Body armor is an essential component of safety for many people in today’s world. The advances in technology have resulted in enhancement in the materials used to make body armor, as well as the standards used to test how well the armor performs in protecting its wearer against incoming ballistic threats. In this article, we will discuss the different types of body armor in use today, the materials they are made of, and the standards and tests used to measure the various performance characteristics of body armor.
Soft body armor is the most commonly used type of armor today. It is designed to absorb the energy of an incoming projectile and to spread the force of the impact across a greater area. It is usually made of a number of layers of ballistic fabric, such as Kevlar or Spectra Shield, that are tightly woven together. It is relatively lightweight, comfortable to wear, and is available in vest and jacket styles.
Hard body armor is heavier, more rigid, and more expensive than soft body armor but it provides a higher level of protection. It is usually made of two plates of steel, ceramic, or composite material, which are fitted into a carrier vest. It is designed to provide protection against rifle-fired ammunition and other high-velocity threats. It is more effective at stopping bullets than soft body armor but it is more uncomfortable to wear and it is more bulky and restrict movement.
Standards and tests are used to evaluate the quality and performance of body armor. The National Institute of Justice issues standards that measure how well armor performs against certain specified threats. It also awards performance ratings (N/A, IIA, II, IIIA, III, and IV) depending on how well armor performed against those threats. Testing for these ratings often involves shooting the armor with projectiles similar to those used in the threats.
After evaluating the type of armor needed and its expected performance, quality of materials and construction is of paramount importance when selecting an armor. Quality body armor is made from specially-formulated fabrics, advanced weaving processes and sophisticated construction techniques. Each armor piece is then tested to ensure it meets the standards and performance requirements.
In conclusion, body armor is an essential component of safety for many people. It is available in a variety of types, materials, and constructions to suit different requirements. It is tested and assessed to measure its ability to resist specific ballistic threats. Quality materials, construction, and testing are mandatory when selecting an armor.
