Armor Levels
A Comprehensive Table of Current Ballistic Standards for Body Armor and Helmets:
Like the glossary, this page “Armor Levels” is wholly derived from our book Body Armor Materials and Systems, where it is included in that book as an appendix. The aim here is to clearly lay out the different test protocols for armor that are in use globally, so that comparisons can be run and insights can be gleaned. Moreover, as Adept Armor does a lot of work with the European VPAM test protocols, we believe it is vital that those protocols be made widely available and comprehensible. Every effort will be made to ensure that the information on this page stays current. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.
VPAM Ballistic Protection Levels (PM 1-PM 14)
VPAM:
| Armor Level | Protection |
|
PM 1 |
2.6±0.1 g (40±1.54 gr) .22 Long Rifle lead round-nose bullets at a velocity of 360±10 m/s (1181±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 2 |
8.0±0.1 g (123±1.54 gr) 9×19mm Parabellum DM41 FMJ round-nose lead-core bullets at a velocity of 360±10 m/s (1181±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 3 |
8.0±0.1 g (123±1.54 gr) 9×19mm Parabellum DM41 FMJ round-nose, lead-core, steel-jacketed bullets at a velocity of 415±10 m/s (1361±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 4 |
10.2±0.1 g (157±1.54 gr) .357 Magnum bullets at a velocity of 430±10 m/s (1410±33 ft/s) 15.6±0.1 g (157±1.54 gr) .44 Magnum bullets at a velocity of 440±10 m/s (1443±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 5 .357 Magnum semi-AP |
7.1±0.1 g (109±1.54 gr) .357 Magnum solid-brass bullets at a velocity of 580±10 m/s (1902±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 6 |
8.0±0.1 g (122±1.54 gr) 7.62×39mm PS MSC bullets at a velocity of 720±10 m/s (2362±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 7 |
4.0±0.1 g (62±1.54 gr) 5.56×45mm SS109/US: M855 FMJ bullets at a velocity of 950±10 m/s (3116±33 ft/s) ~ and ~ 9.55±0.1 g (147±1.54 gr) 7.62×51mm DM111 steel-core bullets at a velocity of 830±10 m/s (2723±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 8 |
7.7±0.1 g (118±1.54 gr) 7.62×39mm BZ API (armor-piercing incendiary) bullets at a velocity of 740±10 m/s (2427±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 9 |
9.7±0.2 g (149±3.08 gr) 7.62×51mm P80 armor-piercing bullets at a velocity of 820±10 m/s (2690±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 10 |
10.4±0.1 g (160±1.54 gr) 7.62×54mmR B32 API bullets at a velocity of 860±10 m/s (2821±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 11 |
8.4±0.1 g (129±1.54 gr) 7.62×51mm Nammo AP8/US M993 armor-piercing bullets at a velocity of 930±10 m/s (3051±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 12 |
12.7±0.1 g (196±1.54 gr) 7.62×51mm RUAG SWISS P AP armor-piercing bullets at a velocity of 810±10 m/s (2657±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 13 |
43.5±0.1 g (671±7.71 gr) 12.7×99mm RUAG SWISS P penetrator bullets at a velocity of 930±10 m/s (3051±33 ft/s) |
|
PM 14 |
63.4±0.1 g (978±7.71 gr) 14.5×114mm B32 API bullets at a velocity of 911±10 m/s (2988±33 ft/s) |
Notes:
– Three shots are placed on each armor panel during testing, regardless of threat level.
– Backface deformation is measured, and up to roughly 50mm is allowed in body armor applications. When VPAM is adapted for helmet testing, the limits are much more strict, corresponding very roughly to 10-12mm.
