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{{short description|Form of body armor that protects the torso from some projectiles}}
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[[File:MultiCam IOTV.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Improved Outer Tactical Vest]] (IOTV) in [[MultiCam]], as issued to [[United States Army]] soldiers]]
A '''bulletproof vest''', also known as a '''ballistic vest''' or '''bullet-resistant vest''', is a type of [[body armor]] designed to absorb impact and prevent the penetration of firearm [[projectile]]s and [[Fragmentation (weaponry)|explosion fragments]] to the torso. The vest can be either soft—as worn by police officers, security personnel, [[prison guard]]s, and occasionally private citizens to protect against stabbing attacks or light projectiles—or hard, incorporating metallic or [[para-aramid]] components.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ballistic vest review |url=http://www.tigerflare.com/component/content/article/1-latest-news/351-ballistic-vest-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713131543/http://tigerflare.com/component/content/article/1-latest-news/351-ballistic-vest-review |archive-date=2011-07-13|access-date=2010-10-07}}</ref> Soldiers and [[police tactical unit]]s typically wear hard armour, either alone or combined with soft armour, to protect against rifle ammunition or fragmentation. Additional protection includes trauma plates for [[blunt force]] and ceramic inserts for [[high-caliber]] rounds. Bulletproof vests have evolved over centuries, from early designs like those made for knights and military leaders to modern-day versions. Early ballistic protection used materials like [[cotton]] and [[silk]], while contemporary vests employ advanced fibers and [[Ballistic plate|ceramic plates]]. 

==History==
===Early modern era===
In 1538, [[Francesco Maria I della Rovere|Duke Francesco Maria della Rovere]], a [[condottiero]], commissioned [[Filippo Negroli]] to create a bulletproof vest. In 1561, [[Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor]] is recorded as testing his armour against gun-fire. Similarly, in 1590 [[Henry Lee of Ditchley]] expected his [[Greenwich armour]] to be "pistol proof". Its actual effectiveness was controversial at the time.<ref name="Williams2003">{{cite book |last=Williams |first=Allan |year=2003 |title=The Knight and the Blast Furnace: A History of the Metallurgy of Armour in the Middle Ages & the Early Modern Period |location=[[Boston]] |publisher=Brill Academic Publishers |isbn=978-90-04-12498-1}}</ref>

During the [[English Civil War]], [[Oliver Cromwell]]'s [[Ironside (cavalry)|Ironside cavalry]] were equipped with [[lobster-tailed pot helmet]] and musket-proof [[cuirass]]es which consisted of two layers of armour plating. The outer layer was designed to absorb the bullet's energy and the thicker inner layer stopped further penetration. The armour would be left badly dented but still serviceable.<ref name=":0">Ricketts, H, Firearms p. 5</ref>

===Industrial era===
One of the first examples of commercially sold bulletproof armour was produced by a tailor in [[Dublin]] in the 1840s. ''[[The Cork Examiner]]'' reported on his line of business in December 1847.<ref name="Thelandlord1847">{{cite news |title=The Landlord's Protective Garment |date=December 6, 1847 |work=[[The Cork Examiner]]}}</ref>

[[File:Ned kelly armour library.JPG|thumb|upright|Australian [[bushranger]] and outlaw [[Ned Kelly]]'s [[Armour of the Kelly gang|bulletproof armour]], fashioned from [[plough#Parts|plough mouldboards]] in 1880]]
Another soft ballistic vest, [[Myeonje baegab]], was invented in [[Joseon|Joseon Korea]] in the 1860s shortly after the punitive 1866 [[French expedition to Korea]]. The [[Heungseon Daewongun|regent of Joseon]] ordered the development of bulletproof armour because of increasing threats from Western armies. Kim Gidu and Gang Yun found that cotton could protect against bullets if 10 layers of cotton fabric were used. The vests were used in battle during the [[United States expedition to Korea]], when the US Navy attacked [[Ganghwa Island]] in 1871. The US Navy captured one of the vests and took it to the US, where it was stored at the Smithsonian Museum until 2007. The vest has since been sent back to Korea and is currently on display to the public.

Simple ballistic armor was sometimes constructed by criminals. In 1880, a gang of Australian [[bushranger]]s led by [[Ned Kelly]] devised their own [[Armour of the Kelly gang|suits of bulletproof armour]]. The suits had a mass of around {{convert|44|kg}} and were fashioned from stolen [[plough#Parts|plough mouldboards]], most likely in a crude bush forge and possibly with the assistance of blacksmiths. With a cylindrical helmet and apron, the armour protected the wearer's head, torso, upper arms, and upper legs. In June 1880, the four outlaws wore the suits in a gunfight with the police, during which Kelly survived at least 18 bullets striking his armour.<ref>{{cite book|last=Cormick|first=Craig|author-link=Craig Cormick|year=2014|title=Ned Kelly: Under the Microscope|publisher=CSIRO Publishing|isbn=978-1-4863-0178-2}}</ref>

In the 1890s, American outlaw and [[gunfighter]] [[Jim Miller (outlaw)|Jim Miller]] was infamous for wearing a steel breastplate under his [[frock coat]] as a form of body armor.<ref>O'Neal, Bill (1979). ''Encyclopedia of Western Gunfighters''. University of Oklahoma Press. pp. 230–233. {{ISBN|0-8061-1508-4}}</ref> This plate saved Miller on two occasions, and it proved to be highly resistant to pistol bullets and shotguns. One example can be seen in his gun battle with a sheriff named George A. "Bud" Frazer, where the plate managed to deflect all bullets from the lawman's revolver.<ref>Metz, Leon Claire (2003). ''The Encyclopedia of Lawmen, Outlaws, and Gunfighters''. Checkmark Books. pp. 172–173. {{ISBN|0-8160-4543-7}}.</ref>

[[File:Bulletproof vest by Jan Szczepanik (1901)c.jpg|left|thumb|upright|Test of a 1901 vest designed by [[Jan Szczepanik]], in which a 7 mm revolver is fired at a person wearing the vest]]
In 1881, the [[Tombstone, Arizona]] physician [[George E. Goodfellow]] noticed that [[Charlie Storms]], who was shot twice by [[faro (banking game)|faro]] dealer [[Luke Short]], had one bullet stopped by a [[silk]] handkerchief in his breast pocket that prevented that bullet from penetrating.<ref name=drwin>{{cite book|last=Erwin|first=Richard E.|title=The Truth about Wyatt Earp|year=1993|publisher=O.K. Press|location=Carpinteria, CA|isbn=978-0-9633930-2-9|edition=2nd|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/truthaboutwyatte00rich}}</ref><ref name=prescott>{{cite news |first=Josh |last=Edwards |title=George Goodfellow's Medical Treatment of Stomach Wounds Became Legendary |newspaper=The Prescott Courier |date=May 2, 1980|pages=3–5 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=886&dat=19800502&id=jH8vAAAAIBAJ&pg=4536,249915}}</ref> In 1887, he wrote an article titled "Impenetrability of Silk to Bullets" for the ''Southern California Practitioner'' documenting the first known instance of bulletproof fabric.<ref name=oldwest>{{cite web|title=Dr. George Goodfellow |url=http://societyoftheoldwest.ning.com/forum/topics/dr-george-goodfellow |access-date=8 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220090137/http://societyoftheoldwest.ning.com/forum/topics/dr-george-goodfellow |archive-date=20 December 2014 }}</ref> He experimented with silk vests resembling [[gambeson]]s that used 18 to 30 layers of silk to protect the wearers from penetration.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hollington|first=Kris|title=Staying Alive|url=http://www.assassinology.org/id20.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503151128/http://www.assassinology.org/id20.html|archive-date=3 May 2007|access-date=4 March 2013}}</ref>

[[Kazimierz Żegleń]] used Goodfellow's findings to develop a silk bulletproof vest at the end of the 19th century, which could stop the relatively slow rounds from [[gunpowder|black powder]] handguns.<ref name="Culture.Pl">{{cite web |last1=Oleksiak |first1=Wojciech |title=The Monk who Stopped Bullets with Silk: Inventing the Bulletproof Vest |url=https://culture.pl/en/article/the-monk-who-stopped-bullets-with-silk-inventing-the-bulletproof-vest |website=Culture.Pl |access-date=9 December 2018}}</ref> The vests cost US$800 each in 1914, {{Inflation|US|800|1914|fmt=eq|r=-3}}.<ref name="Culture.Pl"/>

A similar vest made by Polish inventor [[Jan Szczepanik]] in 1901 saved the life of [[Alfonso XIII of Spain]] when he was shot by an attacker. By 1900, US gangsters were wearing $800 silk vests to protect themselves.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hollington|first=Kris|title=Wolves, Jackals, and Foxes: The Assassins Who Changed History|year=2008|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-1-4299-8680-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I8LHU4f_hkQC&pg=PA108}}</ref>

===First World War===
[[File:THE GERMAN ARMY ON THE WESTERN FRONT, 1914-1918 Q88002.jpg|thumb|upright|World War I German Infanterie-Panzer, 1917]]
[[File:Ministry of Information First World War Official Collection Q30164.jpg|thumb|Franco-British armour, intended to be worn under tunic, and British splinter goggles for eye protection.]]
The combatants of [[World War I]] started the war without any attempt at providing the soldiers with body armor. Various private companies advertised body protection suits such as the Birmingham Chemico Body Shield, although these products were generally far too expensive for an average soldier.

The first official attempts at commissioning body armor were made in 1915 by the British Army Design Committee, Trench Warfare Section in particular a 'Bomber's Shield';<ref>Sheffield, G (2007) ''War on the Western Front in the Trenches of World War I'' Osprey Publishing p228</ref> "bomber" being the term for those who threw grenades rather than [[grenadier]]. The Experimental Ordnance Board also reviewed potential materials for bullet and fragment proof armor, such as steel plate. A 'necklet' was successfully issued on a small scale (due to cost considerations), which protected the neck and shoulders from bullets traveling at {{convert|600|ft/s|abbr=on}} with interwoven layers of silk and cotton stiffened with [[resin]]. The Dayfield body shield entered service in 1916 and a hardened [[breastplate]] was introduced the following year.<ref name="Bull2002">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sXCn3WrINjwC|title=World War I Trench Warfare (2): 1916–18|author=Stephen Bull|year=2002|publisher=Osprey Publishing|page=12|isbn=978-1-84176-198-5}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The British army medical services calculated towards the end of the War that three quarters of all battle injuries could have been prevented if an effective armor had been issued.

