Interceptor body armor in woodland camouflage with groin and neck protector.
(US Army photo)

Interceptor is a type of body armor fielded by the U.S. military. It is more effective than traditional bulletproof vests and is currently replacing a previous version of body armour known as Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT). Materials for Interceptor were developed by DARPA in the 1990s and a contract for production was awarded to DHB Industries' Point Blank Body Armor, Inc by the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (768x1024, 264 KB)Land Warrior Interceptor body armor with woodland camouflage pattern cover Source URL: www4. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (768x1024, 264 KB)Land Warrior Interceptor body armor with woodland camouflage pattern cover Source URL: www4. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is an agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the development of new technology for use by the military. ... The United States Army Soldier Systems Center (SSC), also called the U.S. Army Natick Soldiers Center, is a military research complex and installation in Natick, Massachusetts charged by the U.S. Department of Defense with the research and development (including fielding and sustainment) of food, clothing, shelters, airdrop systems...

Technical details

The Interceptor body armor system consists of an Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) and two Small Arms Protective Inserts (SAPI). The OTV is lined with finely woven Kevlar aramid, these two parts of the vest are both bullet and heat resistant. The vest was tested to stop a 9 mm 124 GR full metal jacket bullet (FMJ) at 1,400 ft/s (426 m/s) with minimal deformation and has a V-50 of roughly 1,525 ft/s (465 m/s). This means that the bullet has to be traveling faster than 1,525 ft/s for it to have more than a 50% chance of breaking through the armor panel. These plates also come in five different sizes and go into the front and back of the vest. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Ceramic plate. ... Chemical structure of Kevlar. ... Aramid fiber (1961) is a fire-resistant and strong synthetic fiber. ... An example of FMJ bullets in their usual shapes: pointed (spitzer) for the rifle and round for the pistol. ...

The Interceptor can not, however, be called a Level III-A vest as military standard does not require protection against heavy .44 Magnum ammunition. However, both Level III-A vests and Interceptor do protect from much lighter 9mm threats in identical tests. The vest will stop other, slower, moving fragments and is also equipped with removable neck, throat, shoulder and groin protection. The vest has a quick-release feature in which a quick tug would drop the plates off of the vest if ever needed. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Two small-arms protective inserts may also be added to the front and back of the vest, with each plate designed to stop up to three 7.62×51 NATO rounds (.308 Winchester) with a muzzle velocity of 2,750 feet per second (838 m/s). The plates are the most technically advanced body armor fielded by the U.S. military, and are constructed of boron carbide ceramic with a Spectra/Dyneema shield backing that breaks down projectiles and halts their momentum before reaching the wearer. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Ceramic plate. ... NATOs 7. ... A guns muzzle velocity is the speed at which the projectile leaves the muzzle of the gun. ... Boron Carbide (chemical formula B4C) is an extremely hard ceramic material used in tank armor, bulletproof vests, and numerous industrial applications. ... Fixed Partial Denture, or Bridge The word ceramic is derived from the Greek word κεραμικός (keramikos). ... Dyneema or Spectra is a synthetic fiber based on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene which is 15 times stronger than steel and up to 40% stronger than Kevlar. ... A projectile is any object sent through space by the application of a force. ... In classical mechanics, momentum (pl. ...

The Interceptor armor also has attachment loops on the front of the vest which accommodate the same type of pockets used in the Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) backpack/carry vest system. This allows a soldier to tailor-fit his MOLLE and body armor system to meet mission needs. While not specifically designed for it, the loops can also easily attach All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE)-based equipment, MOLLE's predecessor, as well as many pieces of civilian-made tactical gear, and also features a large handle on the back just below the collar which can be used to drag a wounded wearer to safety in an emergency. The Interceptor vest comes in various different camouflage patterns, including U.S. woodland, three-color desert, and Army Combat Uniform (ACU) patterns, as well as Coyote Brown. MOLLE gear MOLLE, pronounced like Molly, the feminine name, is an acronym for MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. ... Original components of ALICE circa 1973 US Army infantryman wearing ALICE circa 1973 US Army infantryman wearing ALICE circa 1973 LC-2 Individual Equipment Belt LC-1 Entrenching Tool Carrier LC-1 Field First Aid Dressing Case LC-1 Small Arms Ammunition Case LC-2 Water Canteen Cover LC-1... Countershaded Ibex are almost invisible in the Israeli desert. ... Two soldiers wearing the ACU, as well as ACU-patterned patrol cap (left) and boonie hat (right). ...

