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Why did the Osprey Assault body armour system use slimmer ceramic plates?
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armour
The development of Western body armour through the centuries.
The Osprey Assault body armour system incorporated slimmer ceramic plates to enhance the mobility of soldiers. This design was specifically introduced in response to combat conditions during the Afghanistan War, where troops were frequently engaged in foot patrols rather than operating from within armoured vehicles.
By utilizing slimmer plates in conjunction with a new helmet design, the system allowed soldiers a greater range of movement, particularly when adopting prone firing positions. While these advancements were critical for operational effectiveness, the overall kit remained a significant physical burden, weighing nearly 28 pounds (12.5 kg).1