P&SN Staff
In the field of ballistic protection, incremental improvements occur regularly. Over the past year, the ballistic protection community has provided improvements, enhancements and design upgrades which have advanced the effectiveness of ballistic armor. To follow are some of these new upgrades within the ballistic protection industry.
AARDVARK Tactical
AARDVARK Tactical’s PROJECT7 recently announced a number of changes to their product offerings for the fall of 2024 including redesigns to their major platforms and a new scalable K9 armor system.
PROJECT7 has updated and redesigned all their entry vest and plate rack offerings to incorporate a host of new features including Front Loadout Configurations and the Adaptive Pouch Cummerbund System (APS). All P7 platforms are now available with two new optional loadout systems based on the patented PROJECT7 FLEX system. Users can choose from a fixed MOLLE system; a removable FLEX panel system with swappable loadout panels; or a FLEXAROO system which incorporates a configurable kangaroo pouch, removable FLEX loadout panels and a concealed tourniquet pouch.
The APS, now standard with all PROJECT7 armor platforms, allows users to carry everything from a cell phone to a TASER® to a full-size radio inside their cummerbund. This design preserves critical MOLLE surface area and integrates essential gear into the armor platform to streamline movement and increase comfort. APS cummerbunds also accommodate removable VELCRO® retention straps and FLEXAROO inserts for added security.
When LASD-SEB lost their K9, Jack, to a gunshot wound in the neck and upper chest, it inspired PROJECT7 to develop a new K9 armor platform with enhanced coverage and scalable ballistic protection. While scalability is common in human armor, it was previously unavailable for K9s. PROJECT7 partnered with prominent K9 handlers and conducted extensive field testing to ensure the best blend of comfort and protection. Collaborating with Safariland’s ballistics team, they created a custom ballistic package which offers Level II protection and resistance to stab, slash and impalement threats. The result is a revolutionary three-piece armor system providing greater coverage, flexibility, comfort, and adjustability, including a unique ballistic yoke and custom sizing for previously unprotected vital areas. (project7armor.com)
Adept Armor
The NIJ’s new body armor specification 0101.07 is now live, but a draft form was released to the body armor industry for comment in 2019. The version implemented differs very little from that 2019 draft. With years to prepare for these updated standards, manufacturers have already developed plates which comply with the new specification. Among these, the Thunder plate from Adept Armor stands out by meeting the RF2 (“III+”) level, effectively stopping 7.62x51mm M80 Ball, 5.56x45mm M193 and M855, and mild steel core 7.62x39mm rounds. It achieves this with an unrivaled light weight – just 3.45 pounds per 10″ x 12″ plate – while also featuring edge to edge ceramic coverage and a multi-curve geometry for comfort. The RF2 level, addressed by the Thunder plate, looks to be particularly relevant for law enforcement personnel, as it covers all of the most commonly encountered rifle threats within the United States. (ade.pt)
BlueRidge Armor
BlueRidge Armor has just introduced the VENGEANCE™ X8 platform, a hard armor ballistic shield incorporating the latest advancements in armor technology. The shield boasts a range of standard features, including the patented VENGEANCE Viewport and Ballistic Bezel System, available in SLR (Standard Lite Rifle) and XLR (Xtra Lite Rifle) configurations. It also includes a compact flat panel with an ambidextrous weapon mount, a carbon fiber wide format straight bar handle, a high-density impact absorbing molded foam arm pad, and a heavy-duty adjustable forearm strap.
The shield is constructed from 100% high performance composite ballistic materials and is coated with a durable black polyurea finish available in black or ranger green. Additional features include a custom ID placard, a single point shield hook and sling with MOLLE attachment, and a carry bag. The shield is NIJ 0108.01 rated Level III and offers special threat protection up to Level III+. Optional features include the deletion of the viewport and placard, as well as auxiliary lighting.
The X8 XLR with a carbon handle measures 18″ x 30″ and weighs 17 pounds, while the X8 XLR with a carbon handle and B30 weighs 18 pounds, and the X8 XLR with an integrated EZHRF weighs 20 pounds. The shield body provides protection against special threats such as the 7.62×51, 149-gr. M80 FMJ; the 7.62×39, 123-gr. PS Ball with a mild steel core; the 5.56×45, 55-gr. M193 Ball; and the 5.56×45, 62-gr. Federal Tactical Bonded rounds. (blueridgearmor.com)
BulletSafe
BulletSafe’s new VP4 Vest with Integrated RLA Armor is a unique combination of cutting-edge design and advanced Level IIIA ballistic protection. This kit merges the comfort and mobility of the VP4 Vest with the powerful defense of RLA Armor for a wide range solution prioritizing safety and mobility.
