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.
Overview Armor Plate for Military & Law Enforcement
By Mike Ball Last updated: December 3rd, 2024

Armor plates are used to protect both personnel and vehicles against a variety of threats, including small and large-caliber rounds, shrapnel, and explosions.

Armor Plate Titanium by Adept Armor

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.

Products (8)

Colossus Armor Plate

Next-generation ceramic Level IV body armor plate

Next-generation ceramic Level IV body armor plate
Colossus is the world’s most protective ceramic armor plate, featuring a strike-face constructed...
Colossus Side Plates

Ceramic armor side plates providing lateral Level IV coverage

Ceramic armor side plates providing lateral Level IV coverage
Colossus side plates are designed to be worn alongside the Colossus torso plate, providing maximum...
Thunder Armor Plate

Ultralight body armor plate providing Level 3+/RF2 protection

Ultralight body armor plate providing Level 3+/RF2 protection
Thunder is an RF2-rated armor plate with a strike face engineered from Adept Armor's next-generation...
Mantis Titanium Armor Plate

Forged titanium alloy RF2-rated body armor plate

Forged titanium alloy RF2-rated body armor plate
Adept Armor's Mantis body armor features a forged multi-curved titanium alloy plate with...
Storm Foundation Armor Plate

Ultralight body armor plate with modular addon capabilities

Ultralight body armor plate with modular addon capabilities
The Storm Foundation is an ultra-light body armor plate that forms the base of Adept Armor's modular...
Storm Foundation Side Plates

Composite fiber side plates for Level III lateral protection

Composite fiber side plates for Level III lateral protection
Storm Foundation side plates are designed to be worn alongside the Foundation torso plate or any...
Storm Titanium Armor Plate

Modular add-on plate with standalone Level IIIa capabilities

Modular add-on plate with standalone Level IIIa capabilities
Storm Titanium is an addon to the Storm Foundation torso plate that upgrades the system to full RF2...
Storm Disruptor Armor Plate

Modular add-on plate for full RF3/Level IV protection

Modular add-on plate for full RF3/Level IV protection
Storm Disruptor is an addon to the Storm Foundation torso plate that upgrades the system to full...

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Cutting-Edge Body Armor Systems & Personal Protective Gear for Military, Law Enforcement & Security Personnel

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