April 4, 2009: The U.S. Navy has developed a better armor vest for non-fighter aircrew (for transports, helicopters and patrol aircraft). The PRU-70/P22P-18 includes armor to protect against fragments and bullets, as well a life vest to keep you afloat in the water. Previously, the armor and life vest had to be put on separately. The PRU-70 is made from fire retardant material. The vest is brown, to blend in with 70 percent of the land backgrounds on the planet. It comes in three sizes, with the large one weighing 22 pounds. But you can remove the armor plates or the life preserver as required by the mission. The PRU-70 was designed to be comfortable for long missions, which are common on patrol aircraft.