The French experimented with steel visors attached to the [[Adrian helmet]] and 'abdominal armor' designed by General Adrian, in addition to shoulder "epaulets" to protect from falling debris and darts. These failed to be practical, because they severely impeded the soldier's mobility. The Germans officially issued body armor in the form of nickel and silicon steel armor plates that was called ''Sappenpanzer'' (nicknamed 'Lobster armor') from late 1916.<ref name="Bull2002"/> These were similarly too heavy to be practical for the rank-and-file, but were used by static units, such as sentries and occasionally [[machine-gun]]ners. An improved version, the Infanterie-Panzer, was introduced in 1918, with hooks for equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westernfrontassociation.com/great-war-on-land/73-weapons-equipment-uniforms/879-body-armour.html|title=Body Armour For The Western Front In The Great War|author=David Payne|access-date=2013-11-17|archive-date=2010-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323074030/http://www.westernfrontassociation.com/great-war-on-land/73-weapons-equipment-uniforms/879-body-armour.html}}</ref>

The United States developed several types of body armor, including the chrome nickel steel [[Brewster Body Shield]], which consisted of a breastplate and a headpiece and could withstand [[Lewis Gun]] bullets at {{convert|2700|ft/s|abbr=on}}, but was clumsy and heavy at {{convert|40|lb|abbr=on}}. A scaled [[waistcoat]] of overlapping steel scales fixed to a leather lining was also designed; this armor weighed {{convert|11|lb|abbr=on}}, fit close to the body, and was considered more comfortable.<ref>{{cite web|title=Body Armour For The Western Front In The Great War|url=http://www.westernfrontassociation.com/great-war-on-land/73-weapons-equipment-uniforms/879-body-armour.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323074030/http://www.westernfrontassociation.com/great-war-on-land/73-weapons-equipment-uniforms/879-body-armour.html|archive-date=March 23, 2010|website=www.westernfrontassociation.com}}</ref>

===Interwar period===
[[File:Testing bulletproof vest 1923.jpg|right|thumb|Testing a bulletproof vest in Washington, D.C., September 1923]]
During the late 1920s through the early 1930s, gunmen from criminal gangs in the United States began wearing less-expensive vests made from thick layers of cotton padding and cloth. These early vests could absorb the impact of handgun rounds such as [[.22 Long Rifle]], [[.25 ACP]], [[.32 S&W Long]], [[.32 S&W]], [[.380 ACP]], [[.38 Special]] and [[.45 ACP]] traveling at speeds of up to {{convert|300|m/s|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US2052684A/en | title=Armor }}</ref> To overcome these vests, law enforcement agents began using the newer and more powerful [[.38 Super]], and later the [[.357 Magnum]] cartridge.{{Citation needed|date=November 2019}}

Meanwhile, the Dunrite Bulletproof Vest, produced by Detective Publishing Company Chicago, was used by some members of law enforcement. The vest itself was made of wool, but its protection came from {{convert|15|lb|kg}} of metal.

Vests of that sort were often stolen or obtained in other ways by gangsters (Such as originals or copies being sold directly to them in secret). One Dunrite Bullet Bullerproof Vest was found in the back of Bonnie and Clyde's car.<ref name=":0" />

===Second World War===
{{see also|Stalnoi Nagrudnik}}
[[File:Japanese World War II bulletproof vest.jpg|right|thumb|A Japanese vest, which used overlapping armour plates]]
In 1940, the [[Medical Research Council (United Kingdom)|Medical Research Council]] in Britain proposed the use of a lightweight suit of armour for general use by infantry, and a heavier suit for troops in more dangerous positions, such as [[anti-aircraft]] and naval gun crews. By February 1941, trials had begun on body armour made of [[mangalloy]] plates. Two plates covered the front area and one plate on the lower back protected the kidneys and other vital organs. Five thousand sets were made and evaluated to almost unanimous approval – as well as providing adequate protection, the armour didn't severely impede the mobility of the soldier and were reasonably comfortable to wear. The armor was introduced in 1942 although the demand for it was later scaled down.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} In northwestern Europe, The [[2nd Canadian Division during World War II]] also adopted this armour for medical personnel.

The British company [[Wilkinson Sword]] began to produce [[flak jacket]]s for bomber crews in 1943 under contract with the [[Royal Air Force]]. The majority of pilot deaths in the air were due to low-velocity fragments rather than bullets. The [[Surgeon General of the United States Air Force]], Colonel M. C. Grow, who was stationed in Britain, thought that many wounds he was treating could have been prevented by some kind of light armor. Two types of armor were issued for different specifications. These jackets were made of [[nylon]]<ref>Stephan, Restle (1997). Ballistische Schutzwesten und Stichschutzoptionen. Bischofszell: Kabinett Verlag, p.61.</ref> and capable of stopping [[8.8 cm FlaK 18/36/37/41|flak]] and fragmentation, but were not designed to stop bullets. Although they were considered too bulky for pilots using the [[Avro Lancaster]], they were adopted by the [[United States Army Air Forces]].

In the early stages of [[World War II]], the United States also designed body armor for [[infantry]]men, but most models were too heavy and mobility-restricting to be useful in the field and incompatible with existing required equipment. Near the middle of 1944, development of infantry body armor in the United States restarted. Several vests were produced for the US military, including but not limited to the T34, the T39, the T62E1, and the M12. The United States developed a vest using [[doron plate]], a [[fiberglass]]-based [[fibre-reinforced plastic]]. These vests were first used in the [[Battle of Okinawa]] in 1945.<ref name="King1953">{{cite journal |url=http://www.qmmuseum.lee.army.mil/korea/lightweight_body_armor.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000126161617/http://www.qmmuseum.lee.army.mil/korea/lightweight_body_armor.htm |archive-date=26 January 2000 |title=Lightweight Body Armor |first=Ludlow |last=King |journal=Ordnance |date=January–February 1953 |access-date=2008-11-12}}</ref>

[[File:Flak jacket 1942.jpg|left|thumb|Sn-42 Body Armor, {{c.|1942}}]]
The [[Soviet Armed Forces]] used several types of body armour, including the SN-42 (from ''[[Stalnoi Nagrudnik]]'', Russian for "steel breastplate" and the number denotes the design year). All were tested, but only the SN-42 was put in production. It consisted of two pressed steel plates that protected the front torso and groin. The plates were 2&nbsp;mm thick and weighed 3.5&nbsp;kg (7.7&nbsp;lb). This armour was generally supplied to assault engineers (SHISBr) and [[tank desant|''tank desantniki'']]. The SN armour protected wearers from [[9×19mm Parabellum|9×19mm]] bullets fired by an [[MP 40]] submachine gun at around {{Convert|100|m|yd|abbr=on}}, and sometimes it was able to deflect [[7.92×57mm Mauser|7.92 Mauser]] rifle bullets (and bayonet blades), but only at very low angles. This made it useful in urban battles such as the [[Battle of Stalingrad]]. However, the SN's weight made it impractical for infantry in the open. Some apocryphal accounts note point blank deflection of 9mm bullets,<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Russian army body armor — Encyclopedia of safety|url=https://survincity.com/2013/08/the-russian-army-body-armor/|access-date=2020-09-11|website=survincity.com|date=8 August 2013 }}</ref> and testing of similar armour supports this theory.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McCollum|first=Ian|date=2015-06-25|title=Testing Reproduction WWI German Trench Armor|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/testing-reproduction-wwi-german-trench-armor/|access-date=2020-09-11|website=Forgotten Weapons|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Postwar===
During the [[Korean War]] several new vests were produced for the United States military, including the M-1951, which made use of [[fibre-reinforced plastic]] or [[aluminium]] segments woven into a [[nylon]] vest.  These vests represented "a vast improvement on weight, but the armor failed to stop bullets and fragments very successfully," {{citation needed|date=March 2014}} although officially they were claimed to be able to stop [[7.62×25mm Tokarev]] pistol rounds at the muzzle. Such vests equipped with Doron Plate have, in informal testing, defeated .45 ACP handgun ammunition. Developed by Natick Laboratories (now the [[Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center]]) and introduced in 1967, T65-2 plate carriers were the first vests designed to hold hard [[ceramic plate]]s, making them capable of stopping [[7 mm caliber#7.8 mm (.308 in) rifle cartridges (commonly known as .308, 30 caliber, 7.62 mm)|7 mm rifle]] rounds.

These "Chicken Plates" were made of either [[boron carbide]], [[silicon carbide]], or [[aluminium oxide]]. They were issued to the crew of low-flying aircraft, such as the [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois|UH-1]] and [[Fairchild C-123 Provider|UC-123]], during the [[Vietnam War]].<ref name="Barron1969">{{cite web |publisher=[[United States Army Soldier Systems Center|U.S. Army Natick Laboratories]] |first1=Edward R. |last1=Barron |first2=Alice F |last2=Park |first3=Anthony L |last3=Alesi |title=Body Armor for Aircrewman |access-date=2008-11-12 |date=January 1969 |url=http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/AD688122 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523192911/http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/AD688122 |archive-date=May 23, 2012 |format=PDF }}</ref><ref name="Whoare2006">{{cite web |url=http://www.vietnamgear.com/Article.aspx?Art=91 |title=Who are you calling Chicken? |date=2006-07-03 |publisher=VietnamGear.com |access-date=2008-11-12}}</ref>

Conscious of US developments during the Korean War, the Soviet Union also began the development of body armour for its troops, resulting in the adoption of the [[6B1 ballistic vest|6b1 vest]] in 1957. This marked a shift away from previous systems like the SN-42, which relied on large, monolithic plates that were inflexible and substantially affected a soldier's balance. The 6b1, and all subsequent Soviet body armour, would rely upon ballistic-fabric wrapped plates, initially steel and later titanium and boron carbide. Between 1957 and 1958, anywhere between 1500 and 5000 6b1 vests were produced, but they were subsequently put in storage and not issued until the early years of the [[Soviet–Afghan War]], where they were used in limited quantities, and were able to resist shrapnel and Tokarev rounds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Besedovskyy |first=Vlad |date=2023-02-19 |title=The coolest and the rarest- 6b1 body armor vest |url=https://www.safar-publishing.com/post/6b1-body-armor-vest |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=Safar Publishing |language=en}}</ref>

In 1969, American Body Armor was founded and began to produce a patented combination of quilted nylon faced with multiple steel plates. This armor configuration was marketed to American law enforcement agencies by [[Smith & Wesson]] under the [[trade name]] "Barrier Vest." The Barrier Vest was the first police vest to gain wide use during high-threat police operations.

