Planned Revisions to the NIJ Ballistic Resistant Body - JustNet

Revisions toNIJ–0101

Outline

Planned Revisions to the NIJ Ballistic Resistant

Body Armor Test Standard

Michael A. Riley, Amanda Forster, Kirk Rice

Office of Law Enforcement StandardsNational Institute of Standards and Technology

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference06 November 2007


Outline

Outline

1 Current Requirements of NIJ–0101.04

2 Changes to Improve the Reliability of Fielded Armor

3 Protocol to Assess Armor’s Long Term Performance

4 Changes to Improve Confidence in the Test Results

5 Changes to Improve Test Repeatability


CurrentRequirements

Overview of Current Requirements

One-time Testing of New Armors’ Ballistic Performance

No validation of long term performance.

No follow-on testing to verify performance of productionarmor.

Six Armor Performance Levels

Four handgun protection types.

Typically soft, concealable armors.

Two threat calibers for each type.

Two rifle protection types.

Typically armor plates.

One threat caliber for each type.


CurrentRequirements

Requirements for Handgun Protection Types

Penetration-Backface Signature Tests (P-BFS)

Intended to validate the basic ballistic resistance and blunttrauma performance.

24 shots with each caliber (6 shots per armor panel).

No perforations of the armor allowed.

No measured BFS greater than 44 mm.

Ballistic Limit Tests (V50)

Intended to provide baseline estimate of the armor’s V50.

Two armor panels.

10 to 12 shot V50 on each.

All tests on samples of one uniform size.


ImprovedReliability

Template Sizes

Edge Distance

Shot Pattern

Testing of Multiple Armor Sizes

Currently

All testing is performed on medium sized armor samples.

There is evidence that:

Larger armors may be more easily perforated.

Small armors tend to have larger BFS.

Planned Change

P-BFS tests shall be performed on samples that represent thelargest and smallest armors that will be produced.

Testing both large and small armor samples will provide anindication that all intermediate sizes will meet theperformance requirements.


ImprovedReliability

Template Sizes

Edge Distance

Shot Pattern

Testing of Multiple Armor Sizes

Implementation

Revised standard will have multiple template sizes for softarmors:

Five template sizes ranging from very small to very large.

Intended to cover the sizes worn by at least 95% of lawenforcement officers.

Tests will be on samples fitting two of the templates.

Sizes of samples will limit production sizes for that model.

Exceptions, for models tested to:

Largest available template, no maximum production size.Smallest available template, no minimum production size.


ImprovedReliability

Template Sizes

Edge Distance

Shot Pattern

Concealable Template Size 1 – Smallest12 inches Wide by 12 inches High


ImprovedReliability

Template Sizes

Edge Distance

Shot Pattern

Concealable Template Size 5 – Largest30 inches Wide by 20 inches High


ImprovedReliability

Template Sizes

Edge Distance

Shot Pattern

Reduced Shot–to–Edge Distance

Currently

Test shots may not impact the armor less than 76 mm (3.0 in)from the edge.

Issues

Reliability of armor close to the edge is unknown.

Requirement was 51 mm (2.0 in) through 1985.

Very small area of reliable coverage on smaller armors.


ImprovedReliability

Template Sizes

Edge Distance

Shot Pattern

Reduced Shot–to–Edge Distance

Planned Change

Threat 1 minimum shot-to-edge distance: 51 mm (2.0 in).

Penetrative threat.

9 mm Luger, .357 SIG, and rifle threats.

Threat 2 minimum shot-to-edge distance: 76 mm (3.0 in).

Blunt trauma threat.

.40 S&W, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum.

Expected Results

Increased area of reliable coverage.

Reduction in officer injuries and fatalities due shotsimpacting close to edges.


ImprovedReliability

Template Sizes

Edge Distance

Shot Pattern

Revised P-BFS Shot Pattern

Currently

6 Shots per armor panel.

Minimum shot-to-shot and shot-to edge distancesspecified.

No maximum distances.

Issues

Standard sample size allows shots to be widely spaced.

Performance near edges is not validated.

Performance when shots are close together is notvalidated.


ImprovedReliability

Template Sizes

Edge Distance

Shot Pattern


Planned Change

Adjust P-BFS shot pattern to better validate armorperformance.

Shots 1, 2, & 3 shall be within 19 mm (0.75 in) of edge limit.

For armors with minimum 51 mm (2.0 in) to edge spacing,all three shots between 51 mm (2.0 in) and 70 mm(2.75 in) from edge.

Shots 4, 5, and 6 all within a 100 mm (3.9 in) diameter circle.

Generally located near center of armor.

Will be randomly located when there is space.

Will be positioned to exploit armor weaknesses.


ImprovedReliability

Template Sizes

Edge Distance

Shot Pattern



Long TermPerformance

Environmental and Mechanical Conditioning

Objectives

Catch problems with either materials or designs beforeproblems occur in the field.

Test should be capable detecting the performancedegradation in PBO armor.

To simulate environmental conditions that armor mightexperience.

