63 Important Facts & Statistics About Body Armor and Global Ballistics
Welcome to our Body Armor Facts and Statistics Page. At IntelAlytic, we're dedicated to advancing the understanding and effectiveness of body armor for those who protect us—law enforcement, security personnel, and anyone that's simply curious.
At IntelAlytic, we strive to empower our users with knowledge and innovative solutions, ensuring everyone from front-line defenders to the general public understands the critical importance of body armor.
Our aim is to provide you with the knowledge and resources to better understand its impact and development. Let’s get right into the detailed statistics that highlight the life-saving benefits of body armor.
Although commonly referred to as "bulletproof," body armor should more accurately be described as bullet-resistant. This protective gear, also known as ballistic vests, is designed to absorb and disperse the energy of bullets or fragments from explosions, significantly reducing the risk of penetration. However, it's important to understand that no body armor offers absolute invulnerability. While these vests can prevent many projectiles from penetrating, the force absorbed can still result in injuries such as bruises or other internal impacts. Therefore, while body armor significantly enhances safety, it's not entirely impervious to bullet force.
Is Body Armor Bulletproof?
A Few Key Body Armor & Global Ballistic Statistics
From the article The Essential Guide to NIJ's CJTEC Body Armor Management and CTP Clarifications, here are five unique facts about body armor:
1. Since 2009, the NIJ has issued 23 clarifications which have significantly influenced body armor standards.
2. CTP 2015:01 introduced specific testing protocols for Type III armor plates, adapting to advances in armor technology.
3. CTP 2021:02 focused on ensuring the stab resistance of personal body armor complies with NIJ Standard 0115.00.
4. The CTP manages an exhaustive list of body armor models that have been tested and found compliant, supporting law enforcement agencies in making informed choices.
5. The clarifications cover diverse aspects including labeling permanency (CTP 2009:01) and materials used in armor (CTP 2018:01).
You can view more Body Armor & Ballistics information from our Intelalytic insights.
A Quick Look at 5 Key Global Ballistics Statistics
Below are just a few statistics from our 2024 Guide to Global Ballistic Standards: Essential Insights for Body Armor:
6. Type II NIJ Armor: Tested against 9mm FMJ RN bullets with a velocity of 398 m/s and .357 Magnum JSP bullets at 436 m/s.
7. UL Level 3: This standard stops .44 Magnum 240 grain lead semi-wadcutter gas-checked bullets at a speed between 1350 to 1485 fps.
8. VPAM PM 14: Designed to protect against 14.5×114mm API bullets at velocities of 911±10 m/s.
9. GA141 Level 3: Specially tailored for 7.62×25mm Tokarev rounds fired from a type 79 submachine gun, demonstrating higher-velocity impact resistance.
10. MIL-STD-662F: Specifies the V50 ballistic test, determining the velocity where 50% bullet penetration occurs, a crucial statistic for military armor performance evaluation.
54 More Global Ballistics & Body Armor Facts & Statistics We’ve Gathered
11. Level IV rifle plates stop the 7.62MM AP “Black Tip”, which is a .30-06 armor-piercing bullet, in one strike. - Source: How To Choose The Appropriate Body Armor
12. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) reevaluates and updates body armor standards every five to ten years. - Source: How Wearing Body Armor Saves Lives
13. Soft body armor includes carrier vests to which soft bulletproof armor plates can be inserted, offering less comprehensive side protection. - Source: Where to Buy a Bulletproof Vest?
14. Bulletproof vests, regardless of the protection level, should be checked periodically for signs of damage like wrinkles, tears, odors, or burns. - Source: After Buying Body Armor
15. The standard lifetime of a bulletproof vest as set by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is five years, considering that the vest is maintained properly. - Source: How Wearing Body Armor Saves Lives
16. Kevlar®, introduced in the late 1960s, was a significant advancement in the history of body armor as it introduced a lightweight and strong material that could be worn comfortably for extended periods. - Source: The History and Evolution of Body Armor
17. Level II armor withstands a 9x19MM FMJ’s speed of 1175 feet per second and a .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point's speed of 1400 feet per second. - Source: How To Choose The Appropriate Body Armor
18. Level III-A is designed to stop .44 Magnum Jacketed Hollow Points traveling at 1400 feet per second. - Source: How To Choose The Appropriate Body Armor
19. Level III armor protects against 7.62X51MM NATO (Full Metal Jacket) rounds traveling at 2,750 feet per second. - Source: How To Choose The Appropriate Body Armor
20. Level IV armor engages a single shot while level III endures six shots, demonstrating their resistance capabilities in test conditions. - Source: How To Choose The Appropriate Body Armor
21. Body armor saved the lives of more than 3,000 police officers in the U.S. over the last three decades. [Source: "45 Important Facts About Body Armor" by Scott Burton]
22. Officers not wearing ballistic armor have 14 times the risk of dying of an injury. [Source: "45 Important Facts About Body Armor" by Scott Burton]
23. A bulletproof vest typically has a lifespan of around five years. [Source: "45 Important Facts About Body Armor" by Scott Burton]
24. NIJ Level IV body armor offers protection against armor-piercing rifle rounds. [Source: "45 Important Facts About Body Armor" by Scott Burton]
25. All NIJ 0101.06 certified soft body armor has been tested by being fully immersed vertically in a water bath at 70°F for 30 minutes. [Source: "45 Important Facts About Body Armor" by Scott Burton]
26. NIJ Standard 0101.07 is set to replace older standards by the end of 2019 or early 2020. [Source: "45 Important Facts About Body Armor" by Scott Burton]
27. Level IV plates to meet NIJ standards must stop a 30.06 M2AP bullet, weighing 166 grains and traveling at 3160.166 km per hour. [Source: "45 Important Facts About Body Armor" by Scott Burton]
28. Bulletproof vests are also known as ballistic vests or body armor and are designed to absorb the impact of bullets or fragmentation from explosions. [Source: "45 Important Facts About Body Armor" by Scott Burton]
29. Body armor is not actually bulletproof but bullet-resistant, made from layers of specialized fabric that absorb and disperse the force of a bullet. [Source: "45 Important Facts About Body Armor" by Scott Burton]
30. Even if a bulletproof vest prevents a bullet from penetrating, the wearer might still suffer from injuries like bruises or internal injuries due to the impact. [Source: "45 Important Facts About Body Armor" by Scott Burton]
31. The highest rating of body armor set by the National Institute of Justice is Level IV. [Source: "45 Important Facts About Body Armor" by Scott Burton]
32. Body armor subject to regular wear and tear requires examination for damages such as tears or worn areas, and ideally replaced if any are found. [Source: "45 Important Facts About Body Armor" by Scott Burton]
10 Unique facts & statistics about body armor from "The Essential Guide to NIJ's CJTEC Body Armor Management and CTP Clarifications”
33. The NIJ’s Compliance Testing Program (CTP) includes a Follow-up Inspection and Testing (FIT) program that ensures body armor continues to meet strict specifications concerning materials, design, and manufacturing processes.
