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.