Technische Richtlinie (TR) Ballistische Schutzwesten:
| Armor Level | Protection |
|
SK L |
This test is based on VPAM PM 2, but it tests also for point-blank shots. The following are tested at point-blank: 8.0±0.1 g (123±1.54 gr) 9×19mm Parabellum DM41 FMJ round-nose lead-core bullets at a velocity of 360±10 m/s (1181±33 ft/s) |
|
SK 1 |
Three shots from five meters, followed by three additional shots at point blank range, per threat, of: 8.0±0.1 g (123±1.54 gr) 9×19mm Parabellum DM41 FMJ round-nose lead-core bullets at a velocity of 415±10 m/s 6.0±0.1 g 9×19mm Parabellum QD-PEP II/S police special round bullets at a velocity of 460±10 m/s 6.1±0.1 g 9×19mm Parabellum Action 4 police special round bullets at a velocity of 460±10 m/s |
|
SK 2 (PM 5) .357 Magnum |
7.1±0.1 g (109±1.54 gr) .357 Magnum solid-brass bullets at a velocity of 580±10 m/s (1902±33 ft/s) |
|
SK 3 (PM 7) |
4.0±0.1 g (62±1.54 gr) 5.56×45mm SS109/US: M855 FMJ bullets at a velocity of 950±10 m/s (3116±33 ft/s) 9.55±0.1 g (147±1.54 gr) 7.62×51mm DM111 steel-core bullets at a velocity of 830±10 m/s (2723±33 ft/s) |
|
SK 4 (PM 9) 7.62×51mm AP |
9.7±0.2 g (149±3.08 gr) 7.62×51mm P80 armor-piercing bullets at a velocity of 820±10 m/s (2690±33 ft/s) |
– Note: Where not specified, each armor panel or plate is tested with three shots per threat, as per VPAM guidelines.
– The backface deformation limits are taken directly from VPAM guidelines.
GOST 50744-95, Amended 1/1/2017 (Russia):
| Armor Level | Protection |
|
BR1 |
5.9 g (91 gr) 9×18mm Makarov 57-N-181S steel-core bullets from a Stechkin APS at a velocity of 335±10 m/s (1199±33 ft/s) |
|
BR2 |
7.93 g (122 gr) 9×21mm Gyurza 7N28 lead-core bullets from an SR-1 Vektor at a velocity of 390±10 m/s (1279±33 ft/s) |
|
BR3 |
5.2 g (80 gr) 9×19mm Parabellum 7N21 AP hardened steel-core bullets from an MP-443 Grach at a velocity of 455±10 m/s (1492±33 ft/s) |
|
BR4 |
3.4 g (52 gr) 5.45×39mm 7N10 hardened steel-core bullets from an AK-74 at a velocity of 895±15 m/s (2936±49 ft/s) 7.9 g (122 gr) 7.62×39mm 57-N-231 hardened steel-core bullets from an AKM at a velocity of 720±15 m/s (2362±49 ft/s) |
|
BR5 |
9.4 g (148 gr) 7.62×54mmR 7N13 (PP) hardened steel-core bullets from a SVD sniper rifle at a velocity of 830±15 m/s (2723±49 ft/s) 7.9 g (122 gr) 7.62×54mmR 7BZ3 API (armor-piercing incendiary) bullets from a SVD sniper rifle at a velocity of 810±15 m/s (2657±49 ft/s) |
|
BR6 |
48.2 g (743.8 gr) 12.7×108mm 57-BZ-542 API (armor-piercing incendiary) bullets from an OSV-96 sniper rifle at a velocity of 830±20 m/s (2723±65 ft/s). |
– BR1 through BR3 call for five shots per armor panel. BR4 through BR6 call for three shots per armor plate.
– All levels permit a maximum BFD of 17mm.
NIJ 0101.06 Body Armor Levels
| Armor Level | Protection |
|
Type I |
2.6 g (40 gr) .22 Long Rifle Lead Round Nose (LR LRN) bullets at a velocity of 329 m/s (1080 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) 6.2 g (95 gr) .380 ACP Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets at a velocity of 322 m/s (1055 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). |
|
Type IIA |
New Armor: 8 g (124 gr) 9×19mm Parabellum Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets at a velocity of 373 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1225 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) 11.7 g (180 gr) .40 S&W Full Metal Jacketed (FMJ) bullets at a velocity of 352 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1155 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) Conditioned Armor: 8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 355 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1165 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) 11.7 g (180 gr) .40 S&W FMJ bullets at a velocity of 325 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1065 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) Armor tested to this level also provides protection against the threats mentioned in Type I. |
|
Type II |
New armor: 8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 398 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1305 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) 10.2 g (158 gr) .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point bullets at a velocity of 436 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1430 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). Conditioned armor: 8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 379 m/s ±9.1 m/s (1245 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) 10.2 g (158 gr) .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point bullets at a velocity of 408 m/s ±9.1 m/s (1340 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). Armor tested to this level also provides protection against the threats mentioned in Types I and IIA. |
|
Type IIIA |
New armor: 8.1 g (125 gr) .357 SIG FMJ Flat Nose (FN) bullets at a velocity of 448 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1470 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) 15.6 g (240 gr) .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets at a velocity of 436 m/s (1430 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). Conditioned armor: 8.1 g (125 gr) .357 SIG FMJ Flat Nose (FN) bullets at a velocity of 430 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1410 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) 15.6 g (240 gr) .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets at a velocity of 408 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1340 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). This level provides protection against most other handgun threats, as well as the threats mentioned in Types I, IIA, and II. |
|
Type III Rifles |
9.6 g (148 gr) 7.62×51mm NATO M80 ball bullets at a velocity of 847 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (2780 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). |
|
Type IV Armor Piercing Rifle |
10.8 g (166 gr) .30-06 Springfield M2 armor-piercing (AP) bullets at a velocity of 878 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (2880 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). |
– Backface deformation is limited to 44mm, across all threat levels.