The VP4 Vest ensures optimal freedom of movement with its superior cut and low-profile VELCRO fastening system. Crafted from high performance materials, this integrated product withstands active use and offers plate pocket access on both front and rear, compatible with RLA Armor and BulletSafe Level IV plates.
The RLA Armor delivers certified protection against pistol calibers up to .44 Magnum, featuring a waterproof soft shell for comfort in various conditions. Precision crafted in the USA, the armor’s strategic design enhances shoulder movement for maximum mobility. (bulletsafe.com)
Hardwire® LLC
Hardwire recently announced its contract award from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the provision of its new Triclops ballistic shield. Hardwire, in partnership with Bethel Industries, swept all four contracts awarded by the FBI for the ballistic shields.
The shield technology represents a groundbreaking leap forward in law enforcement technology. Spearheading this technological advancement is the use of Hardwire’s patented Turning Block, an armor method which effectively flips the bullet using its own rotational energy and causing it to land sideways in the back of the shield. This innovation results in a shield with never before seen multihit protection against clips of armor piercing automatic gunfire with rounds stopping in the shield as close as a half inch apart.
The new shield is designed with several user-friendly features. It is lightweight, allowing for easy maneuverability, and can be held with the left hand, right hand, or both hands, providing flexibility in usage. It includes a central LED light which offers convenient illumination, controlled by a switch on the handle and powered by an attached battery pack. The weight distribution system ensures ease of long-term wear and use, and a VELCRO loop on the rear of the shield enables the attachment of accessories.
Additionally, via these contracts, Hardwire introduced the Triclops, a periscope system which offers visual acuity while providing full protection for the officer’s head. The Triclops is much lighter than a ballistic window and allows users to peek around corners or over fences without exposing themselves to gunfire. It enables precise aiming of weapons through an optically perfect reflection of the officer’s sights, regardless of type, and works seamlessly with night vision goggles. The Triclops accommodates right- or left-handed users and is electronic-free, ensuring 100% reliability without the need for batteries, boot-up or latency. (hardwirellc.com)
Safariland®
Safariland recently announced the release of the PROTECH® Assault II and III Lightweight Shields. Integrating Level III rated rifle protection in a lightweight profile, these shields feature a triangular viewport which allows for increased vertical visibility.
The Assault II LW, weighing just 14.8 pounds, is designed to meet the needs of both tactical teams and patrol officers. Its Level III rated rifle protection offers reliable defense against various threats, including the 7.62 x 51mm, 147-gr. M80 FMJ (NATO), as well as being NIJ 0108.01 compliant and capable of stopping impacts of the 5.56 x 45mm M193 and 7.62 x 39mm MSC special threat rounds.
The Assault III LW, weighing only 20.4 pounds, is capable of stopping the 7.62 x 51mm, and 147-gr. M80 FMJ (NATO). Additionally, it is NIJ 0108.01 compliant and capable of stopping impacts of the 5.56 x 45mm M193 and 7.62 x 39mm MSC special threat rounds.
Also new from Safariland is their APEX® Concealable Body Armor Vest. Unlike traditional vests, the APEX features a zip-up front for easy on and off and this design eliminates the need for VELCRO and elastic straps. The four-piece carrier design integrates two side panels with their front and rear counterparts which ensures unparalleled articulation, allowing the armor to protect the body when twisting or turning. The floating front and rear panels overlap the side panels providing continuous protection no matter how one moves. (safariland.com)
United Shield International
United Shield International has recently introduced the Specter Gen II wireless LED shield light, a significant upgrade from their original 7000 lumen model. Weighing just 1.46 pounds and scaled down to a third of its predecessor’s size, the Specter Gen II offers versatility – attaching to shields via a base plate for easy module removal, compatible with any shield type.
Delivering 5000 lumens with constant and strobe settings, magnetic charging and a green navigation light for nighttime stealth operations, the Specter Gen II meets diverse operational needs. Upgrades to the wireless key fob and pressure pad include a durable aluminum battery box, heavy-duty components and a stabilization unit for the shield handle. With a three hour burn at full brightness followed by reduced output, the Specter Gen II ensures reliability during extended operations. (us.unitedshield.com)
