What Type of Armor is the Level III+ Body Armor?
The first thing you should know about bulletproof vests if you are new to the field is that not all armor is created equal. Each type is made to withstand a specific range of projectiles and calibers. As a result, it’s critical to be familiar with the various types of armor and what they can do to keep you safe. It is the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) that oversees and establishes the standards for all types of body armor sold in the United States.
Level III+ body armor adds an additional layer of protection to the standard plate. The NIJ does not recognize Level III+ body armor, although most manufacturers use it to signify protection against NIJ threat level III and M855 and M193 threats. The bulk of dangers are covered with level III+ body armor or plate at a reasonable weight and expense. It’s now a matter of deciphering whether the armor is soft or hard. Armor made of aramid threads, UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene), or a mix of UHMWPE and aramids prevents the spinning motion of the projectile, which dissipates its penetration power, making it more flexible and less prone to damage. Concealed soft armor is the greatest option for long-distance missions, such as patrol, because it is more flexible and lighter than hard armor.
Cost and stopping power dictate which materials are used to construct various forms of hard armor. Steel armor is the lightest and most affordable, but it is also the deadliest since it scatters fragments of a bullet upon impact, posing a serious threat to innocent onlookers and the officer wearing it. In terms of weight, ceramic is the heaviest but also the most expensive because of its chemical complexity. Instead of absorbing the bullet and depending on the back face to stop the projectile, ceramic armor avoids spalling. Polyethylene is the heaviest and least expensive of the three choices. Plates with Level III+ body armor polyethylene can withstand bullets up to and including 7.62mm/.308 caliber, making them ideal for use in the field.
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