The VISM Level III+ SRT Ceramic & PE 6"×6" Curved Ballistic Side Plate is a Special Rifle Threat (SRT) curved ceramic/UHMWPE composite side plate weighing approximately 1.6 lbs (726 g). SKU BP3P66C. It pairs as the lateral companion to the VISM SRT Ceramic/PE full-size front/rear plates, providing ceramic-strike-face Level III+ protection against high-velocity rifle rounds in a body-conforming curved profile for plate carrier side pockets.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | VISM by NcStar |
| SKU | BP3P66C |
| Protection Level | Level III+ SRT (Special Rifle Threat, independently tested) |
| Construction | Silicon Carbide (SiC) Ceramic strike face + UHMWPE backer |
| Dimensions | 6"×6" curved |
| Weight | ~1.6 lbs (726 g) per plate |
| Profile | Single curve (body-conforming) |
| Threats Rated | High-velocity Level III+ SRT rifle threats |
| Application | Side plate pockets; lateral companion to VISM SRT Ceramic/PE front/rear plates |
Product Overview
The VISM SRT Ceramic/PE 6"×6" Curved Side Plate is specifically engineered as the lateral companion panel to the VISM Level III+ SRT Ceramic/PE full-size front and rear plates. When used together, this system provides consistent SRT-level ceramic-strike-face protection to the anterior, posterior, and lateral torso — critical for operators engaged in high-threat environments where armor defeat from steel-core and high-velocity rifle rounds is a documented risk.
The plate uses a Silicon Carbide (SiC) ceramic strike face bonded to a UHMWPE polymer backer. This two-layer architecture is the standard construction for ceramic composite armor: the SiC ceramic layer shatters the incoming projectile core on initial impact — disrupting the nose geometry that allows penetrators to focus force on a small area — while the UHMWPE backer absorbs and stops the remaining projectile fragments and residual energy. SiC is a premium ceramic material chosen for its high hardness (Mohs 9.5) and superior ability to defeat hardened steel-core penetrators compared to lower-cost alumina ceramics.
At ~1.6 lbs per plate, the SRT ceramic side plate is approximately 50% heavier than the UHMWPE-only side plate (BPSD66 at ~1.07 lbs) — a weight penalty that reflects the addition of the ceramic strike face. For operators who require SRT-level protection specifically on the lateral torso — such as those operating in environments with known steel-core ammunition threats — this weight trade-off is justified. The curved profile ensures body conformance and comfort during extended wear, consistent with the design philosophy of the full VISM SRT Ceramic/PE plate system.
Why Silicon Carbide Ceramic?
Silicon Carbide (SiC) ceramic is one of the hardest materials used in body armor, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 9.5 — second only to diamond. This extreme hardness allows SiC to fracture and deform steel-core rifle projectiles (including M855 Green Tip, 7.62×39mm steel-core, and similar penetrators) before they can penetrate the backer. Compared to the more common Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃ / alumina) ceramics used in cost-reduced plates, SiC offers:
- Higher hardness and better defeat of hardened penetrators
- Lower density — SiC plates are lighter for equivalent protection vs. alumina
- Greater thermal stability
- Superior multi-hit performance compared to single-strike-face alumina designs
Pair with the VISM Level III+ SRT Ceramic/PE Ballistic Plate (front/rear) in the Armor Plates & Panels collection for a matching SRT-level protection system. Browse Plate Carriers & Tactical Vests for carriers with compatible side plate pockets.
Frequently Asked Questions
See product FAQ below.
Related searches: curved ceramic side plate, 6x6 curved armor, SRT side plate, VISM curved side plate, NcSTAR ceramic side armor, silicon carbide side plate
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.