DESCRIPTION:
The Soldier Protection System (SPS) is the Army’s next-generation Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) system. SPS is a modular, scalable, tailorable system designed to defeat current threats at a reduced weight in comparison to the Army’s existing PPE. The SPS is based on the parallel development of five subsystems.
The Vital Torso Protection (VTP) variants include lighter weight Enhanced Small Arm Protective Inserts/Enhanced Side Ballistic Inserts (ESAPI/ESBI), as well as the X Threat Small Arms Protective Inserts (XSAPI) and X Threat Side Ballistic Inserts (XSBI) for deployers.
The Torso and Extremity Protection (TEP) is further comprised of multiple components, including the Modular Scalable Vest (MSV), the Ballistic Combat Shirt (BCS), the Blast Pelvic Protector (BPP) and Ballistic Battle Belt (B3).
The Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) will include a 5 percent lighter weight helmet system composed of helmet/maxillofacial and passive hearing protection with increased blunt impact performance.
The Transition Combat Eye Protection (TCEP) will include ballistic protective eyewear capable of transitioning from light to dark and dark to light in less than one second, providing a 10 percent increase in fragmentation. This capability aids Soldiers in a combat environment to move rapidly in varying light conditions.
BENEFIT TO THE WARFIGHTER
SPS increases the warfighter’s lethality, mobility and modularity by optimizing Soldier protection while effectively reducing weight with the latest technologies and managing all life cycle aspects of personal protective equipment. SPS replaces the capability of multiple current systems to provide the Soldier with an overall 10 percent weight reduction. SPS provides the Soldier with multiple levels of ballistic protection tailorable to a broad range of missions. This modular, scalable approach increases Soldier survivability and mobility and contributes to increased force protection.
SPECIFICATIONS:
VTP achieves 7-14 percent weight reduction over the current plates
- ESAPI and XSAPI sizes: XS, S, S-Long, M, L and XL. Two additional sizes are in development XS-Short and S-Short to accommodate smaller-statured Soldiers.
- ESBI and XSBI sizes: Small 6×6 inches, Medium 6×8 inches and Large 7×8 inches
- Weight (Medium size): ESAPI = 5 pounds (7 percent reduction); ESBI = 1.99 pounds (9 percent reduction); XSAPI = 5.5 pounds (7 percent reduction); XSBI = 2.20 pounds (14 percent reduction)
TEP achieves 18.98 percent weight reduction over current soft armor vest/plate carrier
- Number of sizes: MSV= 8; BCS = 10; BPP = 6; B3 = 3
- Weight (Medium size): MSV GEN II = 7.6 pounds; BCS = 2.95 pounds; BPP = 1.6 pounds; B3 = 1.7 pounds
IHPS provides Soldiers Threat M protection and, with a ballistic applique, has the capability to adapt to Threat P rifle protection, the most prevalent threat in theater. Each of the IHPS components has a separate purchase description: Modular Helmet, Ballistic Appliqué Visor, Mandible, Helmet Cover and Retention System
PROGRAM STATUS
1QFY17:
- IHPS Milestone C, entering Production
- TCEP Milestone C, entering Production
2QFY17: Integrated Soldier Sensor System Milestone C, entering Production and Fielding
4QFY17: IHPS Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Award
2QFY18: IHPS LRIP first lot delivery
3QFY18: TEP B3 Award
4QFY18:
- TEP MSV Justification and Approval (J&A)
- TEP BPP J&A
- TEP Load Distribution System/B3 J&A
PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
1QFY19:
- Award E and X Torso and Side Ballistic Insert First Article Test contracts
- TCEP Long Term Durability Study
- TCEP LRIP Delivery
- TCEP Authorized Protective Eyewear List Addition
2QFY19:
- TEP Acquisition Plan Approval
- TEP BCS Follow-on Production Award
4QFY19:
- TEP MSV Follow-on Production Award
- TEP Improved Outer Tactical Vest repurposing
2QFY20: TEP B3 Follow-on Production Award
4QFY20:
- TEP BPP Follow-on Production Award
- Next Generation (NG) IHPS
2QFY19: NG IHPS Full Rate Production (FRP) decision
3QFY19: NG IHPS FRP solicitation
1QFY20:
- NG IHPS FRP Contract Award
- NG IHPS FRP Production Readiness Review
3QFY20: NG IHPS FRP First Article Test complete
2QFY21: NG IHPS FRP lot deliveries start