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Special threat testing and why it matters for body armor?
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HighCom offers a full line of military and law enforcement grade Level IIIA, Special Threat, Level III, and Level IV plates. Special Threat Testing is for a level of protection that specifies a determinate test round and measurement velocities to be used. This protocol is called special threat testing. Special threat bullets are more difficult to defeat than the standard NIJ bullets and are threats commonly found in various deployment environment both domestically and abroad. Special Threat Testing means increased protection, reassurance and peace of mind. A robust testing and monitoring program can help ensure that the control environment is effective. The process begins with implementing appropriate controls, which should be tested and ultimately monitored and audited on a regular basis.

Our armor is both internally and independently tested in accordance with the strictest criteria in adherence to the NIJ 0101.06 standard.  We also perform additional testing against V50 (the ballistic performance of armor based on determining the kinetic energy of a bullet at impact) and special threat limits to test the very limits of our products before they are delivered to end users around the world.

INTERNAL & INDEPENDENT TESTING MEASURES

In an effort to ensure every piece of armor that leaves our facility meets these high standards we perform extensive research, quality, and production lot testing both in HighCom’ Ballistics Research Laboratory as well as at independent NVLAP laboratories around the country. Our level IIIA soft body armor has received special threat testing against many exotic and “hard-to-stop” rounds. NIJ 0101.06 Level III rifle plates are also tested against additional rounds through independent special threat testing in addition to punishment testing for edge shots, close proximity shots, extreme velocity testing, and impact with offset and impact shots.

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) established performance standards for body armor and is the performance benchmark for ballistic-resistant body armor. With an in-house state-of-the-art ballistic testing laboratory able perform most the tests that are performed under NIJ for external testing certification, and independent testing partnerships with NTS Chesapeake and Oregon Ballistic Laboratories, Highcom is one of the most tested body armor companies out there.

 

SPECIAL THREAT HARD ARMOR

The following models have received special threat testing to various rounds and conditions. For more information please visit the below sections.

 

SPECIAL THREAT SOFT ARMOR

The following models have received special threat testing to various rounds and conditions. For more information please visit the below sections.

 

Want to learn more? Contact our sales team for more information at [email protected].

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