Body Armor - The Interceptor

The Interceptor Body Armor is a kind of armor used by the United States army. It is much more effective compared to the usual bullet proof jackets, vests and is now replacing a previously use version of Body Armor referred to as Personnel Armor and System for the Ground Troops or the PASGT. The raw materials used for the Interceptor were first developed by an organization called DARPA in late 1990s and the contract for commercial production was then awarded to the DHB Industries of Point-Blank Armor for the Body by the United States Army after they were satisfied with its effectiveness.

The Interceptor kind of Body Armor uses an outer covering called the Tactical Vest popularly called OTV, together with two Small Arms and Protective Inserts (also called SAPI). Usually the OTV is made of finely woven Kevlar. Both the two parts of the Body Armor are heat and bullet resistant. The Interceptor has been tested to resist a 9 mm and 124 GR with full and complete metallic jacket bullet (or FMJ) coming at a velocity of 1,400 ft/s (426 m/s). If the bullet is traveling at a speed greater than 1,525 ft/s it will have a 50-50 chance of piercing through the Body Armor. These SAPI plates are available in five different sizes for different size wearer and go into the front side and back side of the Body Armor.

Though the Interceptor is well equipped to stop any slow moving bullets, it is not equivalent to the level III-A Body Armor as per military standards as it offers no protection against the .44 Magnum ammunitions. The Body Armor comes with removable neck, groin, throat, and shoulder protections and also as a quick release for dropping of the protective plates in case a need arises to remove the weight.

The two SAPI could be optionally be inserted in the front and the back of the vest. Each SAPI is capable of taking upto 3 shots of the NATO 7.62 x 51 bullets which come at a velocity of 2750 feet per second. As of date these plates are the best and technically most advanced armor ever used by the US army.