Improved Outer Tactical Vest
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 Axillary Protector System (DAPS) components, ESAPI (Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert), Enhanced Side Ballistic Inserts (ESBI), as well as the OTV's groin protector. It has a flame-resistant standalone shirt, the Army Combat Shirt (ACS), designed specifically for use with the IOTV.
| Improved Outer Tactical Vest | |
|---|---|
An IOTV outfitted in a MultiCam camo scheme that has MOLLE with neck, shoulder, groin and lower back protectors attached | |
| Type | Bulletproof vest |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2007–present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) Iraq War Russo-Ukrainian War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2007 |
| Manufacturer | Point Blank Body Armor, BAE Systems, KDH Defense Systems, Protective Products Enterprises, UNICOR and Creative Apparel Associates |
| Produced | 2007–present |
| Variants | Universal Camoflauge Pattern (Until 2019) Operational Camoflauge Pattern (2016-Present) |
The OTV design was considered insufficient and lacking in certain areas, which led to the IOTV's development and fielding. The IOTV is currently produced by Point Blank Body Armor, BAE Systems, KDH Defense Systems, Protective Products Enterprises, UNICOR and Creative Apparel Associates. The IOTV first saw action in combat with U.S. Army ground combat units in from mid-2007 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.