Model 8002: Max Heavy Tungsten RF3 Silicon Carbide Ceramic Armor Plate

The ultimate tungsten-defeating armor plate with silicon carbide strike face. The Model 8002 Max Heavy Tungsten delivers RF3+ protection against the most challenging threats including M993, M995, and Swiss P AP tungsten projectiles, making it one of the strongest ceramic armor plates on the market.

This armor was field tested by 3rBallistics on YouTube:

Key Features:

• Tungsten projectile protection - Stops M993, M995, and Swiss P AP 196g tungsten rounds including multiple crown shots
• Field tested - successful against .30 M2AP, M993, M963, P80 AP, 7.62 x 51mm API, 5.56 FMJ, M855, M855A1, burst of 5.56 FMJ centered on armor, 416 Rem Mag (350g solid brass), 300 Win Mag 196g tungsten, 7.62 x 39mm THOR, RAUG 63g AP, 300 Win Mag M80A1, THOR 300 Win Mag, P80 300 Win Mag,
• Silicon carbide strike face - Significant, high-purity silicon carbide provides superior hardness and performance beyond alumina plates
• RF3+ overbuilt design - Exceeds standard RF3 requirements with built-in redundancies for maximum reliability
• GTS ShardLock™ fragmentation control - Full ceramic fragmentation control eliminates spall concerns. Note that edge shots can create ceramic fragmentation.
• Mosaic ceramic configuration - Superior multi-hit capability with damage containment in smaller zones
• Built-in trauma pad - Integrated 0.25" trauma pad provides additional backface deformation protection
• Made in the USA - Manufactured with the world's strongest materials and proprietary ARMORFILM™ adhesives

Technical Specifications:

Ballistic Performance & Design:

The Model 8002 represents the pinnacle of ceramic armor technology, specifically engineered to defeat tungsten-core armor-piercing projectiles that can penetrate standard RF3 plates. The developmental history of this plate resulted from a custom project to develop armor that could resist multiple crown shots from M993, M995, and Swiss P AP tungsten projectiles - some of the most challenging threats in existence.

This plate exceeds standard RF3 requirements by stopping .30-06 M2 AP at 2880 fps plus tungsten projectiles including M993 (crown shot), M995, and Swiss P AP 196g (crown shot). Crown shot testing is particularly significant as it represents impacts at the center of the plate's curve where the ceramic is thinnest and most vulnerable. Successfully stopping multiple tungsten crown shots demonstrates exceptional construction and reliability. Ballistic test reports are here.

The Model 8002 exceeds the capabilities of alumina armor plates and most silicon carbide monolithic armor. The full 8.3-pound configuration makes it one of the strongest ceramic armor plates on the market. For users who prioritize weight reduction, the plate can be manufactured at 7.5 or 7.7-pound weights while still meeting NIJ RF3 requirements against .30 M2AP.

Silicon Carbide Advantage:

Silicon carbide (SSiC) is one of the hardest ceramic materials available, significantly harder than the alumina used in most armor plates. This superior hardness is critical for defeating tungsten-core projectiles, which are denser and harder than standard steel-core armor-piercing rounds. The high-purity silicon carbide strike face in the Model 8002 provides the extreme hardness needed to fracture and defeat these advanced threats.

The mosaic configuration of the silicon carbide tiles provides superior multi-hit capability. When a projectile impacts the plate, the damage is contained within the affected tile and immediately surrounding area, while the rest of the plate maintains its full protective capability. This is the best performing ceramic armor configuration for multi-hit scenarios, particularly important when facing multiple tungsten projectile impacts.

Overbuilt Construction & Durability:

The Model 8002 is described as "overbuilt" because it incorporates built-in redundancies and engineering margins far beyond the minimum requirements to pass RF3 testing. This high-performance armor is rigorously designed for rough handling and is ready to be dropped, submerged, and handled daily. The robust construction ensures reliability even under challenging field conditions.

GTS ShardLock™ fragmentation control provides ceramic spall control on the strike face, eliminating concerns about ceramic fragments becoming secondary projectiles. Complete destruction of the plate will result in some fragmentation.  The ShardLock™ works best with one or two shots near the center of the armor. 

The edge-to-edge ceramic coverage with standalone protection means no soft armor backing is required for ballistic performance. The built-in trauma pad provides additional protection against backface deformation and blunt force trauma.

All components are bonded using proprietary ARMORFILM™ adhesives that are 100% sourced and manufactured in the USA. The controlled pressure manufacturing process ensures consistent bonding and performance across every plate. The single-curve design provides compatibility with most standard plate carriers, while the 1.2-inch thickness accommodates the robust construction needed for tungsten projectile protection.

Applications & Use Cases:

The Model 8002 is ideal for military personnel, law enforcement special operations units, security professionals, and civilians who face the highest-level threats including tungsten-core armor-piercing ammunition. This plate is specifically designed for scenarios where standard RF3 protection may not be sufficient and maximum armor-piercing resistance is required.

The overbuilt design with built-in redundancies makes it particularly well-suited for high-risk environments where armor reliability is absolutely critical. The GTS ShardLock™ fragmentation control provides additional confidence in close-quarters scenarios where ceramic spall could pose risks to nearby personnel.

Available in multiple weight configurations (7.5, 7.7, or 8.3 pounds) to balance protection level with wearability needs. The full 8.3-pound configuration provides maximum tungsten projectile protection, while lighter configurations still meet standard RF3 requirements. The standalone design means no soft armor backing is required, simplifying your armor system while maintaining RF3+ protection.

*Multi-hit armor piercing capabilities dependent on shot placement. Test performed on a slightly thinner plate but with same polyethylene.

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