When it comes to body armor, there is a wide range of levels that provide different levels of protection. In the United States, the NIJ (National Institute of Justice) sets the standards for body armor and defines the different levels. Level 3 Armor is one of the most common and effective forms of body armor on the market today. Let’s take a look at exactly what Level 3 Armor is and how effective it is in providing protection.
Level 3 Armor is rated to stop up to 6 rounds from high-powered rifles such as an AK-47 or AR-15. It consists of hard ceramic plates with layers of Kevlar or other ballistic material in between them. The plates are typically made out of Dyneema, which is a type of polyethylene fiber that has superior strength and flexibility compared to traditional steel plates. This makes it lighter and more comfortable to wear while still providing effective protection against rifle rounds.
Level 3 Armor Performance
Level 3 armor provides reliable protection against high-powered rifles, but it can also be used to protect against other weapons such as handguns and shotguns. It has been tested to withstand up to 6 shots from 7.62×39mm FMJ ammunition traveling at 2,400 feet per second (fps). This type of armor will also stop up to 4 shots from .30 caliber M2 AP rounds traveling at 2,850fps with minimal deformation or backface trauma (the amount of energy transferred onto the person wearing the armor). Additionally, Level 3armor can provide multiple strikes from handguns, shotguns, and even lower-powered rifles such as .223 Remington FMJs traveling at 2,750fps without any significant damage being done to either the body armor or the wearer.
Overall, Level 3 Armor provides excellent protection against all types of firearms including high-powered rifles and handguns. It offers superior coverage compared to traditional steel plate body armor while still maintaining lightweight and comfort for long-term wearability.
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