In 1971, research chemist [[Stephanie Kwolek]] discovered a liquid crystalline polymer solution. Its exceptional strength and stiffness led to the invention of [[Kevlar]], a synthetic fibre, woven into a fabric and layered, that, by weight, has five times the tensile strength of steel.<ref name="Kwolek">{{cite web|title=Stephanie L. Kwolek|url=https://www.sciencehistory.org/historical-profile/stephanie-l-kwolek|website=Science History Institute|access-date=20 March 2018|date=June 2016}}</ref> In the mid-1970s, [[DuPont]], the company which employed Kwolek, introduced Kevlar. Immediately Kevlar was incorporated into a [[National Institute of Justice]] (NIJ) evaluation program to provide lightweight, able body armour to a test pool of American law enforcement officers to ascertain if everyday able wearing was possible. [[Lester Shubin]], a program manager at the NIJ, managed this law enforcement feasibility study within a few selected large police agencies and quickly determined that Kevlar body armor could be comfortably worn by police daily, and would save lives.

In 1975 Richard A. Armellino, the founder of American Body Armor, marketed an all Kevlar vest called the K-15, consisting of 15 layers of Kevlar that also included a 5" × 8" ballistic steel "Shok Plate" positioned vertically over the heart and was issued US Patent #3,971,072 for this innovation.<ref name="Patent1976">{{cite web |url=http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/3971072.html |title=US Patent 3971072 – Lightweight armor and method of fabrication |date=1976-07-27 |publisher=PatentStorm LLC |access-date=2008-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612221418/http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/3971072.html |archive-date=2011-06-12 }}</ref> Similarly sized and positioned "trauma plates" are still used today on most vests, reducing blunt trauma and increasing ballistic protection in the center-mass heart/sternum area.

In 1976, Richard Davis, founder of [[Second Chance (body armor)|Second Chance Body Armor]], designed the company's first all-Kevlar vest, the Model Y. The lightweight, able vest industry was launched and a new form of daily protection for the modern police officer was quickly adopted.  By the mid-to-late 1980s, an estimated 1/3 to 1/2 of police patrol officers{{Where|date=August 2011}} wore able vests daily.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} By 2006, more than 2,000 documented police vest "saves" were recorded, validating the success and efficiency of lightweight able body armor as a standard piece of everyday police equipment.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}

===Recent years===
[[File:Modular Tactical Vest Okinawa.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|US Marines being issued the [[Modular Tactical Vest|MTV]] at [[Camp Foster]], [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]], Japan]]
During the 1980s, the US military issued the [[PASGT]] kevlar vest, tested privately at NIJ level IIA by several sources, able to stop pistol rounds (including 9&nbsp;mm FMJ), but intended and approved only for fragmentation.  [[West Germany]] issued a similar rated vest called the Splitterschutzweste.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}

During the early 1980s, body armor vests began to see widespread use by several countries in addition to more prolific users like the US and UK. Following the 1982 Israeli intervention during the [[Lebanese Civil War]], body armor was widely issued to Israeli troops as well as European peacekeepers and to a lesser degree, by Syrian troops. During the Soviet-Afghan war the obsolete 6b1 was rapidly replaced by the 6b2, which was issued from 1980 onward and by 1983 was issued to the vast majority of the 40th army.

Kevlar soft armor had its shortcomings because if "large fragments or high velocity bullets hit the vest, the energy could cause life-threatening, blunt trauma injuries" <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onlinesafetydepot.com/kevlar-and-behind-armor-blunt-trama-babt/|title=Kevlar and Behind Armor Blunt Trauma (BABT)|date=11 January 2023 }}</ref> in selected, vital areas. [[Ranger Body Armor]] was developed for the American military in 1991. Although it was the second modern US body armor that was able to stop rifle caliber rounds and still be light enough to be worn by infantry soldiers in the field, (first being the ISAPO, or Interim Small Arms Protective Overvest,) it still had its flaws: "it was still heavier than the concurrently issued PASGT (Personal Armor System for Ground Troops) anti-fragmentation armor worn by regular infantry and ... did not have the same degree of ballistic protection around the neck and shoulders." {{Citation needed|date=March 2014}} The format of Ranger Body Armor (and more recent body armor issued to US special operations units) highlights the trade-offs between force protection and mobility that modern body armor forces organizations to address.

[[File:BelgianMalinoisasK9unit.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Bulletproof vest with [[Belgian Malinois]] as [[Police dog|K-9 unit]]]]
Newer armor issued by the [[United States armed forces]] to large numbers of troops includes the [[Modular Scalable Vest]] (MSV) used by the [[United States Army]] and [[United States Air Force]], as well as the [[United States Marine Corps]]' [[Modular Tactical Vest]] (MTV) and [[Scalable Plate Carrier]] (SPC). All of these systems are designed with the vest intended to provide protection from fragments and pistol rounds. Hard ceramic plates, such as the [[Small Arms Protective Insert]], as used with Interceptor Body Armor, are worn to protect the vital organs from higher level threats. These threats mostly take the form of high velocity and armor-piercing rifle rounds. Similar types of protective equipment have been adopted by modern armed forces over the world.

[[File:Indonesian BRIMOB police officers.jpg|thumb|upright|Indonesian Special Police "[[Mobile Brigade (Indonesia)|Brimob]]" personnel and an officer (left) with bulletproof vests in [[Jakarta]] during the [[2016 Jakarta attacks]]]]
Since the 1970s, several new fibers and construction methods for bulletproof fabric have been developed besides woven Kevlar, such as [[DSM (company)|DSM]]'s [[Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene|Dyneema]], [[Honeywell]]'s [[Gold Flex]] and [[Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene|Spectra]], [[Teijin Aramid|Teijin Aramid's]] [[Twaron]], Pinnacle Armor's [[Dragon Skin (body armor)|Dragon Skin]], and Toyobo's [[Zylon]]. The US military has developed body armor for the [[Dogs in warfare|working dog]]s who aid soldiers in battle.<ref name=DoD20050225>{{cite news|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=25801|title=Canine Units in Afghanistan Issued New Protective Vests|agency=[[American Forces Press Service]]|work=DefenseLINK|first=Cheryl|last=Ransford|date=2005-02-25|access-date=2008-01-25|quote=Army Sgt. 1st Class Erika Gordon, kennel master for the 25th Military Police Company, uses a building for cover while her military working dog, Hanna, clears a doorway at the military-operations-in-urban-terrain training site at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan recently. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113185834/http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=25801|archive-date=13 January 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Performance standards==
{{main|List of body armor performance standards}}
Due to the various types of projectile, it is often inaccurate to refer to a particular product as "[[Bulletproofing|bulletproof]]" because this implies that it will protect against any and all threats. Instead, the term '''bullet resistant''' is generally preferred. Vest specifications will typically include both penetration resistance requirements and limits on the amount of impact force that is delivered to the body. Even without penetration, heavy bullets can deal enough force to cause [[blunt trauma|blunt force trauma]] under the impact point. On the other hand, some bullets can penetrate the vest, but deal low damage to its wearer due to the loss of speed or small/reduced mass/form. Armour piercing ammunition tends to have poor terminal ballistics due to it being specifically not intended to fragment or expand.

Body armor standards are regional. Around the world ammunition varies and as a result the armor testing must reflect the threats found locally. Law enforcement statistics show that many shootings where officers are injured or killed involve the officer's own weapon.<ref>Terry D. Edwards, (1995) "Felonious killings of state police and highway patrol officers: a descriptive and comparative evaluation", American Journal of Police, Vol. 14 Iss: 2, pp. 89–105</ref> As a result, each law enforcement agency or para-military organization will have their own standard for armor performance if only to ensure that their armor protects them from their own weapons.

While many standards exist, a few standards are widely used as models. The US [[National Institute of Justice]] ballistic and stab documents are examples of broadly accepted standards. In addition to the NIJ, the UK [[Home Office Scientific Development Branch]] (HOSDB – formerly the Police Scientific Development Branch (PSDB)) and VPAM (German acronym for the Association of Laboratories for Bullet Resistant Materials And Constructions),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vpam.eu|title=VPAM home site}}</ref> originally from Germany, are other widely accepted standards. In the Russian area, the GOST standard is dominant.

==Soft and hard armor==
[[File:NIJ LVLIIIA Kogelvrij vest, BA8001.jpg|right|thumb|upright|A level IIIA soft armor low-profile vest]]
Modern body armor is generally split into one of two categories: soft armor and hard armor. Soft armor is typically made of woven fabrics, like Dyneema or Kevlar, and usually provides protection against fragmentation and handgun threats. Hard armor usually refers to [[ballistic plate]]s; these hardened plates are designed to defend against rifle threats, in addition to the threats covered by soft armor.{{sfn|GUIDE BODY ARMOR Selection & Application Guide 0101.06 to Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor|2014|pages=6–7}}

===Soft armor===
Soft armour is usually made of woven fabrics (synthetic or natural)<ref name="natural fibers">{{cite journal |last1=Naveen |first1=J. |last2=Jayakrishna |first2=K. |last3=Hameed Sultan |first3=Mohamed Thariq Bin |last4=Amir |first4=Siti Madiha Muhammad |title=Ballistic Performance of Natural Fiber Based Soft and Hard Body Armour- A Mini Review |journal=Frontiers in Materials |article-number=608139 |doi=10.3389/fmats.2020.608139 |date=9 December 2020|volume=7 |bibcode=2020FrMat...7..440J |doi-access=free }}</ref> and protects up to NIJ level IIIA.<ref name="spartan armor overt/covert"/> Soft armour can be worn stand-alone or can be combined with hard armor as part of an "In-Conjunction" armor system. In these in-conjunction systems, a soft armor "plate backer" is usually placed behind the ballistic plate and the combination of soft and hard armor provides the designated level of protection.{{sfn|GUIDE BODY ARMOR Selection & Application Guide 0101.06 to Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor|2014|page=6-7}}

=== Hard armor ===
{{Main|Ballistic plate}}
[[File:Surviving attack more than just dumb luck for sergeant (army.mil 451588).jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|An [[Small Arms Protective Insert|ESAPI]] plate with battle damage following two bullet strikes. The wearer survived the incident thanks to the plate and was later invited to take receipt of its damaged section.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vergun |first1=David |title=Surviving attack more than just dumb luck for sergeant |url=https://www.army.mil/article/175668/surviving_attack_more_than_just_dumb_luck_for_sergeant |publisher=[[United States Army]] |access-date=9 July 2023 |date=26 September 2016}}</ref>]]
Broadly, there are three basic types of hard armor [[ballistic plate]]s: [[ceramic plate]]-based systems, steel plate with [[spall]] fragmentation protective coating (or backer), and hard fiber-based laminate systems. These hard armor plates may be designed to be used stand-alone or "In-Conjunction" with soft armor backers, also called "plate backers".{{sfn|GUIDE BODY ARMOR Selection & Application Guide 0101.06 to Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor|2014|pages=6–7}}<ref name="midwest armor plate backer">{{cite web |title=MASS IIIA Soft Plate Backers |url=https://midwestarmor.com/products/mass-iiia-soft-plate-backers/ |website=Midwest Armor |access-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714000332/https://midwestarmor.com/products/mass-iiia-soft-plate-backers/ |archive-date=14 July 2022}}</ref>

Many systems contain both hard ceramic components and laminated textile materials used together. Various ceramic materials types are in use, however: aluminum oxide, boron carbide and silicon carbide are the most common.<ref name="Holmquist1999">{{cite web |last1=Holmquist |first1=T J |last2=Rajendran |first2=A J |last3=Templeton |first3=D W |last4=Bishnoi |first4=K D |date=January 1999 |title=A Ceramic Armor Material Database |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA362926.pdf |journal= |publisher=[[United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center|TACOM RD&E Center]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714015137/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA362926.pdf |archive-date=14 July 2022}}</ref> The fibers used in these systems are the same as found in soft textile armor. However, for rifle protection, high pressure lamination of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene with a Kraton matrix is the most common.

