Armor Plate for Military & Law Enforcement
Armor plate is protective panels made from materials such as steel, ceramic, or composite fibers, designed to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy from projectiles and shrapnel, thereby reducing the likelihood of penetration and injury. These plates are integral to modern body armor systems and military vehicles, enhancing the survivability of personnel and equipment in hostile environments. Typically incorporated into vests, helmets, and vehicle armor, armor plates provide varying levels of protection depending on their construction and the threat level they are designed to counter.
Armor plates are used to protect both personnel and vehicles against a variety of threats, including small and large-caliber rounds, shrapnel, and explosions.
Forged titanium alloy RF2-rated body armor plate by Adept Armor
Ballistic armor plates for military and law enforcement personnel are typically inserted into a plate carrier, which may be worn either under or over clothing depending on the size of the plates and the requirements of the mission. A number of different types are available, including ceramic, steel, polyethylene and titanium armor plates. Plates can also be classified as SA (stand-alone) or ICW (in conjunction with). ICW armor plates require a backing of soft armor in order to function as intended, whereas SA armor plates do not.
Protection Levels
Body armor plates may be rated according to a number of standards and systems. One of the most common is the United States National Institute of Justice (NIJ) classification system. Until recently, this placed armor into Level II, Level IIA, Level III, Level IIIA, or Level IV categories. These have since been replaced with HG1, HG2, RF1, RF2 and RF3, where the first two ratings are for handgun threats and the next three for rifle threats.
Armor Plates for Military Vehicles
Vehicle armor plates may be used to protect tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, as well as vehicles intended for transport of cargo or personnel. Compared to body armor, they may need to survive more powerful threats such as anti-tank weapons, mines and IEDs. They may be constructed from a range of materials, including steel, aluminum, titanium, depleted uranium, polymers, and ceramics. Composite vehicle armor has also been developed that utilizes two or more layers made from materials with different properties.
Military vehicle armor is typically designed according to STANAG 4569 standards, which lays out six different levels of protection requirements.
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