What Does Level 4 Body Armor Stop?
Body armor is designed to provide protection against various types of ballistic threats. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) rates body armor based on its ability to stop different types of bullets. In this article, we will focus on level 4 body armor, which is designed to stop high-velocity rifle rounds. Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand that body armor is not a guarantee of safety and should not be relied upon as the sole means of protection.
What is Level 4 Body Armor?
Level 4 body armor is rated by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to stop .30 caliber armor-piercing (AP) rifle rounds at a velocity of 2,650 feet per second (ft/s) or less. This level of body armor is designed to protect against high-velocity rifle rounds that are commonly used in military and law enforcement applications.
What Does Level 4 Body Armor Stop?
Level 4 body armor is designed to stop the following types of bullets:
- .30 caliber armor-piercing (AP) rifle rounds: These rounds are designed to penetrate armor and are typically used in military and law enforcement applications. Examples of.30 caliber AP rifle rounds include the 7.62x63mm (.30-06 Springfield) and the 7.62x51mm NATO.
- .30 caliber incendiary (I) rifle rounds: These rounds are designed to ignite flammable materials and are typically used in military applications. Examples of.30 caliber I rifle rounds include the 7.62x63mm (.30-06 Springfield) incendiary and the 7.62x51mm NATO incendiary.
- .30 caliber tracer (T) rifle rounds: These rounds are designed to produce a bright trail of light when fired and are typically used in military applications. Examples of.30 caliber T rifle rounds include the 7.62x63mm (.30-06 Springfield) tracer and the 7.62x51mm NATO tracer.
What Does Level 4 Body Armor Not Stop?
Level 4 body armor is not designed to stop the following types of bullets:
- Higher-velocity rifle rounds: Level 4 body armor is rated to stop.30 caliber AP rifle rounds at a velocity of 2,650 ft/s or less. Higher-velocity rifle rounds, such as those fired from military sniper rifles, may penetrate level 4 body armor.
- Larger caliber rifle rounds: Level 4 body armor is designed to stop.30 caliber rifle rounds. Larger caliber rifle rounds, such as.50 caliber, may penetrate level 4 body armor.
- Rounds with higher kinetic energy: Level 4 body armor is designed to stop rifle rounds with a kinetic energy of up to 1,500 ft-lbs. Rounds with higher kinetic energy, such as those fired from heavy machine guns, may penetrate level 4 body armor.
Types of Level 4 Body Armor
There are several types of level 4 body armor available, including:
- Soft armor: Soft armor is designed to be worn under clothing and is typically made of a flexible material such as Kevlar or Dyneema. Soft armor is lightweight and comfortable to wear, but may not provide the same level of protection as hard armor.
- Hard armor: Hard armor is designed to be worn as a standalone piece of body armor and is typically made of a rigid material such as ceramic or metal. Hard armor is more effective at stopping high-velocity rifle rounds than soft armor, but may be heavier and less comfortable to wear.
- Hybrid armor: Hybrid armor combines the benefits of soft and hard armor. It is made of a flexible material that is covered in a rigid material, providing both flexibility and protection.
Comparison of Level 4 Body Armor
Here is a comparison of different types of level 4 body armor:
| Type of Armor | Weight | Protection Level | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Armor | 3-4 lbs | Level 4 | $500-$1,000 |
| Hard Armor | 8-10 lbs | Level 4 | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Hybrid Armor | 5-6 lbs | Level 4 | $1,000-$2,000 |
Conclusion
Level 4 body armor is designed to stop high-velocity rifle rounds and is used in various applications, including military and law enforcement. It is essential to understand what level 4 body armor stops and what it does not stop in order to make informed decisions about personal protection. Whether you are a soldier, police officer, or civilian, it is crucial to choose the right type of body armor for your needs.
References
- National Institute of Justice. (2019). Body Armor. Retrieved from https://www.justnet.org/topics/body-armor/
- Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers. (2020). Body Armor. Retrieved from https://www.fletc.gov/body-armor
- International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors. (2020). Body Armor. Retrieved from https://www.lawenforcementfirearms.com/body-armor/
Note: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available data and is intended to provide general information only. It is not intended to provide legal or medical advice. It is recommended that individuals consult with a qualified professional for specific advice on body armor and personal protection.
