Article Posted on : - Jan 14, 2010

SAPI Plates. A File Photo.

CALIFORNIA (BNS): U.S. Army has awarded a $12.4 million contract to the Ceradyne, Inc. for the procurement of SAPI (Small Arms Protective Inserts) lightweight ceramic body armour.

According to a news release by Ceradyne Inc., the contract was issued by the U.S. Army RDECOM (Research, Development and Engineering Command), Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland.

“We are very pleased to receive this additional FMS body armor order," said David Reed, President of Ceradyne North American Operations, as per the release.

SAPI body armour is made of a boron carbide ceramic with a spectra shield backing that's an extremely hard material. SAPI is effective against any fragments up to a 7.62 mm round with a muzzle velocity of 2,750 feet per second.