3M's Ceradyne Receives $34 Million Contract for Lightweight Body Armor

Strategic Insights -

3M, a leader in advanced materials, has been working closely with the US Army to develop lightweight body armor that provides superior torso protection without sacrificing mobility. As part of this effort, Ceradyne, a 3M company, has received a contract modification worth $34 million to provide 28,000 pieces of body armor under the Soldier Protection Systems Vital Torso Protection program. This initiative is aimed at reducing the weight soldiers must carry, and Ceradyne's innovative ESAPI ceramic armor plates are designed to provide the same level of protection as their predecessors while reducing weight significantly.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ceradyne, a 3M company, has received a $34 million contract to provide 28,000 pieces of lightweight body armor under the Soldier Protection Systems Vital Torso Protection program.
  • The ESAPI ceramic armor plates provide the same level of protection as previous generations while reducing weight significantly.
  • The plates are inserted into outer modular tactical vests to provide torso protection against small arms fire, and are worn by US soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.
  • Ceradyne has fielded over 100,000 Enhanced Combat Helmets (ECHs) and 2 million body armor inserts to the US Armed Forces.
  • 3M's capability to decrease the weight of products while maintaining or enhancing performance characteristics is well-recognized in various industries, including automotive and apparel.
  • The company has deep expertise in safety products used by the military, such as Peltor tactical communications systems and head, eye, hearing, and respiratory protection.

Statistics:

  • $34 million: the value of the contract modification awarded to Ceradyne
  • 28,000: the number of pieces of body armor to be provided by Ceradyne
  • 100,000: the number of Enhanced Combat Helmets produced by Ceradyne for the US Armed Forces
  • 2 million: the number of body armor inserts produced by Ceradyne for the US Armed Forces
  • 2016: the year in which deliveries of the ESAPI contract modification are expected to be completed
  • 3M's annual sales: $32 billion

Sources:

  • 3M
  • Ceradyne, Inc.