Ensure that material will be neither under or over exposedwith respect to environmental extremes.

Test is still being developed.




Requirements

All vest materials should be robust enough to withstand:

Conditions anticipated during wear.

Conditions anticipated during storage and transit.

Reasonable levels of wear and rough handling.

Wear conditions

35 ◦C (95 ◦F) and perspiration (near saturated moisture).

Worn for approximately 10,000 hours over 5 years.

Transport conditions

Temperatures higher that 60 ◦C (140 ◦F) may occur in closedautomobiles on hot days.




Proposed test method:

Tumble in standard drum at high temperature and humidity.

Test Conditions

Environmental Conditions:

Temperature: 70 ◦C (158 ◦F).

Relative Humidity: 95%.

Standard tumbler:

Diameter: 832 mm (32.75 in)

Depth: 651 mm (25.6 in)

Rotation rate: 5 r/min.

Test length: 2 weeks.


ImprovedConfidence

Armor Types

P-BFS Tests

Ballistic LimitTests

Sample Quantity

Revised Armor Types and Threats

Type I: .22 LR and .380 ACP

Will be removed from the standard.

Type IIA: Slow 9mm and .40 S&W

Both 9mm and .40 S&W test velocities increased.

Type II: Typical 9mm and .357 Magnum

9mm test velocity increased.

Type IIIA: Fast 9mm and .44 Magnum

9mm threat replaced by .357 SIG.

Revised threats are intended to better reflect current streetthreats and law enforcement duty weapons.


ImprovedConfidence

Armor Types

P-BFS Tests


Sample Quantity

Penetration-Backface Signature TestsChanges to Test Requirements

Additional change to test velocities:

Degraded or used armor will be tested at reduced velocities.

Revised backface signature requirements

Either:

No BFS greater than 44 mm (1.73 in).

Or:

Statistically, 95% of BFS must be 44 mm (1.73 in) or less.

Average BFS + 1.65σ ≤ 44 mm


ImprovedConfidence

Armor Types

P-BFS Tests


Sample Quantity

P-BFS Test SummaryTest Rounds, Velocities, and Performance Requirements

Test Variables Performance Requirements

New Hits Per Hits PerArmor Panel Maximum Panel

Armor Test Test Bullet Reference Test at 0◦ BFS at 30◦

Type Round Bullet Mass Velocity Velocity Angle Depth or 45◦

IIA

1 4 29 mm 8.0 g 355 m/s 373 m/s 44 mmFMJ RN (124 gr) (1165 ft/s) (1224 ft/s) (1.73 in)

2 4 2.40 S&W 11.7 g 325 m/s 352 m/s 44 mmFMJ (180 gr) (1066 ft/s) (1155 ft/s) (1.73 in)

II

1 4 29 mm 8.0 g 380 m/s 398 m/s 44 mmFMJ RN (124 gr) (1247 ft/s) (1306 ft/s) (1.73 in)

2 4 2.357 Magnum 10.2 g 409 m/s 436 m/s 44 mmJSP (158 gr) (1342 ft/s) (1430 ft/s) (1.73 in)

IIIA

1 4 2.357 SIG 8.1 g 430 m/s 448 m/s 44 mmFMJ FN (125 gr) (1411 ft/s) (1470 ft/s) (1.73 in)

2 4 2.44 Magnum 15.6 g 409 m/s 436 m/s 44 mmSJHP (240 gr) (1342 ft/s) (1430 ft/s) (1.73 in)

III 1 7.62 mm 9.6 g 847 m/s 847 m/s 6 44 mm 0NATO FMJ (148 gr) (2780 ft/s) (2780 ft/s) (1.73 in)

IV 1 .30 Caliber 10.8 g 878 m/s 878 m/s 1 to 6 44 mm 0M2 AP (166 gr) (2880 ft/s) (2880 ft/s) (1.73 in)

Special 1 Test threat to be specified by armor manufacturer Armor Performance and Shot require-or procuring organization. ments shall depend on armor type.


ImprovedConfidence

Armor Types

P-BFS Tests


Sample Quantity

Ballistic Limit Testing

Currently

Ballistic limit tests performed on two panels.

10 to 12 shots each test.

No performance requirements.

Issues with Current Test Method

Provides only a rough estimate of the ballistic limit, V50.

Does not provide any indication of the armor’sperformance at lower velocities.


ImprovedConfidence

Armor Types

P-BFS Tests


Sample Quantity

Revised Ballistic Limit Testing

Planned Changes

Modified test procedure and increased sample quantity.

New analysis and performance requirements.

Goal

To estimate the armor’s full performance curve, including:

An improved estimate of the V50.

Velocities where the probability of failure is low.

Implementation: For new, flexible vests and jackets

At least 120 shots of ballistic limit data for each caliber.

Data from 10 panels, with at least 12 shots each.

Tests will start at the reference velocity.


