Hard and Soft Body Armor Solutions

BAE Systems offers a variety of hard and soft armor solutions. Our hard armor, ballistic inserts (SAPI Plates- Small Arms Protective Inserts) provide enhanced levels of protection and are designed to stop threats that soft armor cannot. These plates are designed to withstand multiple hits from rifle shots and explosive devices. They vary in weight, performance and cost depending on the specific needs of the customer and mission. BAE Systems hard armor inserts are fully qualified by the U.S. Government through rigorous independent physical, environmental and ballistic testing. Additionally, our ballistic experts continue to enhance SAPI to maintain leading edge performance and weight.

BAE Systems' soft armor solutions provide ballistic and fragmentation protection for the torso and through attached components, the coverage is extended to the throat, neck, groin, lower back and sides (depending on the vest). BAE Systems' soft armor vests also provide attachment webbing for load carriage pockets and pouches.

 

SAPI

The Small Arms Protective Insert (SAPI) is used in conjunction with the Outer Tactical Vest (OTV). SAPI plates come in sizes XS thru XL and are used in the front or back. The plates are durable and optimized for fit and comfort. Additionally, the plates are highly protective by providing three-shot multi-hit protection against three different rounds the 7.62- x 51 mm M-80 Ball round, the 7.62- x 54R mm Type LPS Dragunuv round, and the 5.56- x 45 mm M855 armor-piercing round. SAPI plates are available in standard, lightweight, and heavy versions.

Similar to SAPI, but with increased performance levels, our SAPI Armor-Piercing insert plates offer multi-hit (three to six shots), lightweight, durable ballistic protection against the same three rounds as SAPI, but also offer protection against the 7.62-mm APM2 round.

 

ECLiPSE SOLAR^™ - Family of Plates

BAE Systems' ECLiPSE SOLAR^™ (Special Operations Low-Vis ARmor) family of plates, from the ECLIPSE^® Performance Military Gear product line, is designed to specifications set forth by the Special Operations Forces Equipment Advanced Requirements (SPEAR) under the Body Armor/Load Carriage System (BALCS) program. Featuring a multi-curved geometry, these plates are available in both SPEAR Cut and Swimmer cut. SPEAR cuts are available in baseline, tactical standalone (TSA) and low-visibility (low-vis) designs. While the baseline meets the traditional SAPI architecture, the TSA provides added protection to allow the plate to be worn without soft armor. The low-visibility option provides superior protection in a concealable package.

 

OTV
The Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) is designed to provide protection from fragmentation and 9mm rounds in the upper torso area and offers removable protection for the groin and neck areas. The OTV incorporates front and back pockets that can hold SAPI and AP plates for maximum protection.

 

ECMPV

BAE Systems' Enhanced Combat Military Protective Vest (ECMPV) offers several enhancements to existing concealable body armor (CBA) systems. The low-profile, breathable design provides maximum mobility and flexibility without compromising comfort or protection. The carrier is designed to maximize sustainability as well as commonality with existing platforms. Emergency medical access is provided by easy-access shoulder flaps that can be quickly refastened. Offering near-zero visibility when worn under clothing, the ECMPV accepts standard SPEAR soft and hard armor inserts to protect against threats ranging from small arms and fragmentation to rifles. With the addition of our Impact Insert, the vest can also provide protection from blunt trauma/stab threats.

RBAV-SF

BAE Systems' Releasable Body Armor Vest (RBAV)-Special Forces (SF) is designed to fully integrate with SOLAR^™, SPEAR BALCS and MSAP armor systems. The RBAV-SF is fully adjustable in height and girth for exact fit. There is also an ambidextrous quick-release mechanism for emergency doffing. Compatible with MOLLE equipment and an array of auxiliary components, BAE Systems' RBAV-SF has integrated side pockets for magazine, radios and other equipment.