– Levels I through III are tested against six shots per plate or panel, per threat. Level IV can be tested at one to six shots per panel, at the manufacturer’s discretion. Virtually without exception, manufacturers choose to test plates for certification at one shot per panel.
NIJ 0101.07 (RF Levels)
| Armor Level | Protection |
| Handgun 1 |
8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 398 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1305 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) 10.2 g (158 gr) .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point bullets at a velocity of 436 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1430 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). |
| Handgun 2 |
8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 448 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1470 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) 15.6 g (240 gr) .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets at a velocity of 436 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1430 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). It also provides protection against the threats mentioned in NIJ HG 1. |
| Rifle 1, Ball Rounds |
9.6 g (149 gr) 7.62×51mm NATO steel-jacket M80 ball bullets at a velocity of 847 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (2780 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). 7.97 g (123 gr) 7.62×39mm mild steel core bullets at a velocity of 725 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (2380 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). 3.6 g (55 gr) 5.56×45mm M193 BT at a velocity of 990 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (3250 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). |
| Rifle 2, Steel Penetrators |
4 g (62 gr) 5.56×45mm M855 BT at a velocity of 950 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (3115 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) It is also tested against all of the threats mentioned in NIJ RF 1. |
|
Rifle 3, Armor Piercing Rifle |
10.8 g (166 gr) .30-06 M2 armor-piercing (AP) bullets at a velocity of 878 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (2880 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). It also provides at least single hit protection against the threats mentioned in RF 2 and RF1. |
– Backface deformation is still limited to 44mm, across all threat levels.
– HG1 and HG2 call for six shots per panel, per threat.
– RF1 and RF2 call for three shots per panel, per threat.
– RF3 can be tested at one, two, or three shots per panel, at the manufacturer’s discretion.
NIJ 0108.01 Ballistic Shield Levels
| Armor Level | Protection |
|
Type I .38 Special |
2.6 g (40 gr) .22 Long Rifle Lead Round Nose (LR LRN) bullets at a velocity of 320 m/s ± 12 m/s (1050 ft/s ± 40 ft/s) 10.2 g (158 gr) .38 Special Lead Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets at a velocity of 259 m/s ± 15 m/s (850 ft/s ± 50 ft/s). |
|
Type IIA Low velocity .357 Magnum |
8 g (124 gr) 9×19mm Parabellum Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets at a velocity of 332 m/s ± 12 m/s (1090 ft/s ± 40 ft/s) 10.2 g (158 gr) .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point bullets at a velocity of 381 m/s ± 15 m/s (1250 ft/s ± 50 ft/s). |
|
Type II |
8 g (124 gr) 9×19mm Parabellum Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets at a velocity of 358 m/s ± 12 m/s (1175 ft/s ± 40 ft/s) 10.2 g (158 gr) .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point bullets at a velocity of 425 m/s ± 15 m/s (1395 ft/s ± 50 ft/s). |
|
Type IIIA High velocity |
8 g (124 gr) 9×19mm Parabellum Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets at a velocity of 426 m/s ± 15 m/s (1400ft/s ± 50 ft/s) 15.6 g (240 gr) .44 Magnum Lead Semi-Wadcutter Gas Checked bullets at a velocity of 426 m/s ± 15 m/s (1400 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). |
|
Type III Rifles .308 Winchester |
9.7 g (150 gr) .308 Winchester FMJ ball bullets at a velocity of 847 m/s ± 15 m/s (2750 ft/s ± 50 ft/s). |
|
Type IV Armor Piercing Rifle |
10.8 g (166 gr) .30-06 Springfield M2 armor-piercing (AP) bullets at a velocity of 868 m/s ± 15 m/s (2850 ft/s ± 50 ft/s). |
– NIJ 0108.01 is a “ballistic materials” specification, and is most frequently used to test shields, vehicular armor, and ballistic barriers. Minimum armor specimen size is 12×12”. Backface deformation is not measured.