ImprovedConfidence

Armor Types

P-BFS Tests


Sample Quantity

Example Model to Predict Velocity Response CurveLogistic Response Model

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

Velocity

Pro

babi

lity

of P

erfo

ratio

n

Logistic CurveV50

P(v) = eβ0+vβ1

1+eβ0+vβ1


ImprovedConfidence

Armor Types

P-BFS Tests


Sample Quantity

Ballistic Limit Performance RequirementsFor Flexible Vests and Jackets

For all armors:

The lowest perforation velocity must be greater than theP-BFS test velocity plus 9.1 m/s (30 ft/s).

For new armors:

The estimated probability of perforation must be acceptablylow at the P-BFS test velocity.

Only one environmental conditioned armor sample (24 shots)will be required for each caliber.


ImprovedConfidence

Armor Types

P-BFS Tests


Sample Quantity

Revised Sample QuantitiesFor Flexible Vests and Jackets

P-BFS Sample Requirements

8 new armors.4 artificially degraded armors.12 total sample armors.

Ballistic Limit Sample Requirements

10 new armors (5 per threat round).2 artificially degraded armors (1 per threat round).12 total sample armors.

Spare Armors

4 spare armors (2 per threat round).

Total

28 armors (14 per threat round).


TestRepeatability

Wetting Method

Bullets

Revised Wetting Method

Currently

Armor is sprayed with a heavy mist for six minutes.

Indicates whether wet armor will maintain performance.

Does not verify integrity of panel covering seams.

Can be significant variation in amount of water thatsamples are exposed to.

Planned Change

Samples will be submerged in a water bath for 30 min prior toP-BFS testing.

Samples will be hung vertically in the bath.

Provides a better indication of armors’ resistance to moisture.


TestRepeatability

Wetting Method

Bullets

Standardized Bullets

Currently

Standard specifies only bullet mass, geometry, and jacket type.

Many different products meet these specifications.

Bullets meeting these specifications have wide variations inhardness and deformability.

Bullet hardness can have a large impact on armor performance.

Planned Change

Manufacturer and model of all test bullets will be prescribed.

Reducing the variability in the bullet properties shouldreduce the variability in the test results.


Closing

Summary

ContactInformation

Summary

Extensive changes have been proposed for the NIJ Ballistic

Resistant Body Armor Test Standard.

Changes are intended to:

Improve the reliability of law enforcement body armor.

Validate the long term performance of the armor.

Provide the law enforcement community with greaterconfidence that the armor will perform well when needed.

Minimize variations between test laboratories.

Publication of revised standard planned for December 2007 orJanuary 2008.


Closing

Summary

ContactInformation

Contact Information

Michael A. Riley, Ph.D.

Telephone: 301-975-6065Facsimile: 301-948-0978E-mail: [email protected]

Mailing Address

National Institute of Standards and Technology100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8102Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8102


Closing

Summary

ContactInformation


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Appendix

Draft Armor Sizing Templates.


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Concealable Template Size 1 – Smallest12 inches Wide by 12 inches High


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Concealable Template Size 2 – Small16.5 inches Wide by 14 inches High


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Concealable Template Size 3 – Medium21 inches Wide by 16 inches High


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Concealable Template Size 4 – Large25.5 inches Wide by 18 inches High


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Concealable Template Size 5 – Largest30 inches Wide by 20 inches High


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Appendix

Revised Threat Levels and P-BFS Velocities.


Closing

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Penetration-Backface Signature TestsRevised Type IIA Velocities

9 mm FMJ (124 gr) round.

Estimated Street Velocity: 338 m/s (1109 ft/s)

Degraded Armor Test Velocity: 355 m/s (1165 ft/s)

New Armor Test Velocity: 373 m/s (1224 ft/s)

NIJ 0101.04 was: 341 m/s (1120 ft/s)

.40 S&W FMJ (180 gr) round.




NIJ 0101.04 was: 322 m/s (1055 ft/s)

This armor should now be capable of stopping:

Typical standard 9 mm cartridges from small handguns.

Most .40 S&W rounds, including LE duty rounds.


Closing

Summary

ContactInformation

Penetration-Backface Signature TestsRevised Type II Velocities

9 mm FMJ (124 gr) round.




NIJ 0101.04 was: 367 m/s (1205 ft/s)

.357 Magnum JSP (158 gr) round.




NIJ 0101.04 was: 436 m/s (1430 ft/s)


Most ANSI/SAAMI +P rated 9 mm rounds from handguns.

Most .357 and smaller, lead nosed revolver rounds.


Closing

Summary

ContactInformation

Penetration-Backface Signature TestsRevised Type IIIA Bullets and Velocities

.357 SIG FMJ (125 gr) round.




NIJ 0101.04 (9 mm) was: 436 m/s (1430 ft/s)

.44 Magnum JHP (240 gr) round.




NIJ 0101.04 was: 436 m/s (1430 ft/s)


Most .357 SIG and 9 mm rounds, including LE duty rounds.

Most .44 and smaller, lead nosed revolver rounds.

Planned Revisions to the NIJ Ballistic Resistant Body - JustNet

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