The demand for quality armor grows along with the development of the defense sector and the appearance of new types of weapons. At the same time, because of the increase in the kinds and types of body armor, it's becoming harder to choose truly quality equipment. The key element of any body armor is the armor plates, which provide a high level of protection. However, there are different types of armor plates, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
General characteristics of armor plates
Armor plates are used with body armor and plate carriers to provide a high level of protection. The protection class is determined during ballistic testing by firing at the plates with firearms of various calibers. The larger the caliber a plate for body armor can withstand, the higher the protection level will be.
Different countries use different quality standards. Thus, in Ukraine it's DSTU, and in NATO countries — NIJ (National Institute of Justice). Armor of the NIJ III protection class will correspond to Level 3 under DSTU.
Types of plates for body armor
The protection level, anti-fragmentation resistance and even the weight of body armor depend on the material. Today the most common for making plates are ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, steel, and various ceramic composites. In addition, like any military equipment, plates differ in their cost and purpose. The higher the protection, the greater the cost.
Advantages and disadvantages of different armor plates
Each of the materials used to make armor plates has its own advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into account.
- Steel plates.
This is one of the oldest types of armor plates, known for its strength and relatively low cost. They have good ballistic properties and are able to provide effective body protection, but are significantly heavier compared to ceramic and polyethylene plates, and also have ricochet, so people nearby can be put at risk.
- Ceramic plates.
Ceramic plates are known for their high strength and at the same time light weight. Various ceramic alloys are used to make them, such as aluminum oxide for Level 6 plates under DSTU (or NIJ IV protection class). The disadvantage of ceramic plates is the price, since the material itself costs more than steel.
- Polyethylene plates.
They are made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Thanks to the material's properties, such plates for a plate carrier absorb impact energy well, reducing the backface effect. However, UHMWPE plates are less resistant to firearm rounds.
Choosing the best plate
To buy a plate, you need to take into account your individual needs and tasks. Choose the plate size, like clothing, in accordance with your parameters, in order to get an optimal protected area and at the same time not get tired from unnecessary load on your back.
When choosing a protection class, consider the conditions of use: when there's no threat of close combat or a direct hit, it's worth choosing a Level 3 plate so as not to carry unnecessary weight; but for work directly on the front line, preference should be given to armor of Level 4 and above. In addition, pay attention to the presence of a test protocol in accordance with the standards.
Having taken into account all the criteria mentioned above, you'll get reliable armor that will protect against ballistic threats and at the same time won't affect your mobility in battle.