– All levels call for five shots per armor specimen, per threat, except for Level IV, which calls for one shot per armor specimen.
– There is no drop test or armor conditioning protocol, and all tests are performed at room temperature.
STANAG 4569, Ballistic
| Armor Level | Protection |
| 1 |
4 g (62 gr) 5.56×45mm M855 BT at a velocity of 900 m/s ± 20 m/s (2952 ft/s ± 66 ft/s) 9.6 g (149 gr) 7.62×51mm NATO M80 ball bullets at a velocity of 833 m/s ± 20 m/s (2732 ft/s ± 66 ft/s). 3.6 g (56 gr) 5.56×45mm M193 BT at a velocity of 937 m/s ± 20 m/s (3074 ft/s ± 66 ft/s). |
| 2 | 7.7 g (118 gr) 7.62×39mm BZ API (armor-piercing incendiary) bullets at a velocity of 695 m/s ± 20 m/s (2280 ± 66 ft/s) |
| 3 |
10.4 g (160 gr) 7.62×54mmR B32 API bullets at a velocity of 854 ± 20 m/s (2801 ± 66 ft/s) 8.4 g (129 gr) 7.62×51mm Nammo AP8/US M993 armor-piercing bullets at a velocity of 930 ± 20 m/s (3051±33 ft/s) |
| 4 | 63.4 g (978 gr) 14.5×114mm B32 API bullets at a velocity of 911 ± 20 m/s (2988 ± 66 ft/s) |
| 5 | 134 g (2067 gr) 25×137mm APDS-T M791 bullets at a velocity of 1258 ± 20 m/s (4127 ± 66 ft/s) |
– This is generally a vehicular or “materials” standard that isn’t often applied to body armor, so BFD limits are not set and BFD is not recorded.
HOSDB 2017
| Armor Level | Protection |
| HO1 |
8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 365 m/s ± 10 m/s (1197 ft/s ± 33 ft/s) 8 g (124 gr) 9 mm JHP (jacketed hollow-point) bullets at a velocity of 365 m/s ± 10 m/s (1197 ft/s ± 33 ft/s) |
| HO2 |
8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 430 m/s ± 10 m/s (1410 ft/s ± 33 ft/s) 8 g (124 gr) 9 mm JHP (jacketed hollow-point) bullets at a velocity of 430 m/s ± 10 m/s (1410 ft/s ± 33 ft/s) |
| HO3 |
9.3 g (144 gr) 7.62×51mm NATO L2A2 or L44A1 ball bullets at a velocity of 830 m/s ± 15 m/s (2723 ft/s ± 49 ft/s). 7.9 g (122 gr) 7.62×39mm mild steel core surrogate bullets at a velocity of 705 m/s ± 15 m/s (2312 ± 49 ft/s) |
| HO4 |
10.7 g (165 gr) 7.62×51mm Barnes .308 TSX BT or SAKO .308 Win 480A Powerhead bullets (high-expansion, solid-copper hunting rounds,) at a velocity of 820 m/s ± 15 m/s (2690 ± 49 ft/s) It also provides protection against the rifle threats mentioned in HO3. |
| SG1 | 28.4 g (435 gr) 12-gauge rifled slug, at a velocity of 435 m/s ± 25 m/s (1427 ± 82 ft/s) |
– All single-shot BFD limits are at 44mm. Mean BFD is limited to 25mm on HO3, HO4, and SG1.
– Three shots per armor panel are placed on size S soft armor panels. Seven shots per panel are placed on soft armor panels in sizes M and L.
– Three shots per plate are placed on hard armor plates tested to HO3 and HO4.
– One shot is placed on hard armor plates tested to SG1.
– There is an optional “special threat” protocol which includes M855 and .357 Magnum, but the use of this protocol is optional, and these threats are not assigned a level. Oddly, under this special threat protocol, the BFD limit for M855 is 30mm, rather than the 44mm that is listed for all other threats.
