BAE Systems recently received a $75 million order from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to produce and deliver Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI) plates. Since 1998, BAE Systems has produced more than 1.2 million hard armor inserts, including ESAPI and other SAPI derivatives, under various Department of Defense contracts.
“The ESAPI plate protects against multiple hits from small arms threats,” said Don Dutton, vice president and general manager of Protection Systems at BAE Systems Support Solutions. “These hard armor inserts help to save lives on the battlefield.”
The $75 million order is part of a new, three-year contract from DLA Troop Support. The total value of contract orders could reach approximately $236 million over the next three years. ESAPI plates are manufactured at the BAE Systems Phoenix, Ariz. facility, and deliveries are expected to begin this September and continue through August 2013.
“BAE Systems and its employees continue to demonstrate their commitment to producing top products to protect our troops worldwide,” said U.S. Representative Ed Pastor. “I’m proud of the work being done in my district to bring our men and women back home safely.”
Tags: BAE Systems
What ever happened to the XSAPI? Isn’t this almost a step down?
My understanding was that the validated XSAPI design resulted in a too-heavy product contrary to direction to lighten the burden.
ESAPI is a standardized product that from design to manufacture was oriented toward a threat and proved itself capable of mitigating it.
Given the quantities we’re talking about, it’s obviously a GP (Conventional) forces product. Higher-tier elements will continue to seek and use other options. The concepts they prove will SLOWLY make it to the broader force. But for the moment, the idea is to stick with what’s proven itself until a better (lighter/better ballistic performance/more tolerant of daily abuse) can be standardized.