The [[Small Arms Protective Insert]] (SAPI) and the enhanced SAPI plate for the [[United States Department of Defense]] generally has this form.<ref name="Lee2001">{{cite journal |title=Penetration Failure Mechanisms of Armor-Grade Fiber Composites under Impact |first1=B L |last1=Lee |first2=T F |last2=Walsh |first3=S T |last3=Won |first4=H M |last4=Patts |first5=A H |last5= Mayer  |journal=Journal of Composite Materials |volume=35 |issue=18 |year=2001 |pages=1605–1633 |doi=10.1106/YRBH-JGT9-U6PT-L555|bibcode=2001JCoMa..35.1605L |s2cid=135870731 }}</ref>  Due to the use of ceramic plates for rifle protection, these vests are 5–8 times as heavy on an area basis as handgun protection. The weight and stiffness of rifle armor is a major technical challenge.  Density, hardness and impact toughness are among the materials properties that are balanced to design these systems. While ceramic materials have some outstanding properties for ballistics, they have poor fracture toughness. Failure of ceramic plates by cracking must also be controlled.<ref name="Savage1990">{{cite journal |title=Ceramic Armour |last=Savage |first=G |journal=Journal of the Institute of Metals |volume=6 |issue=8 |pages=487–492 |date=August 1990}}</ref>  For this reason many ceramic rifle plates are a composite. The strike face is ceramic with the backface formed of laminated fiber and resin materials. The hardness of the ceramic prevents the penetration of the bullet while the tensile strength of the fiber backing helps prevent tensile failure. The U.S. military's [[Small Arms Protective Insert]] family is a well-known example of these plates.

When a ceramic plate is shot, it cracks in the vicinity of the impact, which reduces the protection in this area.  Although NIJ 0101.06 requires a Level III plate to stop six rounds of 7.62×51mm M80 ball ammunition,<ref name="BallisticStandardsBAN">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bodyarmornews.com/ballistic-standards/|title=Ballistic Standards|website=Body Armor News|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-25}}</ref> it imposes a minimum distance between shots of 2.0 inches (51mm); if two rounds impact the plate closer than this requirement permits, it may result in a penetration. To counter this, some plates, such as the [[Ceradyne]]<ref name="LFAA4NamedCeradyne">{{cite web |title=level 4 Plate? |url=https://www.lightfighter.net/topic/level-4-plate |website=Lightfighter Tactical Forum |access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> Model AA4 and [[Ceradyne#IMP/ACT|IMP/ACT]] (Improved Multi-hit Performance/Advanced Composite Technology) series,<ref name="CeradyneIMPACTBrochure">{{cite web |title=Ceradyne Armor Brochure |url=http://ceradyne.com:80/Uploads/Ceradyne_ARMOR_Brochure.pdf |website=Ceradyne |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204070056/http://ceradyne.com/Uploads/Ceradyne_ARMOR_Brochure.pdf |access-date=6 April 2020 |archive-date=4 February 2007 }}</ref> use a stainless steel crack arrestor<ref name="SOCOMRecallsSPEARS">{{cite web |title=Questions Surround SOF Body Armor Recall |url=https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/gearscout/2012/11/24/socom-recalls-thousands-of-spear-ballistic-armor-plates/ |website=Military.com |date=8 August 2017 |access-date=12 June 2020}}</ref> embedded between the strike face and backer. This layer contains cracks in the strike face to the immediate area around an impact, resulting in markedly improved multi-hit ability;<ref name="HASCCrackArrestors">{{cite web |title=STATEMENT BY GENERAL PAUL J. KERN COMMANDING GENERAL U.S. ARMY MATERIEL COMMAND BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGING THREATS AND CAPABILITIES UNITED STATES SENATE SESSION, 108TH CONGRESS ON THE DEFENSE LABORATORIES AND S&T OVERVIEW UNITED STATES ARMY MARCH 31, 2003 |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/congress/2003_hr/kern.pdf |website=Global Security |publisher=U.S. Congress |access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> in conjunction with NIJ IIIA soft armor, a 3.9&nbsp;lb IMP/ACT plate can stop eight rounds of 5.56×45mm M995, and a 4.2&nbsp;lb plate such as the MH3 CQB can stop either ten rounds of 5.56×45mm M995 or six rounds of 7.62×39mm BZ API.<ref name="MH3HAPB4C">{{cite web |title=Multi Hit III++ Hard Armor Plate – MH3HAP-B4C |url=http://www.paracletearmor.com/Armor/MH3HAPB4C.htm |website=Paraclete Armor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050216023818/http://www.paracletearmor.com/Armor/MH3HAPB4C.htm |access-date=6 April 2020|archive-date=2005-02-16 }}</ref><ref name="MH3IMPACTPlate">{{cite web |title=Miscellaneous gear and equipment |url=https://beta.sam.gov/opp/ec471e0428cda3712f7e5b960078a737/view |website=beta.sam.gov |publisher=U.S. General Services Administration |access-date=12 June 2020 |archive-date=12 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612172205/https://beta.sam.gov/opp/ec471e0428cda3712f7e5b960078a737/view }}</ref>

The standards for armor-piercing rifle [[bullet]]s are not clear-cut, because the penetration of a bullet depends on the hardness of the target armor, and the armor type. However, there are a few general rules. For example, bullets with a soft lead-core and copper jacket are too easily deformed to penetrate hard materials, whereas rifle bullets intended for maximum penetration into hard armor are nearly always manufactured with high-hardness core materials such as [[tungsten carbide]].<ref>Manfred Held "Threats to Military Transport Aircraft:A Technical Review " Journal of Battlefield Technology, Vol 6, No 2, July 2003 11440-5113 © 2003 Argos Press</ref> Most other core materials would have effects between lead and tungsten carbide. Many common bullets, such as the [[7.62×39mm]] M43 standard cartridge for the AK-47/AKM rifle,<ref>Joe Poyer''The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and their Variations'' North Cape Publications Copyright 2004</ref> have a steel core with hardness rating ranging from Rc35 [[Steel#Material properties|mild steel]] up to Rc45 medium hard steel. However, there is a caveat to this rule: with regards to penetration, the hardness of a bullet's core is significantly less important than the [[sectional density]] of that bullet. This is why there are many more bullets made with tungsten instead of tungsten carbide.

Additionally, as the hardness of the bullet core increases, so must the amount of ceramic plating used to stop penetration. Like in soft ballistics, a minimum ceramic material hardness of the bullet core is required to damage their respective hard core materials, however in armor-piercing rounds the bullet core is eroded rather than deformed.<ref>Charles E. Anderson, Jr., James D. Walker,  "An analytical model for dwell and interface defeat" International Journal of Impact Engineering vol 31 issue 9 2004.</ref>

The US Department of Defense uses several hard armor plates. The first, the Small Arms Protective Insert (SAPI), called for ceramic composite plates with a mass of 20–30&nbsp;kg/m<sup>2</sup> (4–5&nbsp;lb/ft<sup>2</sup>). SAPI plates have a black fabric cover with the text "7.62mm M80 Ball Protection"; as expected, they are required to stop three rounds of 7.62×51mm M80 ball, with the plate tilted thirty degrees towards the shooter for the third shot; this practice is common for all three-hit-protective plates in the SAPI series. Later, the [[Small Arms Protective Insert#ESAPI|Enhanced SAPI]] (ESAPI) specification was developed to protect from more penetrative ammunition. ESAPI ceramic plates have a green fabric cover with the text "7.62mm APM2 Protection" on the back and a density of 35–45&nbsp;kg/m<sup>2</sup> (7–9&nbsp;lb/ft<sup>2</sup>); they are designed to stop bullets like the .30-06 AP (M2) with a hardened steel core. Depending on revision, the plate may stop more than one. Since the issuance of CO/PD 04-19D on January 14, 2007, ESAPI plates are required to stop three rounds of M2AP. The plates may be differentiated by the text "REV." on the back, followed by a letter. A few years after the fielding of the ESAPI, the Department of Defense began to issue XSAPI plates in response to a perceived threat of AP projectiles in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over 120,000 inserts were procured;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2009Feb05/0,4675,BodyArmor,00.html|title=Better body armor means more weight for troops
|website=[[Fox News]]}}</ref> however, the AP threats they were meant to stop never materialized, and the plates were put into storage. XSAPI plates are required to stop three rounds<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ciehub.info/spec/PD/FQ-PD-07-03D.pdf|title=Purchase description of the XSAPI}}</ref> of either the 7.62×51mm M993<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://beta.sam.gov/api/prod/opps/v3/opportunities/resources/files/b314f0ef42a89143542880078453ad17/download?api_key=null&status=archived&token=|title=Brand Name Justification for Ballistic Plates.pdf (opens in new window)}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> or 5.56×45mm M995<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-109hhrg33590/html/CHRG-109hhrg33590.htm|title=House Armed Services Committee hearing discussing XSAPI development}}</ref> tungsten-carbide armor-piercing projectiles (like newer ESAPIs, the third shot occurs with the plate tilted towards the shooter), and are distinguished by a tan cover with the text "7.62mm AP/[[Tungsten carbide|WC]] Protection" on the back.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/562765631645286421/650839361348173824/pix488839178.jpg|title=Image of back of XSAPI|date=December 1, 2019|access-date=April 7, 2020|archive-date=September 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909030241/https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/562765631645286421/650839361348173824/pix488839178.jpg}}</ref>

Cercom (now [[BAE Systems]]), [[CoorsTek]], Ceradyne, [[TenCate Advanced Composites]], Honeywell, DSM, Pinnacle Armor and a number of other engineering companies develop and manufacture the materials for composite ceramic rifle armor.<ref name="CorporateMember">{{cite web |url=http://ceramics.org/acers-community/corporate-members-2/ |title=Corporate Member Listing |publisher=Ceramics.org |access-date=2010-08-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828105354/http://ceramics.org/acers-community/corporate-members-2/ |archive-date=2010-08-28 }}</ref>

