INVESTMENT COMPONENT
Modernization
Recapitalization
Maintenance
Increases warfighter lethality and mobility by optimizing Soldier protection while effectively managing all lifecycle aspects of personal protection equipment.
The U.S. Army’s Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) offers highly effective ballistic protection to Soldiers. The system includes two types of “soft armor”: The Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), with mission tailored protective attachments, protects the neck, shoulders, groin, and lower back; and the Soldier Plate Carrier System (SPCS) offers decreased coverage area in order to increase Soldier mobility in various terrain conditions.
Two hard armor plate systems are available for use with the IOTV and SPCS: the Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI) and Enhanced Side Ballistic Inserts (ESBI); and the X Small Arms Protective Inserts (XSPI) and X Side Ballistic Inserts (XSBI). Both systems provide classified, multi-hit protection against numerous stressing threats. The IOTV base vest (size medium) weighs 9.86 pounds. The IOTV with yoke and collar ensemble, groin, and lower back components weighs 15.09 pounds. All components provide robust fragmentation and 9mm protection. The total system with all components weighs 31.09 pounds (size medium). The IOTV is produced in 11 sizes to accommodate every Soldier in the Army.
ESAPI and XSAPI are produced in five sizes. ESBI and XSBI are produced in one size. Attachable throat, groin, shoulder, and lower back protectors increase fragmentation and 9mm protection. Webbing attachment loops on the vest accommodate Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment (MOLLE). A medical access panel on the IOTV allows for treatment to vital areas while a quick release mechanism on both systems allows for rapid doffing during emergency situations.
The complete IOTV system provides 1,085 square inches of fragmentation and 9mm handgun protection. The SPCS (size medium) provides 456 square inches of ballistic protection.
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ACQUISITION PHASE
Technology Development
Engineering & Manufacturing Development
Production & Deployment
Operations & Support
None
IOTV:
Carter Enterprises, LLC (Brooklyn, NY)
XSAPI, ESAPI:
Ceradyne, Inc. (Costa Mesa, CA)
IOTV, ESAPI, XSAPI:
BAE Systems (Phoenix, AZ)
SPCS:
KDH Defense Systems (Johnstown, PA)
