Flexible Ceramic Armour (FCA) is an innovative lightweight armour system developed by RAFAEL Armament Development Authority and based on the concept of a special ceramic composite.

This concept is being proposed by RAFAEL for a wide variety of applications ranging from add-on armour for personal protection vests, light vehicles, armoured personnel carriers and helicopters.

FCA armour is capable of defeating attack by rounds of up to 7.62 mm armour-piercing. The special structure of FCA is claimed to provide a better multiple-hit protection capability at a lower weight when compared to standard ceramic tile armour. The typical weight against 7.62 mm armour-piercing is 38 kg/mz.

The concept is based on special layers of ceramic spheres which break and deflect the projectile. This process dramatically reduces the residual penetration of the projectile or its fragments, thereby preventing penetration of the backing material.

The FCA uses specially designed ceramic elements and metallic or non-metallic backing materials. These are all low-cost, off-the-shelf commercial materials which meet military standards.

The flexibility of the FCA enables design and manufacture of armour to fit the spaces of the protected body or structure. It offers easy fitting to required shapes and sizes without special tools, thus simplifying installation.

Development complete. Ready for production.