Body armor standards in the [[Russian Federation]], as established in [[GOST]] R 50744–95, differ significantly from American standards, on account of a different security situation. The [[7.62×25mm Tokarev]] round is a relatively common threat in Russia and is known to be able to penetrate NIJ IIIA soft armor.<ref>{{Citation|title=PSM Shooting: 5.45x18mm vs 7.62x25mm on Soft Armor| date=July 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zapDoI_q3JM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/zapDoI_q3JM| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2019-11-25}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Armor protection in the face of the large numbers of these rounds, therefore, necessitates higher standards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.armourshield.com/ballistic-standards.php|title=Ballistic Standards – Armourshield: Manufacturers of Quality Body Armour / Bullet Proof Vests: Established 1974|website=www.armourshield.com|access-date=2019-11-25}}</ref> GOST armor standards are more stringent than those of the NIJ with regards to protection and blunt impact.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sentineltailors.com/GOST-R-EN.pdf|title=Russian Federation GOST-R 50744-95|website=www.sentineltailors.com|access-date=2020-01-13|archive-date=2020-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331142156/http://www.sentineltailors.com/GOST-R-EN.pdf}}</ref>

For example, one of the highest protection level, GOST 6A, requires the armor to withstand three 7.62×54mmR B32 API hits fired from 5.10m away with 16mm of back-face deformation (BFD). NIJ Level IV-rated armor is only required to stop 1 hit of .30–06, or 7.62×63mm, M2AP with 44mm BFD.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sentineltailors.com/ballistic-standards-2-39.html|title=Ballistic Standards|website=www.sentineltailors.com|access-date=2019-11-25|archive-date=2013-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914053313/http://www.sentineltailors.com/ballistic-standards-2-39.html}}</ref>

===Trauma plates===
Trauma plates, also called trauma pads, are inserts or pads which are placed behind [[Ballistic plate|ballistic armour plates/panels]] and serve to reduce the blunt force trauma absorbed by the body; they do not necessarily have any ballistic protective properties. While an armour system (hard or soft) may stop a projectile from penetrating, the projectile may still cause significant indentation and deformation of the armour, also called backface deformation. Trauma plates help protect against damage to the body from this backface deformation. Trauma plates should not be confused with soft armor or with ballistic plates, both of which do inherently provide ballistic protection.<ref name="bulletproofzone trauma pads">{{cite web |title=The Importance of Trauma Pads |url=https://bulletproofzone.com/blogs/bullet-proof-blog/the-importance-of-trauma-pads |website=Bulletproof Zone |access-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518121722/https://bulletproofzone.com/blogs/bullet-proof-blog/the-importance-of-trauma-pads |archive-date=18 May 2021}}</ref><ref name="nij body armor guide">{{cite web |title=GUIDE BODY ARMOR Selection & Application Guide 0101.06 to Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor |url=https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/247281.pdf |website=National Institute of Justice |access-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423115919/https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/247281.pdf |archive-date=23 April 2022 |date=December 2014 |page=8 |ref={{harvid|GUIDE BODY ARMOR Selection & Application Guide 0101.06 to Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor|2014}}}}</ref><ref name="trauma pad ar500">{{cite web |title=Trauma Pad |url=https://www.ar500armor.com/trauma-pad.html |website=AR500 Armor |access-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505210627/https://www.ar500armor.com/trauma-pad.html |archive-date=5 May 2021}}</ref>

==Explosive protection==
{{Main|Bomb suit}}
[[File:US Navy 050510-N-4309A-114 Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Carl Harris inspects the remaining high explosive material from a disrupted improvised explosive device during a training exercise in Bahrain.jpg|thumb|[[Bomb suit]] being used in a training exercise]]

[[Bomb disposal]] officers often wear heavy armor<ref>{{Cite journal|title = Physiological tolerance times while wearing explosive ordnance disposal protective clothing in simulated environmental extremes|journal = PLOS ONE|date = 2014-01-01|issn = 1932-6203|pmc = 3931617|pmid = 24586228|article-number = e83740|volume = 9|issue = 2|doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0083740|first1 = Ian B.|last1 = Stewart|first2 = Kelly L.|last2 = Stewart|first3 = Charles J.|last3 = Worringham|first4 = Joseph T.|last4 = Costello|bibcode = 2014PLoSO...983740S|doi-access = free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|title = Inside the 'Hurt Locker': The Combined Effects of Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical Protective Clothing on Physiological Tolerance Time in Extreme Environments|journal = The Annals of Occupational Hygiene|date = 2015-08-01|issn = 1475-3162|pmid = 25878167|pmc = 4580838|pages = 922–931|volume = 59|issue = 7|doi = 10.1093/annhyg/mev029|first1 = Joseph T.|last1 = Costello|first2 = Kelly L.|last2 = Stewart|first3 = Ian B.|last3 = Stewart}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|title = The effects of metabolic work rate and ambient environment on physiological tolerance times while wearing explosive and chemical personal protective equipment|journal = BioMed Research International|date = 2015-01-01|issn = 2314-6141|pmc = 4383354|pmid = 25866818|article-number = 857536|volume = 2015|doi = 10.1155/2015/857536|first1 = Joseph T.|last1 = Costello|first2 = Kelly L.|last2 = Stewart|first3 = Ian B.|last3 = Stewart|doi-access = free}}</ref> designed to protect against most effects of a moderate sized explosion, such as bombs encountered in terror threats. Full head helmet, covering the face and some degree of protection for limbs is mandatory in addition to very strong armor for the torso. An insert to protect the spine is usually applied to the back, in case an explosion throws the wearer. Visibility and mobility of the wearer is severely limited, as is the time that can be spent working on the device. Armor designed primarily to counter explosives is often somewhat less effective against bullets than armor designed for that purpose. The sheer mass of most bomb disposal armor usually provides some protection, and bullet-specific armor plates are compatible with some bomb disposal suits. Bomb disposal technicians try to accomplish their task if possible using remote methods (e.g., robots, line and pulleys). Actually laying hands on a bomb is only done in an extremely life-threatening situation, where the hazards to people and critical structures cannot be lessened by using wheeled robots or other techniques.

It is notable that despite the protection offered, much of it is in [[Fragmentation (weaponry)|fragmentation]]. According to some sources, [[overpressure]] from ordnance beyond the charge of a typical hand grenade can overwhelm a bomb suit.

In some media, an EOD suit is portrayed as a heavily armoured bulletproof suit capable of ignoring explosions and gunfire; in real life, this is not the case, as much of a bomb suit is made up of only soft armor.

==Stab and stab-ballistic armor==
{{see also|Stab vest}}

===Early "ice pick" test===
In the mid-1980s the state of [[California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation|California Department of Corrections]] issued a requirement for a body armor using a commercial [[ice pick]] as the test penetrator. The test method attempted to simulate the capacity of a human attacker to deliver impact energy with their upper body. As was later shown by the work of the former British PSDB, this test overstated the capacity of human attackers.  The test used a drop mass or sabot that carried the ice pick. Using gravitational force, the height of the drop mass above the vest was proportional to the impact energy. This test specified 109 joules (81&nbsp;ft·lb) of energy and a 7.3&nbsp;kg (16&nbsp;lb) drop mass with a drop height of 153&nbsp;cm (60&nbsp;in).

The ice pick has a 4&nbsp;mm (0.16&nbsp;in) diameter with a sharp tip with a 5.4&nbsp;m/s (17&nbsp;ft/s) terminal velocity in the test. The California standard did not include knife or cutting-edge weapons in the test protocol. The test method used the oil/clay (Roma Plastilena) tissue simulant as a test backing. In this early phase only titanium and steel plate offerings were successful in addressing this requirement. Point Blank developed the first ice pick certified offerings for CA Department of Corrections in shaped titanium sheet metal. Vests of this type are still in service in US corrections facilities as of 2008.

Beginning in the early 1990s, an optional test method was approved by California which permitted the use of 10% ballistic gelatin as a replacement for Roma clay. The transition from hard, dense clay-based Roma to soft low-density gelatin allowed all textile solutions to meet this attack energy requirement. Soon all textile "ice pick" vests began to be adopted by California and other US states as a result of this migration in the test methods. It is important for users to understand that the smooth, round tip of the ice pick does not cut fiber on impact and this permits the use of textile based vests for this application.

The earliest of these "all" fabric vests designed to address this ice pick test was Warwick Mills's TurtleSkin ultra tightly woven [[para-aramid]] fabric with a patent filed in 1993.<ref name="Patent1996">{{cite web |url=http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5565264/description.html |title=US Patent 5565264 – Protective fabric having high penetration resistance |publisher=PatentStorm LLC |date=1996-10-15 |access-date=2008-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612221429/http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5565264/description.html |archive-date=2011-06-12 }}</ref> Shortly after the TurtleSkin work, in 1995 DuPont patented a medium density fabric that was designated as Kevlar Correctional.<ref name="Foy1996">{{cite web |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US5578358 |title=Penetration-resistant aramid article |first=Brian E. |last=Foy |work=Google Patents |date=1996-11-26 |access-date=2008-11-13}}</ref> These textile materials do not have equal performance with cutting-edge threats and these certifications were only with ice pick and were not tested with knives.

===HOSDB-Stab and Slash standards===
Parallel to the US development of "ice pick" vests, the British police, PSDB, was working on standards for knife-resistant body armor. Their program adopted a rigorous scientific approach and collected data on human attack capacity.<ref name="Chadwick1999">{{cite journal |title=Biomechanics of knife stab attacks |first1=E K J |last1=Chadwick |first2=A C |last2=Nicol |first3=J V |last3=Lane |first4=T G F |last4= Gray  |journal=Forensic Science International |volume=105 |issue=1 |date=1999-11-25 |doi=10.1016/S0379-0738(99)00117-6 |pmid=10605074 |pages=35–44 }}</ref> Their ergonomic study suggested three levels of threat: 25, 35 and 45 joules of impact energy. In addition to impact energy attack, velocities were measured and were found to be 10–20&nbsp;m/s (much faster than the California test). Two commercial knives were selected for use in this PSDB test method. In order to test at a representative velocity, an air cannon method was developed to propel the knife and sabot at the vest target using compressed air. In this first version, the PSDB '93 test also used oil/clay materials as the tissue simulant backing. The introduction of knives which cut fiber and a hard-dense test backing required stab vest manufacturers to use metallic components in their vest designs to address this more rigorous standard. The current standard HOSDB Body Armour Standards for UK Police (2007) Part 3: Knife and Spike Resistance is harmonized with the US NIJ OO15 standard, use a drop test method and use a composite foam backing as a tissue simulant. Both the HOSDB and the NIJ test now specify engineered blades, double-edged S1 and single-edge P1 as well as the spike.

