This ESAPI contract modification was issued under the Soldier Protection System Vital Torso Protection programme and covers low-rate initial production.
Reportedly, ESAPI ceramic armour plates, worn by US soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, are inserted into outer modular tactical vests to provide torso protection against small arms fire.
IF MY
ESAPI, XSAPI, ESBI OR XSBI GETS HIT BY BULLETS OR FRAGMENTATION, ITS BALLISTIC PROTECTION IS WEAKENED.
The Army's in-house laboratories for years have been trying to develop new, lighter materials to replace
ESAPI plates, but no breakthroughs have occurred so far.
ESAPI (front and back pair) NSN 8470-01-520-7360 (X-SM)
As a rule, to fit properly, the
ESAPI should be the same size as the vest.