SN-42

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

There were several models of body armor in the Red Army, called SN-38, SN-39, SN-40, SN-40A, and SN-42. The number denotes the design year. All were combat tested, but only the SN-42 (in Russian language "Stalynoi Nagrudnik" SN=steel vest or СН-42) was put in production.

It consisted of two pressed steel plates that protected the front torso and groin. The plates were 2 mm (.08") and weighed 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs). This armor was supplied to SHISBr (assault engineers) and Tankodesantnikam (infantry that rode on tanks) of some tank brigades. Real combat experience showed that the MP-40 9 mm bullet failed to penetrate at around 100-125 m (100 yards). It was very useful in dense, intense urban battles (Stalingrad) where the Germans used the MP-40 predominantly, but, because of its weight, was not practical for soldiers charging across an open field.