In addition to the stab standards, HOSDB has developed a standard for slash resistance (2006). This standard, like the stab standards, is based on drop testing with a test knife in a mounting of controlled mass. The slash test uses the Stanley Utility knife or box cutter blades. The slash standard tests the cut resistance of the armor panel parallel to the direction of blade travel. The test equipment measures the force at the instant the blade tip produces a sustained slash through the vest. The criteria require that slash failure of the armor be greater than 80 newtons of force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scienceandresearch.homeoffice.gov.uk//hosdb/publications/protective-equipment/index.html|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100408123625/http://scienceandresearch.homeoffice.gov.uk//hosdb/publications/protective-equipment/index.html|archive-date=2010-04-08|title=Protective equipment publications|first=public enquiries@homeoffice gsi gov uk|last=Home Office Scientific Development Branch}}</ref>

===Combination stab and ballistic vests===
Vests that combined stab and ballistic protection were a significant innovation in the 1990s period of vest development.  The starting point for this development were the ballistic-only offerings of that time using NIJ Level 2A, 2, and 3A or HOSDB HG 1 and 2, with compliant ballistic vest products being manufactured with areal densities of between 5.5 and 6&nbsp;kg/m<sup>2</sup> (1.1 and 1.2&nbsp;lb/ft<sup>2</sup> or 18 and 20 oz/ft<sup>2</sup>). However police forces were evaluating their "street threats" and requiring vests with both knife and ballistic protection. This multi-threat approach is common in the United Kingdom and other European countries and is less popular in the USA.  Unfortunately for multi-threat users, the metallic array and [[Mail (armour)|chainmail]] systems that were necessary to defeat the test blades offered little ballistic performance. The multi-threat vests have areal densities close to the sum of the two solutions separately. These vests have mass values in the 7.5–8.5&nbsp;kg/m<sup>2</sup> (1.55–1.75&nbsp;lb/ft<sup>2</sup>) range.  Ref (NIJ and HOSDB certification listings). Rolls-Royce Composites -Megit and Highmark produced metallic array systems to address this HOSDB standard. These designs were used extensively by the [[London]] [[Metropolitan Police Service]] and other agencies in the [[United Kingdom]].

===Standards update US and UK===
[[File:MPS officers supervising World Cup, 2006.jpg|thumb|left|Metropolitan Police officers conducting crowd control, 2006]]
As vest manufacturers and the specifying authorities worked with these standards, the UK and US Standards teams began a collaboration on test methods.<ref>[http://www.justnet.org/TechBeat%20Files/StabStndSpr2000.pdf "Taking the Stab Out of Stabbings"]{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. [http://www.justnet.org/Pages/TechBeatIssue.aspx?issue=Spring+2000 ''TechBeat'', Spring 2000 (whole issue)]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, p. 1 ([[Portable Document Format|PDF]] version).</ref> A number of issues with the first versions of the tests needed to be addressed. The use of commercial knives with inconsistent sharpness and tip shape created problems with test consistency. As a result, two new "engineered blades" were designed that could be manufactured to have reproducible penetrating behavior. The tissue simulants, Roma clay and gelatin, were either unrepresentative of tissue or not practical for the test operators. A composite-foam and hard-rubber test backing was developed as an alternative to address these issues. The drop test method was selected as the baseline for the updated standard over the air cannon option. The drop mass was reduced from the "ice pick test" and a wrist-like soft linkage was engineered into the penetrator-sabot to create a more realistic test impact. These closely related standards were first issued in 2003 as HOSDB 2003 and NIJ 0015. (The Police Scientific Development Branch (PSDB) was renamed the Home Office Scientific Development Branch in 2004.)<ref>[http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/ho-annual-report-0405/annrep2005-0-complete The Home Office Departmental Report 2005] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602082320/http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/ho-annual-report-0405/annrep2005-0-complete |date=2008-06-02 }}, p. 19. [[Home Office]], June 2005.</ref>

===Stab and spike vests===
These new standards created a focus on Level 1 at {{convert|25|J|ft.lbf}}, Level 2 at  {{convert|35|J|ft.lbf|abbr=on}}, Level 3 at {{convert|45|J|ft.lbf|abbr=on}} protection as tested with the new engineered knives defined in these test documents.  The lowest level of this requirement at 25 joules was addressed by a series of textile products of both wovens, coated wovens and laminated woven materials. All of these materials were based on [[aramid|Para-aramid]] fiber. The co-efficient of friction for ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) prevented its use in this application. The TurtleSkin DiamondCoat and Twaron SRM products addressed this requirement using a combination of Para-Aramid wovens and bonded ceramic grain. These ceramic-coated products do not have the flexibility and softness of un-coated textile materials.

For the higher levels of protection L2 and L3, the very aggressive penetration of the small, thin P1 blade has resulted in the continued use of metallic components in stab armor. In Germany, Mehler Vario Systems developed hybrid vests of woven para-aramid and chainmail, and their solution was selected by London's Metropolitan Police Service.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}} Another German company BSST, in cooperation with Warwick Mills, has developed a system to meet the ballistic-stab requirement using Dyneema laminate and an advanced metallic-array system, TurtleSkin MFA. This system is currently implemented in the Netherlands.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}}  The trend in multi threat armor continues with requirements for needle protection in the  Draft ISO prEN ISO 14876 norm. In many countries there is also an interest to combine military style explosive fragmentation protection with bullet-ballistics and stab requirements.

==Armor carriers==
In order for ballistic protection to be wearable, the ballistic panels and/or hard rifle-resistant plates are placed within a carrier. The term "plate carrier" is used specifically to refer to armour carriers which can hold ballistic plates. Broadly, there are two major types of carriers: overt carriers, and low-profile carriers which are meant to be concealed:<ref name="tac vs low profile carriers">{{cite web |last1=Erestain |first1=Nicolette |title=What Is The Difference Between Concealable and Overt Body Armor? |url=https://bulletproofzone.com/blogs/bullet-proof-blog/what-is-the-difference-between-concealable-and-overt-body-armor |website=Bullet Proof Zone |access-date=13 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804040319/https://bulletproofzone.com/blogs/bullet-proof-blog/what-is-the-difference-between-concealable-and-overt-body-armor |archive-date=4 August 2021 |date=5 September 2019}}</ref><ref name="spartan armor overt/covert">{{cite web |title=Pros and Cons of Body Armor Shapes and Sizes Infographic |url=https://www.spartanarmorsystems.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-body-armor-shapes-and-sizes-infographic-/ |website=Spartan Armor Systems |access-date=13 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723151504/https://www.spartanarmorsystems.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-body-armor-shapes-and-sizes-infographic-/ |archive-date=23 July 2021 |date=15 November 2019}}</ref>

===Overt/Tactical carriers===
[[File:Operation Triple Beam San Antonio 2017-27 (38294407494).jpg|right|thumb|[[United States Marshals Service|US Marshals]] wearing tactical plate carriers]]

Overt/Tactical armour carriers typically include pouches and/or mounting systems, like [[MOLLE]],<ref name="soldier project pc vs vest">{{cite web |last1=Bartell |first1=Brain |title=Plate Carrier Vs Vest: Differences and Comparison |url=https://www.thesoldiersproject.org/plate-carrier-vs-vest/ |website=The Soldier Project |access-date=13 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525134659/https://www.thesoldiersproject.org/plate-carrier-vs-vest/ |archive-date=25 May 2022 |date=2 May 2022}}</ref> for carrying gear and are usually designed to provide higher amounts of protection.<ref name="tac vs low profile carriers"/> The [[Improved Outer Tactical Vest]] and [[Soldier Plate Carrier System]]s are examples of military carriers design to be used with ballistic plate inserts.

In addition to load carriage, this type of carrier may include pockets for neck protection, side plates, groin plates, and backside protection. As this style of carrier is not close fitting, sizing in this system is straightforward for both men and women, making custom fabrication unnecessary.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pax|first=Bastion|title=Comprehensive Guide to Plate Carriers: Features and Benefits|url=https://bastionpax.com/comprehensive-guide-to-plate-carriers-features-and-benefits/|access-date=10 August 2024}}</ref>

===Low-profile/concealable carriers===
[[File:PC Gen III low profile.png|thumb|The low-profile configuration of the Plate Carrier Generation III]]
Low profile/concealable carriers holds the ballistic panels and/or ballistic plates close to the wearer's body and a uniform shirt may be worn over the carrier. This type of carrier must be designed to conform closely to the officer's body shape. For concealable armor to conform to the body it must be correctly fitted to a particular individual. Many programs specify full custom measurement and manufacturing of armor panels and carriers to ensure good fit and comfortable armor.  Officers who are female or significantly overweight have more difficulty in getting accurately measured and having comfortable armor fabricated.<ref>Robin H Hooper, ''Why Do Police Officers Leave Their Body Armour in the Cupboard?'', Contemporary Ergonomics 1999, ''(ed. Margaret Hanson, E. J. Lovesey, S. A. Robertson)'', (Padstow, UK: T.J. International) pp. 358–362.</ref>

===Vest slips===
A third textile layer is often found between the carrier and the ballistic components. The ballistic panels are covered in a coated pouch or slip. This slip provides the encapsulation of the ballistic materials. Slips are manufactured in two types: heat sealed hermetic slips and simple sewn slips. For some ballistic fibers such as [[Kevlar]] the slip is a critical part of the system. The slip prevents moisture from the user's body from saturating the ballistic materials.  This protection from moisture cycling increases the useful life of the armor.<ref>Journal of Applied Polymer Science "Kinetics for the tensile strength degradation of nylon and Kevlar yarns" I. Auerbach Aerodynamics Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=November 2012}}

==Research==

===Non-standard designs of hard armour===
The vast majority of hard body armor plates, including the U.S. military's [[Small Arms Protective Insert]] family, are monolithic; their strike faces consist of a single ceramic tile. Monolithic plates are lighter than their non-monolithic counterparts, but suffer from reduced effectiveness when shot multiple times in a close area (i.e., shots spaced less than two inches/5.1&nbsp;cm apart). However, several non-monolithic armor systems have emerged, the most well-known being the controversial [[Dragon Skin]] system. Dragon Skin, composed of dozens of overlapping ceramic scales, promised superior multi-hit performance and flexibility compared to the then-current ESAPI plate; however, it failed to deliver. When the U.S. Army tested the system against the same requirements as the ESAPI, Dragon Skin showed major issues with environmental damage; the scales would come apart when subjected to temperatures above 120&nbsp;°F (49&nbsp;°C) – not uncommon in Middle Eastern climates – when exposed to diesel vehicle fuel, or after the two four-foot drop tests (after these drops, ESAPI plates are put in an X-ray machine to determine the location of cracks, and then shot directly on said cracks), leaving the plate unable to reach its stated threat level and suffering 13 first- or second-shot complete penetrations by .30–06 M2 AP (the ESAPI test threat) out of 48 shots.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/briefingslide/304/070521-D-6570C-001.pdf|title=Dragon Skin Environmental Testing|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-date=2016-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222212514/https://archive.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/briefingslide/304/070521-D-6570C-001.pdf}}</ref>

