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Karl.Masters · 06-09-2006, 16:41

Skeeter8654,

Thanks for your operational observations on ESAPI vs. 7.62x54R API. At the end of the day that is exactly what it's all about.

The Defense Contract Management Agency has on site QA reps that select a random sample of ESAPI plates for quality assurance ballistic testing from each and every production lot of ESAPI - from every manufacturer that is qualified to build ESAPI for the Army. There are only 6 that have passed the ESAPI First Artical Test protocol and are qualified and under contract to build these plates.

To ensure ESAPI plates maintain consistently high ballistic performance in combat, an ESAPI from every sample pulled from every lot from every manufacturer gets tested against 7.62x54R B-32 API - before the lot is accepted by PEO Soldier.

Each and every ESAPI lot is tested against the B-32 API threat. That means that we do quite a bit of testing, but this is a small price to pay to ensure that Soldiers get kit that they can rely on to perform when it counts.

It also gives us confidence that any material problem, process change, or any other factor affecting ESAPI ballistic performance is detected - before it gets to an Operator/Soldier/Marine/Airman/Sailor in combat.

Karl

06-09-2006, 16:41	#65
Karl.Masters Quiet Professional Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Culpeper, Virginia Posts: 203	ESAPI Quality Assurance Testing Skeeter8654, Thanks for your operational observations on ESAPI vs. 7.62x54R API. At the end of the day that is exactly what it's all about. The Defense Contract Management Agency has on site QA reps that select a random sample of ESAPI plates for quality assurance ballistic testing from each and every production lot of ESAPI - from every manufacturer that is qualified to build ESAPI for the Army. There are only 6 that have passed the ESAPI First Artical Test protocol and are qualified and under contract to build these plates. To ensure ESAPI plates maintain consistently high ballistic performance in combat, an ESAPI from every sample pulled from every lot from every manufacturer gets tested against 7.62x54R B-32 API - before the lot is accepted by PEO Soldier. Each and every ESAPI lot is tested against the B-32 API threat. That means that we do quite a bit of testing, but this is a small price to pay to ensure that Soldiers get kit that they can rely on to perform when it counts. It also gives us confidence that any material problem, process change, or any other factor affecting ESAPI ballistic performance is detected - before it gets to an Operator/Soldier/Marine/Airman/Sailor in combat. Karl
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