SAPI
Military abbreviation · Weapon and Military Equipment
| Stands for | Small Arms Protective Insert |
|---|---|
| Categories | Military |
SAPI stands for Small Arms Protective Insert, a weapon and military equipment abbreviation.
Ceramic armor plate inserted into the front and back of US body armor vests to stop rifle bullets. Improved versions are called Enhanced SAPI (ESAPI), with side plates protecting the torso's flanks.
Example: Make sure both SAPI plates are in your vest before we roll out.
Usage notes
SAPI plates were introduced with the Interceptor body armor around 1999. Cracked plates must be replaced, so they are inspected with X-rays. Plate weight is a constant complaint, prompting lighter designs.
Related abbreviations
More weapon and military equipment abbreviations
- PAC-3 – Patriot Advanced Capability-3
- PGM – Precision-guided munition
- PrSM – Precision Strike Missile
- RPG – Ruchnoy protivotankovy granatomyot (hand-held anti-tank grenade…
- SA – Small arms
- SAM – Surface-to-air missile
- SAW – Squad automatic weapon
- SDB – Small Diameter Bomb
- SLBM – Submarine-launched ballistic missile
- SMG – Submachine gun
- SRBM – Short-range ballistic missile
- TEL – Transporter erector launcher