Perhaps less-well known is LIBA (Light Improved Body Armor), manufactured by Royal TenCate, ARES Protection, and Mofet Etzion in the early 2000s. LIBA uses an innovative array of ceramic pellets embedded in a polyethylene backer;<ref name="Patent for lightweight composite armor that uses LIBA as an example of commercial non-monolithic armor.">{{cite web |title=Lightweight composite armor |url=https://patents.justia.com/patent/7694621 |website=JUSTIA Patents |publisher=MKP Structural Design Associates, Inc. |access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://imgur.com/8q0qXMb|title=LIBA armor makeup}}</ref> although this layout lacks the flexibility of Dragon Skin, it provides impressive multi-hit ability as well as the unique ability to repair the armor by replacing damaged pellets and epoxying them over.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://imgur.com/HkvWT35|title=LIBA 15 hits from 7.62 AK fire}}</ref><ref name="Official Mofet Etzion video showcasing repair of a LIBA insert.">{{cite web |author1=Mofet Etzion |title=Mofet Etzion |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89JHLN4atHw  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/89JHLN4atHw| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|website=YouTube |date=5 March 2018 |access-date=6 April 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In addition, there are variants of LIBA with multi-hit capacity against threats analogous to [[7.62×51mm NATO]] M993 AP/WC,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://imgur.com/40vzOtg|title="Super LIBA" back, shows the rating as 7.62 WC.}}</ref> a tungsten-cored armor-piercing round. Field tests of LIBA have yielded successful results, with 15 AKM hits producing only minor bruises.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mofet-etzion.co.il/combat_proven.html|title=15 hits of 7.62x39mm on a LIBA plate, Golan Heights 2002.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221002919/http://www.mofet-etzion.co.il/combat_proven.html|archive-date=2007-02-21}}</ref>

===Progress in material science===
Ballistic vests use layers of very strong fibers to "catch" and deform a bullet, mushrooming it into a dish shape, and spreading its force over a larger portion of the vest fiber. The vest absorbs the energy from the deforming bullet, bringing it to a stop before it can completely penetrate the textile matrix. Some layers may be penetrated but as the bullet deforms, the energy is absorbed by a larger and larger fiber area.

In recent years, advances in material science have opened the door to the idea of a literal "bulletproof vest" able to stop handgun and rifle bullets with a soft textile vest, without the assistance of additional metal or ceramic plating. However, progress is moving at a slower rate compared to other technical disciplines. The most recent offering from Kevlar, [[Protera]], was released in 1996.  Current soft body armor can stop most handgun rounds (which has been the case for roughly 15 years {{Citation needed|date=July 2010}}), but armor plates are needed to stop rifle rounds and steel-core handgun rounds such as 7.62×25mm. The para-aramids have not progressed beyond the limit of 23&nbsp;grams per [[Units of textile measurement#Denier|denier]] in fiber tenacity.

Modest ballistic performance improvements have been made by new producers of this fiber type.<ref>Heterocyclic Aramide Fibers – Production Principles, Properties and Application, Nikolay N. Machalaba and Kirill E. Pekin</ref> Much the same can be said for the [[UHMWPE]] material; the basic fiber properties have only advanced to the 30–35 g/d range. Improvements in this material have been seen in the development of cross-plied non-woven laminate, e.g. Spectra Shield. The major ballistic performance advance of fiber [[Zylon|PBO]] is known as a "cautionary tale" in materials science.<ref>Morphological study on poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) fiber, Tooru Kitagawa *, Hiroki Murase, Kazuyuki Yabuki Toyobo Research Center, Toyobo Co. Ltd., 2-1-1, Katata, Ohtsu 520-02 Japan</ref> This fiber permitted the design of handgun soft armor that was 30–50% lower in mass as compared to the aramid and UHMWPE materials. However this higher tenacity was delivered with a well-publicized weakness in environmental durability.

Akzo-Magellan (now DuPont) teams have been working on fiber called [[M5 fiber]]; however, its announced startup of its pilot plant has been delayed more than 2 years. Data suggests if the M5 material can be brought to market, its performance will be roughly equivalent to PBO.<ref name="Cunniff">{{cite web |last1=Cunniff |first1=Philip M. |last2=Auerbach |first2=Margaret |last3=Vetter |first3=Eugene |last4=Sikkema |first4=Doetze J |title=High Performance "M5" Fiber for Ballistics/Structural Composites |url=http://web.mit.edu/course/3/3.91/OldFiles/www/slides/cunniff.pdf |journal= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041118190203/http://web.mit.edu/course/3/3.91/OldFiles/www/slides/cunniff.pdf |archive-date=18 November 2004}}</ref> In May 2008, the Teijin Aramid group announced a "super-fibers" development program. The Teijin emphasis appears to be on [[computational chemistry]] to define a solution to high tenacity without environmental weakness.

The materials science of second generation "super" fibers is complex, requires large investments, and represent significant technical challenges. Research aims to develop artificial spider silk which could be super strong, yet light and flexible.<ref name="Lazaris2002">{{cite journal |title=Spider Silk Fibers Spun from Soluble Recombinant Silk Produced in Mammalian Cells |first1=Anthoula |last1=Lazaris |first2=Steven |last2=Arcidiacono |first3=Yue |last3=Huang |first4=Jiang-Feng |last4=Zhou |first5=François |last5=Duguay |first6=Nathalie |last6=Chretien |first7=Elizabeth A |last7=Welsh |first8=Jason W |last8=Soares |first9=Costas N |last9= Karatza   |s2cid=9260156 |journal=Science |volume=295 |issue=5554 |pages=472–476 |doi=10.1126/science.1065780 |pmid=11799236 |year=2002|bibcode=2002Sci...295..472L }}</ref> Other research has been done to harness nanotechnology to help create super-strong fibers that could be used in future bulletproof vests. In 2018, the US military began conducting research into the feasibility of using artificial silk as body armor, which has the advantages of its light weight and its cooling capability.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1596954/air-force-scientists-study-artificial-silk-for-body-armor-parachutes/|title=Air Force scientists study artificial silk for body armor, parachutes|date=8 August 2018 }}</ref>

===Textile wovens and laminates research===
Finer yarns and lighter woven fabrics have been a key factor in improving ballistic results. The cost of ballistic fibers increases dramatically as the yarn size decreases, so it's unclear how long this trend can continue. The current practical limit of fiber size is 200 denier with most wovens limited at the 400 denier level. Three-dimensional weaving with fibers connecting flat wovens together into a 3D system are being considered for both hard and soft ballistics. Team Engineering Inc is designing and weaving these multi layer materials. Dyneema DSM has developed higher performance laminates using a new, higher strength fiber designated SB61, and HB51. DSM feels this advanced material provides some improved performance, however the SB61 "soft ballistic" version has been recalled.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cjtec.org/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070528055600/http://www.justnet.org/BatPro/|title=Home – Criminal Justice Testing and Evaluation Consortium (CJTEC)|archive-date=May 28, 2007|website=cjtec.org}}</ref>  At the Shot Show in 2008, a unique composite of interlocking steel plates and soft UHWMPE plate was exhibited by TurtleSkin.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/02/turtleskin-body/ |title=Shot Show:Pistol-stoppin TurtleSkin armour |magazine=Wired |date=4 February 2008}}</ref> In combination with more traditional woven fabrics and laminates a number of research efforts are working with ballistic felts. Tex Tech has been working on these materials. Like the 3D weaving, Tex Tech sees the advantage in the 3-axis fiber orientation.

===Fibers used===
Ballistic nylon (until the 1970s) or Kevlar, [[Twaron]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.differencebetween.net/object/differences-between-kevlar-and-twaron/|title=Differences Between Kevlar and Twaron|website=www.differencebetween.net|date=3 April 2013 |language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-30}}</ref> or Spectra (a competitor for Kevlar) or polyethylene fiber could be used to manufacture bullet proof vests. The vests of the time were made of ballistic nylon & supplemented by plates of fiber-glass, steel, ceramic, titanium, Doron & composites of ceramic and fiberglass, the last being the most effective.

===Developments in ceramic armor===
Ceramic materials, materials processing and progress in ceramic penetration mechanics are significant areas of academic and industrial activity. This combined field of ceramics armor research is broad and is perhaps summarized best by The American Ceramics Society. ACerS has run an annual armor conference for a number of years and compiled a proceedings 2004–2007.<ref>Wiley Advances in Ceramic Armor III ACS</ref> An area of special activity pertaining to vests is the emerging use of small ceramic components. Large torso sized ceramic plates are complex to manufacture and are subject to cracking in use. Monolithic plates also have limited multi hit capacity as a result of their large impact fracture zone. These are the motivations for new types of armor plate. These new designs use two- and three-dimensional arrays of ceramic elements that can be rigid, flexible, or semi-flexible. [[Dragon Skin (body armor)|Dragon Skin body armor]] is one of these systems. European developments in spherical and hexagonal arrays have resulted in products that have some flex and multi hit performance.<ref>Tencate AresShield</ref> The manufacture of array type systems with flex, consistent ballistic performance at edges of ceramic elements is an active area of research. In addition advanced ceramic processing techniques arrays require adhesive assembly methods. One novel approach is use of hook and loop fasteners to assemble the ceramic arrays.<ref>Foster Miller Last Armor.</ref>

===Nanomaterials in ballistics===
Currently, there are a number of methods by which [[nanomaterials]] are being implemented into body armor production. The first, developed at [[University of Delaware]] is based on [[nanoparticle]]s within the suit that become rigid enough to protect the wearer as soon as a kinetic energy threshold is surpassed. These coatings have been described as [[dilatant|shear thickening]] fluids.<ref name="Lee2003">{{cite journal |title=The ballistic impact characteristics of Kevlar woven fabrics impregnated with a colloidal shear thickening fluid |first1=Young S |last1=Lee |first2=E D |last2=Wetzel |first3=N J |last3=Wagner |journal=Journal of Materials Science |volume=38 |issue=13 |date=July 2003 |pages=2825–2833 |doi=10.1023/A:1024424200221|bibcode=2003JMatS..38.2825L|s2cid=136105658 }}</ref> These nano-infused fabrics have been licensed by BAE systems, but as of mid-2008, no products have been released based on this technology.

