NIJ and Ballistics Data
NIJ Level IIIA |
NIJ Level III |
Type IIIA armor that is new and unworn is tested with .357 SIG FMJ Flat Nose (FN) bullets with a specified mass of 8.1 g (125 gr) and a velocity of 448 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1470 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and with .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets with a specified mass of 15.6 g (240 gr) and a velocity of 436 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1430 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). Type IIIA armor that has been conditioned is tested with .357 SIG FMJ FN bulletswith a specified mass of 8.1 g (125 gr) and a velocity of 430 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1410 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and with .44 Magnum SJHP bullets with a specified mass of 15.6 g (240 gr) and a velocity of 408 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1340 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). To see how the DefendAPack NIJ Level IIIA Soft plates performed in ballistics testings, click here. |
Type III hard armor or plate inserts is tested in a conditioned state with 7.62 mm FMJ, steel jacketed bullets (U.S. Military designation M80) with a specified mass of 9.6 g (147 gr) and a velocity of 847 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (2780 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). Type III armor is tested in both the “as new” state and the conditioned state with 7.62 mm FMJ, steel jacketed bullets (U.S. Military designation M80) with a specified massof 9.6 g (147 gr) and a velocity of 847 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (2780 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). To see how the DefendAPack NIJ Level III Hard plates performed in ballistics testings, click here. NEVER WEAR BODY ARMOR OF ANY KIND WHILE TESTING. |
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Body Armour Classification
Protective vests for law enforcement officers include ballistic-resistant and stab-resistant body armor that provides coverage and protection primarily for the torso. Different kinds of armor protect officers against different kinds of threats.
Ballistic-resistant body armor protects against bullet penetrations and the blunt trauma associated with bullet impacts. These vests include soft body armor that protects against handgun bullets and less flexible tactical armor composed of soft and hard components that protect against rifle bullets. Stab-resistant body armor protects against knives and spikes.
NIJ Body Armor Rating Chart
Personal body armor covered by this standard is classified into five types (IIA, II, IIIA,III, IV) by level of ballistic performance. In addition, a special test class is defined to allow armor to be validated against threats that may not be covered by the five standard classes.
NIJ's police body armor performance standard for ballistic resistance, most recently updated in 2008, is the only national standard for police body armor. Recognition and acceptance of the NIJ standard has grown worldwide, making it the performance benchmark for ballistic-resistant body armor.
Our DefendAPack Vests and Plates are offered in both NIJ IIIA and III (as shown above).
Source: https://www.nij.gov/topics/technology/body-armor
Further Info: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/247281.pdf