The Interceptor Body Armor system weighs a total of 16.4 pounds (7.4 kg), with the vest weighing 8.4 pounds (3.8 kg), and two plates inserted weighing four pounds (1.8 kg) each. This is considerably lighter than the previous body armor fielded in Somalia weighing 25.1 pounds (11.4 kg) that most troops complained was too heavy and unwieldy for combat operations.

Side-SAPIs are also available, along with the newer version of the vital plate, the Enhanced SAPI (E-SAPI). These two systems are becoming standard for forward deployed troops in OEF and OIF III. The E-SAPI plates are thicker and heavier than the normal SAPIs, but they offer increased protection from M-80 armor piercing ammunition. The Side-SAPIs protect the side of the torso under the arm. With the Interceptor body armor, E-SAPI plates (10.9 lb), S-SAPI plates (7.1 lb), and with the neck, throat and groin protectors installed the armor is significantly heavier than 16.4 pounds (7.44 kg). A combat load of ammunition and first aid kit are almost universally attached to the webbing on the vest, adding even more mass. An Armour piercing shell is a type of ammunition designed to penetrate armour. ... First aid kit of the French Army A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid, particularly in a medical emergency. ...

There is a constant trade-off, loss of mobility and comfort and more weight to carry versus increased protection. This is a point of contention in the U.S. armed forces, with some favoring mobility, and others wanting as much protection as is practical. The debate is especially valid in the Iraq war, when comparing lightly-equipped insurgents with U.S. troops routinely burdened with upwards of 60 lbs. of weapons, ammunition, armor, food, water, and other assorted equipment. Many soldiers have complained that under such conditions, they are simply unable to pursue their guerrilla opponents, while those riding in convoys generally favor the greatest practical amount of protection from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes. Dismounted troops often make the case that impaired mobility can prove just as fatal as ineffective armor.

Combat use and controversy

Interceptor with additional side SAPI plates and neck protector.

The vest proved its protection prowess in Afghanistan and Iraq in which many U.S. soldiers were saved by wearing them^{[citation needed]}. In particular, it is credited with saving the lives of 29 American servicemen in Afghanistan. There were delays in equipping the entire force with the Interceptor vest at the beginning of this war. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (798x1200, 361 KB) Retired Lt. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (798x1200, 361 KB) Retired Lt. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Ceramic plate. ...

Of President George W. Bush’s $87 billion package that Congress has recently approved for ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, $300 million has been earmarked for body armor, including the ceramic plates, which currently cost about $500 each. A complete Interceptor system costs $1,585.^[1] George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the 43rd and current President of the United States, inaugurated on January 20, 2001. ...

On May 4, 2005 the United States Marine Corps recalled 5,277 Interceptor combat vests made by DHB's Point Blank unit after news reports about the vests' inability to stop 9 mm bullets. In November, 2005, the Marine Corps ordered 10,342 Interceptor Outer Tactical Vests pulled from the operating forces after media reports indicated some samples tested by the manufacturer and by the Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland failed to fully comply with ballistics standards. In 2005, the DoD under severe pressure from Congress, authorized a one-time $1,000 reimbursement to soldiers who had purchased civilian body armor and other gear^[2] but in 2006 they gave orders not to wear anything but military issued body armor fearing inadequate armor could be purchased. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States military responsible for providing power projection from the sea,[1] utilizing the mobility of the U.S. Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces. ... Aberdeen Proving Ground is a United States Army facility located at Aberdeen, Maryland (in Harford county). ...

A recent Marine Corps forensic study obtained by DefenseWatch slams the Interceptor OTV body armor system, claiming "as many as 42% of the Marine casualties who died from isolated torso injuries could have been prevented with improved protection in the areas surrounding the plated areas of the vest. Nearly 23% might have benefited from protection along the mid-axillary line of the lateral chest. Another 15% died from impacts through the unprotected shoulder and upper arm," the report says.^[3] Side armor has been sent to Iraq in increasing amounts, but many troops don't want to wear it because it adds 10 lb to the 16 lb vest and they say the added weight could decrease mobility and get them killed in certain combat scenarios.^[4]

On May 10th, 2006, the Army announced it is holding an open competition for companies to design an entire new generation of body armor "to improve on and replace" the Interceptor. The Army said it wants ideas from companies by May 31. Congressional investigators say they are reviewing the Pentagon's entire body armor program, including the Interceptor vest. Investigators say they are worried the vests might not be adequate to protect troops. ^[5] Some thought the answer lay with the Dragon Skin body armor, but the Army claims that it did not provide adequate protection in their tests. This article is about the United States military building. ... Dragon Skin is a type of body armor made by Pinnacle Armor. ...

