5 - Standards and specifications for lightweight ballistic materials

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the test standards and specifications used by the US and a number of countries in South America, Europe, and Asia for testing military and law enforcement ballistic materials and ballistic products. The test standards and specifications are essential elements for the armor designer, manufacturer, and buyer. Since lightweight ballistic materials are relatively new, both test standards and specifications in certain areas are still evolving. Similarly, although ballistic testing has been conducted on different materials for the last few decades, fine tuning of these test methods and new test techniques continues to evolve. The US standards and specifications are fairly detailed and revised on a continual basis. Some of the European, South Asian, and Pacific Rim countries have test standards and specifications that are slightly different than the US, but overall there are more similarities than differences. Each test standard or specification could be fairly detailed covering every single item used in the vest or helmet or on an armored vehicle.