Patriot's Arsenal SAPI Small AP Armor Plate 225x305mm (price for a set of 2 plates) from the Specprom brand — is a balanced combination of protection, weight, and anatomical comfort for men and women. The plates are made to SAPI (Small Arms Protective Inserts) standard and are available in five sizes; model S (225x305 mm) is designed for people with a chest circumference of 93–102 cm and for women with a nipple distance of 186–225 mm. The price is for a set of two plates.

Material and Construction

The plate body is made of armor steel from the world manufacturer SSAB — Armox Advance with a nominal steel sheet thickness of 5 mm and a hardness of 58–63 HRC. Thanks to high-quality steel and processing technology, the plates meet protection class 4 according to DSTU 8782:2018 and demonstrate an additional margin of safety: in laboratory tests, they withstand at least one shot from an AKM 7.62x39 with a 57-BZ-231 (armor-piercing incendiary) bullet.

Lamination, Felt, and Edge Trimming

The front surface is covered with Ukrainian-made ballistic felt, additionally laminated with a PVC layer for moisture protection. The felt is cut to the precise dimensions of the plate and pressed using a multi-hour method for reliable adhesion, which prevents delamination after multiple impacts. The side edge trimming with a density of 800 kgm3 is pressed together with the plate for an hour and a half, which reduces the risk of core ejection when the plate edge is hit.

Mitigation of Backface Trauma

An 8 mm thick EVA damper with a density of 80 kgm3 is installed on the back side. Unlike standard dampers made of foamed polyethylene or rubber (30–35 kgm3), this material practically does not deform over time and more effectively reduces backface (blunt) trauma. The plates show minimal backface deformation when hit by SVD and other sniper rifle rounds.

Ballistic Characteristics and Certification

Each armor plate belongs to a specific batch, has a unique number and production date. Batches are tested in certified laboratories for compliance with DSTU 8782:2018; after successful tests, a certificate and protocol are issued (certificate validity period — 6 months from the date of issue). According to DSTU and protocols, the plate withstands the following loads:

• SVD rifle, 7.62 mm 57-N-323s (LPS) cartridge — bullet velocity 850±15 m/s.
• AK-74 assault rifle, 5.45 mm cartridge, 7N10s (PP) bullet — bullet velocity 910±15 m/s.

Additionally, the plate withstands shots from an AKM 7.62x39 with a 57-BZ-231 bullet and 5.45x39 cartridges with a 7N6M bullet. Please note that since 1989, instead of LPS, a cartridge with an ST-M2 bullet (core hardness 65 HRC) has been produced, which is an analog of the B-32 bullet for protection class 6.

Shape, Dimensions, and Weight Characteristics

The plate has an anatomical curve across its width, corresponding to the shape of the chest; the corners are cut for freedom of movement and ease of use of firearms. Dimensions — 225x305 mm, total plate thickness with coatings — 21 mm. The protection area is 6.5 dm3. The weight of one plate — 2.8 kg, the weight of a set of two plates — 5.6 kg.

Advantages of Armor Steel over Ceramics

The armor steel construction is not single-use, unlike many ceramic counterparts: the plate withstands several shots and does not require immediate replacement after the first hit. The backface deformation of armor steel is significantly less, so in the absence of an additional ballistic package, the risk of severe injuries (rib fractures, damage to internal organs) is reduced. Armor steel distributes bullet energy over a larger area, which reduces the traumatic impact.

Technical Specifications

Brand: Specprom. Product Type: Military Equipment > Armor Plates. This plate is designed to provide reliable protection, minimize backface trauma, and have a long service life compared to single-use ceramic counterparts. Before use, ensure that the plate carrier matches the size of the SAPI plates.

Other products in this category here Armor Plates