Glossary

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

NIJ standards article here.

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

VPAM standards article here.

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

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.

NATO standard for resistance to shrapnel and grenade fragments.

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) .

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.

Rigid or flexible insert used to reinforce a bulletproof vest.

Standard-shaped military plates, often 25x30cm

Plate requiring a NIJ 3A vest to be effective.

Plate operating alone without additional protection.

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

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

Impact absorbing pad to reduce internal injuries.

Ability of a plate or vest to withstand multiple shots.

Internal deformation caused by the impact of a bullet.

Standard military helmet in the USA, often NIJ 3A

Headset optimized for communications and accessories.

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

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

Non-ballistic helmet protecting against impacts and falls.

Ballistic helmet made of aramid fibers.

Helmet made of ultra-high density polyethylene, lighter.

Front bracket for mounting night vision binoculars.

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

Precise tightening system using a wheel.

Jacketed ammunition used in most military weapons.

Armor-piercing ammunition capable of penetrating armor.

5.56 NATO semi-armor-piercing ammunition.

7.62 mm armor-piercing-incendiary ammunition.

Ammunition with mild steel core.

5.56 mm NATO ammunition with steel and lead core.

Standard 7.62 mm NATO ammunition.