India develops lightest bulletproof jacket to withstand highest threat level
- In Reports
- 04:49 PM, Apr 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
DRDO has developed India's lightest bulletproof jacket to withstand the highest threat level 6 of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur, a unit of DRDO, has created the jacket for protection against 7.62 x 54 R API ammunition, which corresponds to Level 6 of BIS 17051 standards. Notably, the bulletproof jacket can stop six bullets.
DRDO posted on X that DMSRDE, Kanpur, has successfully developed an indigenous lightweight Bullet Proof Jacket (BPJ) designed for protection against the highest threat level 6 of BIS. This jacket is the first of its kind in monolithic ceramic and can stop six 7.62x54 API bullets, as reported by DRDO.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the bulletproof jacket underwent successful testing at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh in accordance with BIS 17051-2018 standards. The jacket has adopted a new design approach, incorporating novel materials and new processes in its development.
The Department of Defence R&D Secretary and DRDO Chairman have extended congratulations to DMSRDE for the successful development of this bulletproof jacket.
The front Hard Armour Panel (HAP) of the jacket can withstand multiple hits (06 shots) of 7.62 x 54 R API (Sniper rounds) in both ICW (In-Conjunction With) and Standalone designs.
The ergonomically designed front HAP comprises a monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing, enhancing wearability and comfort during operations. The areal density of the ICW Hard Armour Panel (HAP) and standalone HAP is less than 40 kg/m2 and 43 kg/m2, respectively.
Bulletproof jackets serve the purpose of safeguarding the wearer's torso from bullets. They were initially extensively developed during World War II, comprising overlapping plates of steel, aluminium, or bonded fibreglass attached to a nylon garment to offer protection to the wearer.
Modern-day bulletproof jackets typically utilise a variety of materials such as Kevlar, steel, polyethylene (PE), or ceramic.
Image source: India Today
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