US Military – Hard Armor Plate
| Armor Level | Protection |
| ESAPI Rev J 2018 |
Three shots of 9.5 g (147 gr) 7.62×54mmR LPS mild steel core FMJ bullets at a velocity of 840 m/s ± 15.3 m/s (2750 ± 50 ft/s). Three shots of 10.8 g (166 gr) .30-06 Springfield M2 armor-piercing (AP) bullets at a velocity of 870 m/s ± 15.3 m/s (2850 ft/s ± 50 ft/s). Three shots of 9.8 g (151 gr) 7.62×54mmR 7N1 steel core AP bullets at a velocity of 820 m/s ± 15.3 m/s (2700 ± 50 ft/s) Three shots of 3.6 g (55 gr) 5.56×45mm M995 AP at a velocity of 1020 m/s ± 15.3 m/s (3350 ft/s ± 50 ft/s). |
– Plates are tested in conjunction with a soft armor plate backer, not as standalone systems
– The BFD limit is around 44mm. More recently, the US military seems to have moved to a 57mm BFD limit, but this does not seem to have been applied to the ESAPI Rev J.
Chinese GA141-2010
| Armor Level | Protection |
| Class 1 | 4.87 g (75.1 gr) 7.62×25mm FMJ at a velocity of 320 m/s ± 10 m/s (1049 ft/s ± 33 ft/s) |
| Class 2 | 5.6 g (86.5 gr) 7.62×25mm FMJ (P54 51 type) at a velocity of 445 m/s ± 10 m/s (1460 ft/s ± 33 ft/s) |
| Class 3 | 5.6 g (86.5 gr) 7.62×25mm FMJ (M79 51 type) at a velocity of 515 m/s ± 10 m/s (1690 ft/s ± 33 ft/s) |
| Class 4 | 5.6 g (86.5 gr) 7.62×25mm hardened steel core AP at a velocity of 515 m/s ± 10 m/s (1690 ft/s ± 33 ft/s) |
| Class 5 | 7.97 g (123 gr) 7.62×39mm hardened steel core AP at a velocity of 725 m/s ± 10 m/s (2380 ft/s ± 33 ft/s). |
| Class 6 | 9.5 g (147 gr) 7.62×54mmR hardened steel core AP at a velocity of 830 m/s ± 10 m/s (2723 ± 33 ft/s). |
– Backface deformation is limited to 25mm.
– Each armor plate or panel is tested against six shots, per threat — except for Class 6 plates, which are tested against two shots of that AP round.
US FBI Protocol
| Armor Level | Protection |
| FBI Soft Armor |
8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 431 m/s ± 13.7 m/s (1415 ft/s ± 45 ft/s) — Designated “control” or “test” projectile 8.2 g (127 gr) SXT +P+. Unspecified velocity. Specified: 8.85” barrel with 1:9.84” rate of twist. Contact shots. Service weapons: Multiple shots, including contact shots, from calibers and at velocities not specified. |
– The FBI test is an unusually involved and detailed process. It calls for four armor panels.
– The first is impacted with the 9mm FMJ control projectile six times, and then shot twice with the same projectile within 1.5” to 2” of the ballistic panel’s edge.
– The second panel is conditioned at 140°F for 14-24 hours, and then shot three times with the control projectile.
– The third panel is conditioned at -40°F for 14-24 hours, and then shot three times with the control projectile.
– The fourth panel is submerged approximately 18”- 24” in room temperature tap water for 14-24 hours, and is then pulled from the water and immediately shot three times with the control projectile.
– At random, the second, third, or fourth panel is then taken and shot with the control projectile at point-blank, contact-shot range.
– The second or fourth panel is then taken and shot under normal conditions with the current general-issue FBI sidearm and projectile. (Unspecified.)
– The third panel is then taken and subjected to a point-blank contact shot from the 9mm SXT 127 grain +P+ projectile, using a 8.85” barrel with a 1:9.84” rate of twist. (Velocity neither specified nor recorded.)
