Flexible ballistic plate - NIJ 3++ API BZ / VPAM 8
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FI/RA Ballistic Plates – High Performance Protection
💥 In case of out of stock, pre-order available - delivery within 2 weeks.
📦 Ballistic plates are sold individually (side plates in pairs).
Technical data
| Model | SA Weight | ICW Weight | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| FI/RA FLEX | 2.3 kg (±5%) | 2.0 kg (±5%) | 24mm SA / 21mm ICW |
| Side plates (pair) | 1.4 kg (PRO) / 1.6 kg (FLEX) | – | – |
Flexible plates are among the lightest and most flexible on the market for their level of protection. They improve comfort in vehicles and in difficult firing positions, while offering high multi-impact resistance. Proven in Ukraine and adopted by forces in Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and the Middle East.
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Patented technology : encapsulated ceramic + rear composite.
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Multi-axial flexibility: follows the body, comfort in vehicle and when shooting.
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Optimized lightness : better weight/protection ratio.
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Multi-impact & perforation : meets military standards.
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Reduction of trauma: backface deformation ≤ 35 mm (25 mm on perforator).
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Rounded edges, waterproof cover, flat storage.
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Made in France and guaranteed for 5 years.
To learn more about flexible plates, go here
Protection level: NIJ 3++ API BZ
Protects against:
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7.62×51 M80 NATO
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7.62×39 API BZ
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7.62×54 R LPS
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5.56×45 M193 / M855 (SS109)
Advantage : reinforced protection against AK-type armor-piercing ammunition (API BZ) while remaining lighter and more maneuverable than a NIJ IV.
Ballistic tests (NIJ laboratory)
| Caliber | Speed | Shots | Standard | Sinking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.62×51 M80 NATO | 847 m/s | 6 | NIJ 0101.06 | 33 mm |
| 7.62×39 API BZ | 740 m/s | 2 | NIJ 0101.06 (specific) | 24.5 mm |
| 7.62×54 R LPS | 870 m/s | 2 | NIJ 0101.06 (specific) | 41 mm |
Available formats
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SAPI 25×30 cm
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SAPI L 26×33 cm (on request)
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Swimmer-Cut 25×30 cm
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Side plates 15×15 cm
Composition
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Fibers: UHMWPE (Dyneema®) / Para-Aramid (Dupont®)
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Ceramic: Alumina (Coorstek®)
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Cover: Polyamide + PU coating
Interview
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Clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
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No detergent.
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Air dry.
Our advice
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Why choose a BZ API?
This level is designed to stop formidable armor-piercing threats like the 7.62×39 API BZ, widely used in AK rifles circulating on the black market. Ideal for intervention forces, special units, or high-risk missions where the classic NIJ III is no longer sufficient. -
Adding a trauma pad
Combining an anti-trauma insert behind the plate reduces rear deflection and significantly improves comfort during prolonged exposures or multiple shots. -
Practical points
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Check compatibility with your plate holder (SAPI format).
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For intensive operational use, favor the plate + traumapad configuration.
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NIJ (National Institute of Justice)
The most widely used American standard for certifying ballistic protection. Defines levels (II, IIIA, III, IV) according to the calibers and ammunition tested.
ICW (In Conjunction With)
Plate designed to be used with soft armor (NIJ 3A) to achieve its advertised level of protection.
Stand Alone (SA)
Self-contained plate that does not require a flexible insert behind it. Thicker and heavier than an ICW, but more practical.
SAPI (Small Arms Protective Insert)
NATO standard format for ballistic plates (≈ 25 × 30 cm). Serves as a reference for plate carrier compatibility.
Swimmer-Cut / Shooter-Cut
Specific plate cutouts to improve arm and shoulder mobility (shooting, swimming, close combat).
Backface deformation (BFD) / Trauma
The amount of deformation of a plate on impact, measured in mm. The lower it is, the less blunt force the wearer experiences.
Multi-hit / Multi-impact
A plate's ability to withstand multiple close-quarters shots without loss of performance.
UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene)
Ultra-light synthetic ballistic fiber (e.g. Dyneema®). Very strong and used for rigid or flexible plates.
Alumina
Ceramic commonly used in plates to break and slow projectiles. Less expensive but heavier than boron carbide.
Boron carbide
High-end ceramic, lighter and more resistant, used for high-level plates (NIJ IV).
MSC (Mild Steel Core)
Ammunition with a mild steel core, typical of the 7.62×39 AK-47.
NIJ 3++ SS109
Our NIJ 3++ plates stop:
- 5.56×45 SS109 / M855 — Partial steel core bullet, common on AR-15/M4 platforms.
- 5.56×45 M855A1 — more energetic variant of the M855, reinforced core.
- 7.62×39 (MSC) — standard AK-47 cartridge, often with a mild steel core.
- 7.62×51 M80 NATO — standard high-power NATO rifle bullet.
These rounds are light to medium rifle threats; our 3++ plates offer enhanced protection while remaining mobile.
NIJ 3++ API BZ
Our API BZ plates stop:
- 5.56 armor-piercing (API BZ) — bullets designed to pierce light armor thanks to a hard core.
- 7.62 piercing (API BZ) — piercing versions intended to penetrate standard protections.
Profile designed for hard-core projectiles (armor-piercing); protection focused on neutralizing armor-piercing munitions.
NIJ 4
Our NIJ 4 plates stop:
- .30-06 M2 AP — NIJ reference armor-piercing ammunition (high energy, hard core).
- 7.62×51 armor-piercing — high-penetration NATO caliber AP variants.
- 7.62×39 armor-piercing — armor-piercing versions of the AK caliber, with high penetration capacity.
NIJ Maximum Level: Designed to stop large caliber armor-piercing projectiles and provide the highest resistance.