Ballistic resistance of bulletproof vests level IIIA. Development of testing methodology

Technical University of Sofia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Fundamentals and Technical Means of Design, Bulgaria

^* Corresponding author: svetlana_ianeva@tu-sofia.bg

Abstract

This study presents the process of development of a methodology for testing the ballistic resistance of bulletproof vests. The methodology is especially intended for testing bulletproof vests with protection level IIIA, according to NIJ 0101.04. This level provides an adequate protection of the life and health of anti-terrorists, police and security officers at duty considering the most common potential threats. The methodology is based on the requirements and norms for the given level of protection laid down in the standardization documents in this field, namely NIJ Standard–0101.04 - Ballistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor, NIJ Standard–0101.06 - Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor, STANAG 2920 - Ballistic test methodology for personal armour materials and combat clothing, GOST R 50744-95 - Armored clothing, as well as these of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Bulgaria. In the process of its development, the principles of comparison, compliance and analysis have been used, taking into account the typical specifics and specification of the weapons and their ammunition used in the Balkan region. Testing methods include the most common ammunition in the Balkans. In this way, the bulletproof vests tested on it would provide a more adequate level of protection, thus reducing the possibility of injuries of the officers in the course of their assigned tasks. Used to evaluate the ballistic resistance of bulletproof vests with a level of protection IIIA, the proposed methodology is quick and adequate, in line with identified potential threats by certain weapons used in the Balkans.