COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army announced it has contracted California-based Ceradyne Inc. to supply ceramic body armor for use at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.
Ceradyne is a developer of advanced technical ceramic products and components for defense and industrial industries among other markets.
Under a $107 million deal, the company will supply the Army with enhanced small arms protective inserts. Company officials say their ceramics insert armor technology offers a lightweight and durable advantage over conventional armor materials like plastics and metals.
The "advanced technical ceramics are the foundation for the lightest, most durable body armor used for small to medium caliber protection available. Our patented advanced body armor technology uses boron carbide, silicon carbide, and alumina products to provide advanced protection for the entire body including vulnerable areas such as the hips, legs, and arms," the company said.
"We are pleased to have received this ESAPI order as it gives our company visibility through May of next year," David Reed, Ceradyne president of North American operations, said in a statement. "Utilizing the Lexington, Kentucky, facility and the Costa Mesa and Irvine, California plants, we expect to meet the Army's quality and delivery requirements."
