NIJ 3++ SS109 / VPAM 7 flexible ballistic plate

FI/RA FLEX™ Ballistic Plates – Flexible Insert / Rifle Armor

Availability: Pre-order available in case of stock shortage – delivery within 2 weeks
Sales unit: Plates sold individually (side plates sold in pairs)

Technical data

Our recommendations

Why choose SS109 (M855)?
SS109 provides a broader protection spectrum than standard NIJ III. It notably stops 5.56×45 rounds with partial steel core (M855 / SS109). It is an excellent compromise for users not exposed to heavy battlefield threats but seeking enhanced protection without going up to NIJ IV level. Ideal for private security, auxiliary forces, moderate high-risk operations, and civilians prioritizing mobility.

Pairing a trauma pad with SS109
Placing a soft trauma pad behind the plate significantly reduces backface deformation and blunt force injuries. Recommended for frequent or prolonged wear, or in multi-hit exposure scenarios, improving both comfort and safety.

Practical points

• Check compatibility (SAPI format 25×30 cm)
• Consider configuration: ICW = plate + level IIIA insert / SA = standalone plate
• For intensive operational use, prioritize plate + trauma pad setup

Protection level: NIJ 3++ SS109

Stops:
5.56×45 SS109 / M855 – 7.62×51 NATO M80 – 7.62×39 MSC (AK-47)

Advantage:
Lighter and more mobile than Level IV, while offering greater protection than standard NIJ III.

Available formats

• SAPI 25×30 cm
• Swimmer Cut 25×30 cm
• Side plates 15×15 cm

Composition

• Fibers: UHMWPE (Dyneema®) / Para-aramid (DuPont®)
• Ceramic: Alumina (CoorsTek®)
• Outer cover: Polyamide with PU coating

Maintenance

• Clean with a damp cloth or sponge
• Do not use detergent
• Air dry

Flexible plates are among the lightest and most flexible on the market for their level of protection. They improve comfort in vehicles and constrained shooting positions, while offering high multi-impact resistance. Field-proven in Ukraine and adopted by forces in Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, and the Middle East.

• Patented technology: encapsulated ceramic + composite backing
• Multi-axis flexibility: conforms to the body, improved comfort
• Optimized weight: best weight/protection ratio
• Multi-hit & penetration resistance: compliant with military standards
• Trauma reduction: backface deformation ≤ 35 mm (25 mm on armor-piercing rounds)
• Rounded edges, waterproof cover, flat storage recommended

Made in France – 5-year warranty

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.