Descrsiption Flexible Body Armor Carrier .docx

EQUIPMENT CHARACTERISTICS, CAPABILITIES, AND FEATURES

The effectiveness and complexity of modern weapons pose challenging problems in providing adequate body protection for the aircrew. Weight limitations of the aircraft, available space, individual maneuverability, and performance of duties limit the area coverage and type of body armor which aircrew can effectively use.

To achieve the maximum body protection possible within these limitations, anatomically shaped body armor has been developed to provide small arms fire protection for the aircrew. This armor is designed to give more effective protection to vital body areas with little added weight and improve the comfort of the aircrew.

The body armor comes in five sizes from XSmall to XLarge and consists of the front and back ballistic inserts and cover assembly. The Body armor cover assembly has front and back pockets to insert ballistic upgrade plates (BUP) for additional protection. Separate front and rear ballistic inserts subassemblies protect against small arms, and are permanently covered in nylon. The ballistic inserts is completely enclosed in the front and back casing sections of the cover assembly and held in place with hook and pile fastener. The cover assembly is made of flame retardant material. The two sections form an assembly when attached to each other with hook and pile fastener. When required, .30 caliber AP Boron Carbide ballistic upgrade plates can be inserted upward into a pouch on the ballistic inserts casing sections and held in place with hook and pile and snap fasteners located on the casing. A quick release strap allows for rapid removal of the hard armor in an emergency such as ditching. Each ballistic upgrade plate weighs about four to six pounds, depending on size. Refer to Table 1 [Ballistic Upgrade Plate Size Specifications] for ballistic upgrade plate size specifications.

Table 1. Ballistic Upgrade Plate Size Specifications.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR COMPONENTS

Body Armor Major Components The Body Armor includes the following major components (Table 2 [Body Armor Major Components]):

Table 2. Body Armor Major Components.

Figure Major Component

Description/Location

Printed on 16 Aug 2023 16:10:16

Figure Major Component

Description/Location

AW00547

Figure 1. Body Armor Shell Assembly.

MS098841

Figure 2. Soft Armor; Ballistic Inserts.

1S T R I K E F A C E

AW00548

Figure 3. Ballistic Upgrade Plates.

MS098844

Figure 4. Body Armor Cover.

EQUIPMENT DIFFERENCES

Non-rated crewmembers are required to wear front and back ballistic upgrade plates when in a hostile fire area. If BUP are required, pilots/copilots in armored seats require the front plate only.

EQUIPMENT DATA

The Body Armor weighs approximately 9-22 lbs. depending on size and configuration when equipped with both the ballistic inserts and the ballistic upgrade plate(s). This weight includes the following subassemblies:

1. Soft Armor; Ballistic Inserts

2. One or Two Ballistic Upgrade Plate

3. Body Armor Cover

END OF WORK PACKAGE

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