US DEA Protocol
| Armor Level | Protection |
| DEA Soft Armor |
8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN at a velocity of 426.7 m/s ± 15.3 m/s (1400 ft/s ± 50 ft/s) 9.5 g (147 gr) 9mm Luger Speer Gold Dot at a velocity of 309.3 m/s ± 15.3 m/s (1015 ft/s ± 50 ft/s) 10.7 g (165 gr) .40 S&W Winchester Bonded JHP at a velocity of 286.5 m/s ± 15.3 m/s (940 ft/s ± 50 ft/s) Fragmentation testing — 2 grain right circular cylinder. Minimum V50: 833.5 m/s (2735 ft/s) 4 grain right circular cylinder. Minimum V50: 737.5 m/s (2420 ft/s) 16 grain right circular cylinder. Minimum V50: 634 m/s (2080 ft/s) 64 grain right circular cylinder. Minimum V50: 494 m/s (1620 ft/s) |
| DEA Hard Armor |
4 g (62 gr) 5.56×45mm Remington Tactical Bonded Soft Point at a velocity of 972.5 m/s ± 15.3 m/s (2600 ft/s ± 50 ft/s) 4 g (62 gr) 5.56×45mm M855 BT at a velocity of 945 m/s ± 15.3 m/s (3100 ft/s ± 50 ft/s) 7.97 g (123 gr) 7.62×39mm mild steel core at a velocity of 731 m/s ± 15.3 m/s (2400 ft/s ± 50 ft/s) 9.6 g (149 gr) 7.62×51mm NATO steel-jacket M80 ball at a velocity of 838 m/s ± 15.3 m/s (2750 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). 9.7 g (150 gr) .308 Winchester PSPB Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded bullets at a velocity of 792.5 m/s ± 15.3 m/s (2600 ft/s ± 50 ft/s) |
– The DEA soft armor test protocol is much like the FBI protocol, and unlike NIJ .06 or .07, in that it involves extensive conditioning and contact-shot test requirements. The two protocols are almost identical in this respect. But the DEA soft armor protocol is unlike the FBI protocol in that it also tests against fragment-simulating projectiles, which are made of solid steel and are known to give soft armor panels some trouble.
– The DEA hard armor protocol does not require such conditioning, nor does it require contact shots, and BFD is not measured or limited. In many respects, it’s the easiest protocol for a hard armor plate to pass.
Helmet Standards (ACH, ECH, VPAM-HVN)
| Armor Level | Protection |
| PASGT | Fragmentation testing: .22 caliber, 17 gr. FSP. Minimum V50: 610 m/s (2000 ft/s) |
| ACH, ACH Gen II |
8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN at a velocity of 426.7 m/s + 15.3 m/s (1400 ft/s + 50 ft/s) Fragmentation testing — 2 grain right circular cylinder. Minimum V50: 1280 m/s (4200 ft/s) 4 grain RCC. Minimum V50: 1059 m/s (3475 ft/s) 16 grain RCC. Minimum V50: 754 m/s (2475 ft/s) 64 grain RCC. Minimum V50: 533.5 m/s (1750 ft/s) .22 caliber, 17 grain FSP. Minimum V50: 670.5 m/s (2200 ft/s) |
| ECH |
8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN at a velocity of 426.7 m/s + 15.3 m/s (1400 ft/s + 50 ft/s) Fragmentation testing — 2 grain right circular cylinder. Minimum V50: 1728 m/s (5670 ft/s) 4 grain RCC. Minimum V50: 1432 m/s (4700 ft/s) 16 grain RCC. Minimum V50: 1018 m/s (3340 ft/s) 64 grain RCC. Minimum V50: 719 m/s (2360 ft/s) .22 caliber, 17 grain FSP. Minimum V50: 905 m/s (2970 ft/s) Additional: Classified “small arms threat” — presumed to be, based on the commercial availability of ECH-type helmets, 7.62x51mm NATO ball at a 200-300 meter standoff. |
| IHPS |
8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN at a velocity of 426.7 m/s + 15.3 m/s (1400 ft/s + 50 ft/s) Fragmentation testing — 2 grain right circular cylinder. Minimum V50: 1728 m/s (5670 ft/s) 4 grain RCC. Minimum V50: 1432 m/s (4700 ft/s) 16 grain RCC. Minimum V50: 1018 m/s (3340 ft/s) 64 grain RCC. Minimum V50: 719 m/s (2360 ft/s) .22 caliber, 17 grain FSP. Minimum V50: 905 m/s (2970 ft/s) Additional: Two classified small arms threats. One at a minimum 1300 fps V50, the other at a classified velocity, though presumably quite similar to the ECH. |
– When tested against the 9mm handgun round, ACH and ACH Gen II requirements call for less than 25.4mm BFD at the front and back, and less than 16mm at the crown and sides.
– There is no BFD limit for the ECH and IHPS against the classified small arms threats. BFD requirements against the 9mm handgun round are identical to those in the ACH specification.
US FBI/DEA Helmet Protocol
| Armor Level | Protection |
| FBI/DEA Helmet | 8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN at a velocity of 426.7 m/s + 15.3 m/s (1400 ft/s + 50 ft/s) |
– Testing is modeled after VPAM helmet testing specifications, and imposes extremely strict limits on behind-helmet blunt impact trauma.
