Plastic deformation and tensile failure of SiC particle-dispersed aluminum alloy matrix composites were investigated both under dynamic and quasi-static loading conditions. The corresponding unreinforced matrix alloy was also examined. The effects of strain rate on the tensile responses of these composites were determined using the Split Hopkinson bar. The microstructures and fracture surfaces of the specimens of each composite were determined using SEM. The experimental results show that the flow stresses of composites increase with an increase of volume fraction of SiC particle. Microscopic examination revealed tensile failure of the composites is controlled by cracking of reinforcement particles.