Showcase Project
 

Ballistic Gear Evaluation

Problem Statement and Objectives

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ranging from pipe bombs to large vehicle bombs, are often used by terrorists to achieve their objectives. First responders responsible for neutralizing or disabling IEDs typically wear ballistic protective gear that has not been evaluated for effectiveness against blast loading. Ballistic specialists called for an immediate requirement that the performance of existing tactical ballistic personnel protection equipment be evaluated in a blast environment.
  • • Reliable and Safe Protection
  • • Time Sensitive

Results and Benefits

The ARA team tested and evaluated the protection level provided by five sets of tactical ballistic personnel protective equipment (PPE) exposed to small (e.g. 1 pound) IEDs. The team also developed a standardized test methodology that can facilitate future evaluations.
  Tactical Gear Are Not Designed to Protect Against Blast,

Tactical Gear Are Not Designed to Protect Against Blast, and Some Data Suggest Enhanced Injuries. Tests Using Human Surrogates Exposed to Pipe Bomb Blasts Will Enable Injury Measures for Various Tactical Gear Ensembles.


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