On July 3rd and July 11th it was announced that contracts had been given to Armorworks and Ceradyne to manufacture interceptor body armor parts and replacements, specifically the side inserts.

On September 25, 2006, the Marine Corps announced that Protective Products International won a contract for 60,000 new Modular Tactical Vests (MTV) to replace the Interceptor OTV vests.[1] The MTV provides greater coverage, superior weight distribution, and additional features such as a quick-release system. Marines test the MTV while running an obstacle course at MCB Hawaii. ...

Army to field improved body armor

The new Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), three pounds lighter and more protective than the Outer Tactical Vest will soon be issued to soldiers deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Army continues to upgrade body armor to increase protection from bullets and fragments, and soon will field the Improved Outer Tactical Vest to soldiers deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.^[6] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

The IOTV meets Program Executive Office Soldier's goals of providing soldiers with the most advanced protective gear available while also improving comfort and mission effectiveness.

The IOTV is more than three pounds lighter than the current OTV, but provides an equal level of protection over an increased area. The weight of the IOTV was reduced by eliminating overlap. For example, the vest now has a higher cut in the underarm area, which will eliminate the need to attach the axillary or underarm protector to the current deltoid axillary protector set. The deltoid protector can still be attached at the commander's discretion. The vest's integrated throat protector provides the same protection as the current attachable version, but it's designed to be more comfortable. The now integrated side plate carriers decrease the vest's profile, and a lower back protector extends the vest's coverage by 52 square inches.

The IOTV's numerous improvements go beyond increased protection. A single-stage quick release added to the front of the vest allows a soldier to doff the IOTV and its attachments with one pull. The vest then falls to the ground in two pieces and can be put back together in minutes.

Medics could use the quick release to treat wounded soldiers, or they could use an opening on the left shoulder, which allows easy access while still providing protection to the patient.

Comfort and utility features are also part of the improved design. The most notable may be the IOTV's overhead opening. An internal waistband provides a snug fit and moves much of the weight from the shoulders to the waist.

Other features include:

• The addition of a long variant to sizes medium through extra large. This extends the size range from eight to 11 and should result in a near-custom fit for soldiers.

• Additional modular lightweight load-carrying equipment attachments as a result of moving the opening from the front of the vest. These attachments are now in the universal camouflage pattern.

• Enhanced small arms ballistic insert pockets with four inches of vertical adjustability, which will allow for better placement of the plates based on individual body proportions.

• Additional storage pockets.

• A mesh lining to aid ventilation.

• Vertical adjustability of side plate carriers.

Soldiers will continue to use the enhanced small arms protective inserts and the enhanced side ballistic inserts.

The IOTV is a result of research and development that began with a body armor industry day in the spring of 2006. Seventeen vendors came forward with designs for improved body armor, and six were selected to provide prototypes for a user evaluation conducted in January and February this year. The vest was then tested by soldiers at Fort Lewis, Washington.

See also

• Modular Tactical Vest (MTV)
• Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT)

Marines test the MTV while running an obstacle course at MCB Hawaii. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ...

References

1. ^ Burgess, Lisa Stars & Stripes January 13, 2004
2. ^ truthout.org. Army Orders Soldiers to Shed Dragon Skin or Lose SGLI Death Benefits. Interceptor Body Armor. Retrieved on 2006-05-15.
3. ^ sftt.org. Interceptor OTV Body Armor Cost Lives, An Internal USMC Reports Shows. Interceptor Body Armor. Retrieved on 2006-05-15.
4. ^ strategypage.com. Troops Reject New Body Armor as Dangerous. Interceptor Body Armor. Retrieved on 2006-05-15.
5. ^ newsday.com. Army deals blow to body armor maker DHB Industries. Interceptor Body Armor. Retrieved on 2006-05-15.
6. ^ Military.com: Improved Outer Tactical Vest

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External links

• Article on Interceptor Body Armor in Operation Iraqi Freedom
• U.S. Military Interceptor Body Armor
• detailed analysis and history of interceptor body armor