34. Administrative clarifications have been pivotal since 2009, refining body armor standards in response to industry questions about testing and certification.
35. CTP 2018:01 addressed the need to manage potentially hazardous materials in body armor, ensuring wearer and environmental safety.
36. The CTP uses NVLAP accredited laboratories to oversee body armor testing, which verifies compliance with NIJ standards.
37. CTP clarifications help maintain trust and reliability in body armor by notifying law enforcement agencies about the compliance status of specific models.
38. The NIJ’s Compliance Testing Program (CTP) includes a Follow-up Inspection and Testing (FIT) program that ensures body armor continues to meet strict specifications concerning materials, design, and manufacturing processes.
39. Administrative clarifications have been pivotal since 2009, refining body armor standards in response to industry questions about testing and certification.
40. CTP 2018:01 addressed the need to manage potentially hazardous materials in body armor, ensuring wearer and environmental safety.
41. The CTP uses NVLAP accredited laboratories to oversee body armor testing, which verifies compliance with NIJ standards.
42. CTP clarifications help maintain trust and reliability in body armor by notifying law enforcement agencies about the compliance status of specific models.
10 Unique Facts & Statistics About Body Armor From "2024 Guide to Global Ballistic Standards: Essential Insights for Body Armor"
43. NIJ Standard 0101.07: This new iteration introduces improved testing for female body armor, enhancing protection based on fit.
44. Type III+/III++ Levels: These are industry-specific designations, not officially recognized in NIJ 0101.06, to denote armor that exceeds certain threat levels of standard Type III.
45. VPAM PM Levels: VPAM, a Europ ean standard, includes levels ranging from PM1 to PM14, each tailored to different ballistic threats including high-caliber rounds.
46. MIL-STD-662F: A MIL-STD used by the U.S. military to determine the velocity at which a bullet will penetrate armor 50% of the time, known as V50 ballistic testing.
47. ASTM E3004-22: This ASTM standard focuses on the preparation and verification of clay blocks used in ballistic-resistant testing of torso body armor.
48. Type IIIA NIJ Armor: Is tested to stop .357 SIG FMJ bullets at 448 m/s and .44 Magnum SJHP bullets at 436 m/s.
49. Type IV NIJ Armor: Can stop .30-06 Springfield armor-piercing bullets traveling at 878 m/s.
50. UL Level 10: Resists a 7.62mm rifle armor-piercing bullet with a velocity of 2657 to 2900 fps.
51. VPAM PM7: Provides protection against 5.56×45mm SS109 bullets at speeds up to 950±10 m/s.
52. GA141 Level 6: The highest Chinese standard, capable of withstanding 7.62×54mmR steel-core bullets, commonly used in sniper rifles.
From "Beyond Bulletproof: How Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Threaten National Security and Public Safety"
53. Aramids like Kevlar® and Twaron® are essential for making bullet-resistant vests and can withstand high temperatures.
54. UHMWPE, used in lightweight body armor, depends heavily on the steady supply of raw polyethylene from the petrochemical industry.
55. Ballistic ceramics like Boron Carbide and Silicon Carbide are preferred for hard armor plates due to their ballistic resistance properties.
56. Strikes and labor disputes in logistical sectors can cause significant delays in the ballistic manufacturing supply chain.
57. Ballistic steel, used in vehicle armor, is impacted by global demand and trade policies that affect its price and availability.
58. IntelAlytic's The Armor List is a digital platform enhancing industry transparency by cataloging body armor products with detailed info and reviews.
59. Aramids like Kevlar® and Twaron® are essential for making bullet-resistant vests and can withstand high temperatures.
60. UHMWPE, used in lightweight body armor, depends heavily on the steady supply of raw polyethylene from the petrochemical industry.
61. Ballistic ceramics like Boron Carbide and Silicon Carbide are preferred for hard armor plates due to their ballistic resistance properties.
62. Strikes and labor disputes in logistical sectors can cause significant delays in the ballistic manufacturing supply chain.
63. Ballistic steel, used in vehicle armor, is impacted by global demand and trade policies that affect its price and availability.
Connect with Mike Bundy for Expert Advisory Services
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