In 2005 an Israeli company, [[ApNano]], developed a material that was always rigid. It was announced that this [[nanocomposite]] based on [[tungsten disulfide nanotube]]s was able to withstand shocks generated by a steel projectile traveling at velocities of up to 1.5&nbsp;km/s.<ref name="NanoArmorProtecting">{{cite web|url=http://www.isracast.com/tech_news/091205_tech.htm |title=Nano-Armor: Protecting The Soldiers Of Tomorrow |publisher=Isracast.com |access-date=2009-04-06| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090406023428/http://www.isracast.com/tech_news/091205_tech.htm| archive-date= 6 April 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> The material was also reportedly able to withstand shock pressures generated by other impacts of up to 250 metric tons-force per square centimeter (24.5 [[Pascal (unit)|gigapascal]]s; 3,550,000 psi). During the tests, the material proved to be so strong that after the impact the samples remained essentially unmarred. Additionally, a study in France tested the material under [[Isostasy|isostatic]] pressure and found it to be stable up to at least 350 tf/cm<sup>2</sup> (34 GPa; 5,000,000 psi).

As of mid-2008, spider silk bulletproof vests and nano-based armors are being developed for potential market release.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} Both the British and American militaries have expressed interest in a [[carbon (fiber)|carbon fiber]] woven from [[carbon nanotube]]s that was developed at [[University of Cambridge]] and has the potential to be used as body armor.<ref name="Rincon2007">{{cite news|last=Rincon |first=Paul |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7038686.stm |title=Science/Nature &#124; Super-strong body armour in sight |work=BBC News |date=2007-10-23 |access-date=2009-04-06}}</ref> In 2008, large format carbon nanotube sheets began being produced at Nanocomp. {{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

===Graphene composite===
In late 2014, researchers began studying and testing [[graphene]] as a material for use in body armor. Graphene is manufactured from carbon and is the thinnest, strongest, and most conductive material on the planet. Taking the form of hexagonally arranged atoms, its tensile strength is known to be 200 times greater than steel, but studies from [[Rice University]] have revealed it is also 10 times better than steel at dissipating energy, an ability that had previously not been thoroughly explored. To test its properties, the [[University of Massachusetts]] stacked together graphene sheets only a single carbon atom thick, creating layers ranging in thickness from 10 nanometers to 100 nanometers from 300 layers. Microscopic spherical [[silica]] "bullets" were fired at the sheets at speeds of up to 3&nbsp;km (1.9&nbsp;mi) per second, almost nine times the speed of sound.  Upon impact, the projectiles deformed into a cone shape around the graphene before ultimately breaking through. In the three nanoseconds it held together however, the transferred energy traveled through the material at a speed of 22.2&nbsp;km (13.8&nbsp;mi) per second, faster than any other known material. If the impact stress can be spread out over a large enough area that the cone moves out at an appreciable velocity compared with the velocity of the projectile, stress will not be localized under where it hit. Although a wide impact hole opened up, a composite mixture of graphene and other materials could be made to create a new, revolutionary armor solution.<ref>[http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/worlds-strongest-material-in-body-armour-trials.html World's Strongest Material In Body Armour Trials] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209084435/http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/worlds-strongest-material-in-body-armour-trials.html |date=2014-12-09 }} – Armedforces-Int.com, 1 December 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.gizmag.com/graphene-bulletproof-armor/35004/ Graphene could find use in lightweight ballistic body armor] – Gizmag.com, 1 December 2014</ref>

==Legality==
{| class="wikitable sortable floatright" style="text-align:left"
|-
! style="width:80px;"| Country or region 
! style="width:60px;"| Ownership without license 
! style="width:50px;"| {{refh}}
|-
| {{flag|Argentina}} || {{No|Illegal}} || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sacar-la-tenencia-de-chaleco-antibalas|title=Sacar la tenencia de chaleco antibalas|date=March 16, 2018|website=Argentina.gob.ar}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Australia}} || {{No|Illegal}} ||
|-
| {{flag|Brazil}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gauchazh.clicrbs.com.br/seguranca/noticia/2019/08/exercito-libera-diversos-calibres-para-venda-no-brasil-inclusive-alguns-de-fuzis-cjzcz9v3w02t801pa1aenkzz7.html|title=Exército libera diversos calibres para venda no Brasil, inclusive alguns de fuzis|date=August 15, 2019|website=GZH}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Canada}} || {{Maybe|Varies internally}} ||
|-
| {{flag|European Union}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||
|-
|{{Flag|India}}
|{{Yes|Legal}}
|
|-
| {{flag|Japan}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||
|-
| {{flag|New Zealand}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||
|-
| {{flag|Thailand}} || {{No|Illegal}} || Up to five years in prison<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/05/30/asia/thailand-uk-journalist-arrested/index.html|title=British journalist arrested in Thailand for carrying body armor|author=James Griffiths and Chieu Luu|website=CNN|date=30 May 2017}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|United Kingdom}} || {{Yes|Legal}} || <ref>{{Cite web|title=Body Armour Laws in The UK|url=https://www.safeguardarmor.com/uk/articles/body-armour-law/|access-date=2020-06-04|website=www.safeguardarmor.com}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|United States}} || {{Yes|Legal}} ||
|-
|}

===Australia===
In Australia, it is illegal to import body armour without prior permission from the [[Australian Border Force]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Specified person test |url=https://www.abf.gov.au/prohibited-goods-subsite/Pages/specified-person-test.aspx |website=www.abf.gov.au}}</ref> It is also illegal to possess body armour without authorization in [[South Australia]],<ref>{{cite Legislation AU|SA|act|soa1953189|Summary Offences Act 1953|21B}} Body armour.</ref> [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]],<ref>{{cite Legislation AU|Vic|act|cowa1990216|Control of Weapons Act 1990|8A}}.</ref> [[Northern Territory]],<ref>{{cite Legislation AU|NT|act|wca197|Weapons Control Act|9}}.</ref> [[Australian Capital Territory|ACT]],<ref>{{cite Legislation AU|ACT|reg|pwr1997294|Prohibited Weapons Regulation 1997|12}}.</ref> [[Queensland]],<ref>{{cite Legislation AU|Qld|reg|wcr1997290|Weapons Categories Regulation 1997|6}} Category E weapons.</ref> [[New South Wales]],<ref>{{cite Legislation AU|NSW|act|pwr1997294/sch1.html|Weapons Prohibition Act 1998}} Schedule 1 – prohibited weapons.</ref> and [[Tasmania]].<ref>{{cite Legislation AU|Tas|act|poa1935140|Police Offences Act 1935|15E}} Body armour.</ref>

===Canada===
In all [[Provinces and territories of Canada|Canadian provinces]] except for [[Alberta]], [[British Columbia]] and [[Manitoba]], it is legal to wear and to purchase body armour such as ballistic vests. Under the laws of these provinces, it is illegal to possess body armour without a license (unless exempted) issued by the provincial government.

As of February 2019, [[Nova Scotia]] allows "only those who require such armour due to their employment" to keep and use body armor, such as police and corrections officers, citing the use of body armor by criminals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=GLOBEMD |date=2018-10-12 |title=Bill 32 – Body Armour Control Act – RA |url=https://nslegislature.ca/legc/bills/63rd_2nd/3rd_read/b032.htm |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=Nova Scotia Legislature |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=The Canadian Press |date=2019-01-29 |title=Nova Scotia to impose restrictions on possession of body armour |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/body-armour-restrictions-nova-scotia-1.4997506 |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=CBCNEWS}}</ref>

According to the Body Armour Control Act of Alberta which came into force on June 15, 2012, any individual in possession of a valid firearms licence under the Firearms Act of Canada can legally purchase, possess and wear body armour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.solgps.alberta.ca/programs_and_services/public_security/BACAct/Pages/default.aspx|title=Body armour permit}}</ref>

===European Union===
[[File:Bullet-resistant police vest for women with breast shaping in size S - Protection class SK 1 and Level IIIA - Police in Bavaria.jpg|thumb|Bullet-resistant police vest for women with breast shaping in size S – Protection class SK 1 and Level IIIA – Police in Bavaria]]
In the [[European Union]], the import and sale of ballistic vests and body armor is allowed. There is an exception for vests that are developed under strict military specifications and/or for main military usage; shield above the level of protection [[#Performance standards|NIJ 4]] are considered by the law as "armament materials" and forbidden for civilian use.{{Citation needed|date=December 2011}} There are many shops in the EU that sell ballistic vests and body armor, used or new.{{Citation needed|date=September 2014}}

In [[Italy]], the purchase, ownership and wear of ballistic vests and body armor is not subject to any restriction, except for those ballistic protections that are developed under strict military specifications and/or for main military usage, thus considered by the law as "armament materials" and forbidden to civilians. Furthermore, a number of laws and court rulings during the years have rehearsed the concept of a ballistic vest being mandatory to wear for those individuals who work in the [[security guard|private security]] sector.

In the [[Netherlands]] the civilian ownership of body armour is subject to the European Union regulations. Body armour in various ballistic grades is sold by a range of different vendors, mainly aimed at providing to security guards and VIP's. The use of body armour while committing a crime is not an additional offence in itself, but may be interpreted as so under different laws such as resisting arrest.

===Hong Kong===
Under Schedule C (item ML13) of Cap. 60G Import and Export (Strategic Commodities) Regulations, "armoured or protective equipment, constructions and components" are not regulated "when accompanying their user for the user's own personal protection".{{quote without source}}

===United States===
[[File:FBI Hostage Rescue Team Agents.jpg|thumb|[[Hostage Rescue Team]] agents]]

United States law restricts possession of body armor for convicted violent felons. Many U.S. states also have penalties for possession or use of body armor by felons. In other states, such as [[Kentucky]], possession is not prohibited, but probation or parole is denied to a person convicted of committing certain violent crimes while wearing body armor and carrying a deadly weapon.  Most states do not have restrictions for non-felons.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pax|first=Bastion|title=Legality of Owning Body Armor in the United States|url=https://bastionpax.com/legality-of-owning-body-armor-in-the-united-states/|access-date=10 August 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Brigandine]]
* [[Buff coat]]
* [[Dyneema]]
* [[Flak jacket]]
* [[Hauberk]]
* [[Jack of plate]]
* [[Mail (armour)]]
* [[Terminal ballistics]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|Bulletproof vests}}
* [http://www.ojp.gov/nij/pubs-sum/223054.htm NIJ Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor]

{{Types of armour}}

[[Category:Ballistic vests]]
[[Category:Bulletproofing]]
[[Category:Law enforcement uniforms]]