Glossary

Q: NIJ Standard 0101.06 - Personal Protection

NIJ Standard 0101.06 defines ballistic resistance requirements for bulletproof vests, helmets, and ballistic plates . It classifies protection into several levels, from NIJ 3A to NIJ 4 , ensuring effectiveness against various threats, from 9mm to armor-piercing ammunition.

Q: STANAG 4569 - Vehicle protection

The STANAG 4569 standard, issued by NATO, is intended to evaluate the protection of military armored vehicles . It covers not only ballistic protection against ammunition (from 5.56 mm to 14.5 mm armor-piercing ) but also against artillery fragments , mine explosions and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) .

Q: NIJ 0108 - Personal Protection

The NIJ 0108.01 standard, established by the National Institute of Justice (USA), is a global benchmark for evaluating the ballistic resistance of rigid shield materials . It defines several levels of protection (from Level I to Level IV), each corresponding to specific calibers and types of ammunition.

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Glossary of Ballistic Protection: Essential Terms and Standards

Understanding the specifics of a ballistic helmet , bulletproof plate , or NIJ standards can be complex. This glossary is designed to help you better understand technical terms related to protective equipment.

Whether you are a military personnel, security professional or tactical equipment enthusiast, find here the essential definitions to help you choose your equipment.

Ballistic protection standards

NIJ (National Institute of Justice) - Personal Protection

American standard that classifies ballistic equipment according to its resistance to bullets and projectiles.

NIJ standards article here.

VPAM (Verbund Panel Prüfverfahren) - Personal protection

European ballistic testing standard, with several levels of protection (VPAM 3, 6, 8, etc.).

VPAM standards article here.

HOSDB KR1 - Personal Protection

British Standard for knife protection. Cut-resistant standard. May extend to KR2 (higher level)

NIJ Standard 0101.06 - Personal Protection

NIJ Standard 0101.06 defines ballistic resistance requirements for bulletproof vests, helmets, and ballistic plates . It classifies protection into several levels, from NIJ 3A to NIJ 4 , ensuring effectiveness against various threats, from 9mm to armor-piercing ammunition.

STANAG 2920 - Vehicle / Personal Protection

NATO standard for resistance to shrapnel and grenade fragments.

STANAG 4569 - Vehicle protection

The STANAG 4569 standard, issued by NATO, is intended to evaluate the protection of military armored vehicles . It covers not only ballistic protection against ammunition (from 5.56 mm to 14.5 mm armor-piercing ) but also against artillery fragments , mine explosions and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) .

NIJ 0108 - Personal Protection

The NIJ 0108.01 standard, established by the National Institute of Justice (USA), is a global benchmark for evaluating the ballistic resistance of rigid shield materials . It defines several levels of protection (from Level I to Level IV), each corresponding to specific calibers and types of ammunition.

Types of Ballistic Plates

Ballistic plate

Rigid or flexible insert used to reinforce a bulletproof vest.

SAPI (Small Arms Protective Insert) plate

Standard-shaped military plates, often 25x30cm

ICW plate (In Conjunction With)

Plate requiring a NIJ 3A vest to be effective.

Stand Alone Plaque

Plate operating alone without additional protection.

UHMWPE plate

Ultra-high density polyethylene plate, lighter, often used for non-armor piercing ammunition.

Ceramic plate

Ballistic insert with an anti-perforating ceramic layer, allowing the piercing projectile to be fragmented.

Trauma Pad

Impact absorbing pad to reduce internal injuries.

Multi-Hit

Ability of a plate or vest to withstand multiple shots.

Backface Deformation (BFD)

Internal deformation caused by the impact of a bullet.

Types of Ballistic Helmets

ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet)

Standard military helmet in the USA, often NIJ 3A

MICH (Modular Integrated Communications Helmet)

Headset optimized for communications and accessories.

High Cut / Low Cut

High Cut : Headphones with open ears for better compatibility with equipment.

Low Cut : Helmet with wider ear coverage, increased protection against splinters.

Bump Helmet

Non-ballistic helmet protecting against impacts and falls.

Kevlar helmet

Ballistic helmet made of aramid fibers.

UHMWPE helmet

Helmet made of ultra-high density polyethylene, lighter.

NVG Shroud

Front bracket for mounting night vision binoculars.

ARC Rails

Side rails allowing the addition of lamps, headphones, etc.

BOA® Harness

Precise tightening system using a wheel.

Munitions and Ballistic Threats

FMJ (Full Metal Jacket)

Jacketed ammunition used in most military weapons.

AP (Armor Piercing)

Armor-piercing ammunition capable of penetrating armor.

SS109

5.56 NATO semi-armor-piercing ammunition.

API BZ

7.62 mm armor-piercing-incendiary ammunition.

MSC (Mild Steel Core)

Ammunition with mild steel core.

M855

5.56 mm NATO ammunition with steel and lead core.

M80

Standard 7.62 mm NATO ammunition.

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Advanced materials

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