate ballistic inserts inside the cummerbund.

KIBV3 uses inserts compatible with CIBV2 MED, allowing users to transition to the new-generation carrier while continuing to use their existing soft armor.

Hybrid Cummerbund

KIBV3 uses a hybrid cummerbund instead of the ballistic side panels found in the four-piece CATAPHRACT GEN3 configuration.

The cummerbund stabilizes the vest and provides additional mounting space for mission equipment.

Combining overlapping soft armor wings with a hybrid cummerbund helps maintain extended torso protection while reducing the overall weight and bulk of the system.

Hard Plate Compatibility

Internal front and rear plate pockets accommodate standard 25 × 30 cm / 10″ × 12″ hard ballistic plates.

This allows the user to increase the level of protection according to the threat level and operational requirements.

Modular Construction

KIBV3 incorporates the same core design solutions as CATAPHRACT GEN3 and can be configured according to the user's operational requirements.

The system supports additional protective components and equipment, including:

• neck / collar protection,
• throat protection,
• shoulder and upper-arm protection,
• ballistic battle belt,
• dangler pouch.

The vest can also be equipped with Comfort Pads with optional ballistic inserts, increasing the protected area around the shoulders.

Laser-Cut MOLLE Platform

The laser-cut MOLLE interface provides a durable, low-profile mounting system for magazine pouches, utility pouches, and mission-specific equipment.

This allows the equipment layout to be configured according to the user's role, weapon system, and operational requirements.

Replaceable Front Panel

The replaceable front panel allows the equipment configuration to be changed quickly without rebuilding the entire vest.

The front of the carrier can therefore be adapted to different weapon systems, equipment configurations, or mission requirements.

Extended Identification Areas

Large Velcro areas on the front and rear of the vest allow the attachment of identification patches, unit markings, and role-specific panels.

Reinforced Evacuation Handle

A reinforced evacuation handle located on the rear of the vest allows emergency extraction or dragging of the wearer when required.

Adjustable Fit System

The ladder-style shoulder adjustment system and hybrid cummerbund allow the vest to be precisely fitted to the wearer.

Correct adjustment of the cummerbund also ensures that the extended wings of the front and rear soft ballistic inserts maintain the required overlap along the sides of the torso.

Materials and Comfort

The main structure of KIBV3 is manufactured from Baucent monolithic laminate, providing high durability and structural stability while maintaining a low-profile construction.

The body-facing side features a Gambeson-style comfort lining, designed to improve comfort during prolonged wear, reduce pressure points, and distribute the weight of the vest and carried equipment more evenly.

Protection Configuration

Primary soft ballistic protection:

• front ballistic insert with extended side wings,
• rear ballistic insert with extended side wings.

The inserts are compatible with CIBV2 MED and are designed to overlap around the sides of the wearer.

Additional hard armor protection:

• front 25 × 30 cm / 10″ × 12″ ballistic plate,
• rear 25 × 30 cm / 10″ × 12″ ballistic plate.

Optional protection:

• ballistic inserts for shoulder Comfort Pads,
• neck / collar protection,
• throat protection,
• additional shoulder and upper-arm protection,
• ballistic battle belt.

This configuration allows KIBV3 to combine extended soft ballistic coverage with lower weight and a simpler side configuration than the four-piece CATAPHRACT GEN3 system.

Technical Overview