WASHINGTON, June 18 (UPI) -- Though ballistic resistance isn't affected, U.S. soldiers should return the 13,000 armor plates that failed Army specifications, Washington officials said.
U.S. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Jimmie Cumming said protective inserts built by Arizona manufacturer ArmorWorks featured beveled edges that weren't included in specifications outlined in the original contract.
"Fortunately, the recalled plates have passed all ballistic tests, so soldiers who may have been using the plates were always properly protected," the Army said in a statement. "However, in order to receive replacement plates under the warranty, all the recalled plates must be turned in."
The U.S. military pulled more than 44,000 combat helmets made by ArmorSource of Ohio in May. The military said the helmets failed ballistic specifications.
The U.S. Army has alternate armor plate contracts with BAE Systems, Armacel and Ceradyne. The plates are designed to stop AK-47 rounds and resist armor-piercing bullets. The ArmorWorks contract was valued at more than $86 million.
The plates were discovered during routine inspections in Iraq and Afghanistan.
