NIJ STD 0101.07 Test Standard

U.S.
Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
National Institute of Justice
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

OCTOBER 2023
STANDARD
BODY ARMOR
Ballistic Resistance
of Body Armor
NIJ Standard 0101.07
NCJ 307346
U.S. Department of Justice
810 Seventh St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20531
Nancy La Vigne, Ph.D.

Director, National Institute of Justice
This and other publications and products of the National Institute of Justice can be found at:
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The National Institute of Justice is the research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. NIJ’s
mission is to advance scientific research, development, and evaluation to enhance the administration of justice and public safety.
The National Institute of Justice is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice
Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the Office for Victims of Crime; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Prevention; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking.
Opinions or conclusions expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position or
policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE
Nancy La Vigne
Director
Jennifer Scherer
Principal Deputy Director
Janine Zweig
Executive Science Advisor
Mark Greene
Office Director, Office of Technology and Standards
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Every day in the U.S., law enforcement officers face high-risk, dangerous
situations. From traffic stops to serving warrants, domestic violence
calls to fugitive apprehension, the threat to their safety from firearms
is all too real. Felonious gunfire ended the lives of 61 officers in the
United States in 2021, out of the total of 73 killed in the line of duty
that year. Firearms caused more than 92% of all felonious deaths of
law enforcement officers in the line of duty from 1987 through 2019,
according to FBI statistics.
For officers, the last line of defense against potentially lethal attacks is
their body armor.
For a half century, the National Institute of Justice, the scientific research and evaluation agency
of the U.S. Department of Justice, has led the effort to develop and promote standards for body
armor that can stop a bullet from wounding or killing an officer. Although NIJ creates standards
to protect officers in the U.S., they have also been adopted in many countries as the benchmark
for police body armor internationally as well.
NIJ is issuing this updated standard for the ballistic resistance of body armor, the first revision
since 2008. The release of stronger national body armor standards is nothing new for NIJ. The
agency has issued six revisions since the initial standard came out in 1972. What is new is the
fact that the standards now unify ballistic protection levels across a range of ballistic-resistant
products used by U.S. law enforcement. As the growing power of firearms increases the threat to
officers, we are also publishing NIJ Standard 0123.00, Specification for NIJ Ballistic Protection
Levels and Associated Test Threats.
Other new elements of this body armor standards are:
• Improved test methods for armor designed for women.

• More rigorous testing of soft armor panels.
• Revised testing of hard-armor plates, including curved plates.
• References to 10 standardized test methods, laboratory practices, and terminology guides.
NIJ develops ballistic resistant body armor standards tailored to the needs of law enforcement
and other criminal justice agencies. The standards are consensus-driven, with input from law
enforcement officers, ballistics testing experts, materials scientists, manufacturers, and other
stakeholders.
Importantly, NIJ also certifies body armor through its Compliance Testing Program and
maintains a public list of compliant, ballistic-resistant armor models for law enforcement use.
Independent accredited ballistics laboratories have tested each model on NIJ’s Compliant
Products List — and it’s worth noting that approximately 37% of armor models submitted for
certification testing have failed and never make it onto NIJ’s list. Every agency that acquires
torso-worn body armor should refer to that list and make sure its armor bears the NIJ mark of
compliance.
NIJ’s 50 years of leadership in body armor advancement reflects the agency’s deep-seated
commitment to protecting the public servants who strive each day to keep us safe.
Nancy La Vigne, Ph.D.

Director, National Institute of Justice
Acknowledgments
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) would like to acknowledge the many individuals and
organizations that contributed to the development of this standard.
Members of the Special Technical Committee (STC) for body armor were instrumental in
establishing the operational needs and requirements for practitioners in the field, steering the
content of the document, addressing public comments, and assisting with resolving various
technical matters. Law enforcement practitioners and subject matter experts from the following
agencies contributed to the work of the STC during the development of this standard: U.S.
Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security,
United States Park Police, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Arizona
Department of Public Safety, Orange County Sheriff’s Office (FL), Ramsey County Sheriff’s
Office (MN), Cobb County Police Department (GA), Unified Police Department of Greater Salt
Lake, Minneapolis Police Department, Houston Police Department, Denver Police Department,
and Columbia College Police Department (SC). In addition, subject matter experts from the
Material Measurement Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
U.S. Army Product Manager Soldier Protective Equipment, and the ballistics laboratories NTS
Chesapeake, NTS Wichita, H.P. White, and Oregon Ballistic Laboratories provided rich
technical insights on the content of the standard.
NIJ thanks staff from the Standards Coordination Office at NIST for assisting with many
substantive matters, including constructing and organizing the document, coordinating phone and
web meetings with the STC, creating several figures and flow charts, and providing technical
advice. NIJ thanks the subject matter expert and administrative staff from the Justice Technology
Information Center (JTIC) and the Criminal Justice Testing and Evaluation Consortium (CJTEC)
for assisting with the content development of this standard and arranging in-person meetings of
the STC. JTIC was operated by Leidos under a cooperative agreement with NIJ, and CJTEC is
operated by RTI International under a cooperative agreement with NIJ.
NIJ is grateful for the thorough input from industry during the public comment period. NIJ
thanks staff from NTS Chesapeake and Oregon Ballistic Laboratories for validating several test
methods and providing insights into the practical implementation of test procedures. NIJ also
thanks staff from the FBI Ballistic Research Facility for reviewing a final draft of this standard.
Finally, NIJ would like to acknowledge the significant effort by all those who participated in
ASTM Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications and specifically Subcommittee
E54.04 on Public Safety Equipment. This standard references ten ASTM standards developed
and published by Committee E54. NIJ would like to extend additional thanks to ASTM and the
leadership of Committee E54 for continued support of public safety standards.
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4
1. Scope ....................................................................................................................................... 8
2. References ............................................................................................................................... 9
3. Terminology .......................................................................................................................... 10
4. Test Threats, Equipment, and Materials................................................................................ 16
5. NIJ Ballistic Protection Levels .............................................................................................. 18
6. Armor Ballistic Performance Requirements.......................................................................... 19
7. Soft Armor Requirements and Allocation of Test Items for Conditioning and Testing ....... 21
8. Soft Armor Test Item Examination ....................................................................................... 28
9. Soft Armor Ballistic Test Requirements and Procedures...................................................... 29
10. Hard Armor Requirements and Allocation of Test Items for Conditioning and Testing ...... 36
11. Hard Armor Test Item Examination Procedure..................................................................... 42
12. Hard Armor Ballistic Test Requirements and Procedures..................................................... 43
13. Label System Requirements .................................................................................................. 51
14. Test Report ............................................................................................................................ 52
Appendix A: Soft Armor Conditioning by Submersion ............................................................... 53
Appendix B: Modifications to the Procedures of ASTM E3004 and Additional Requirements.. 54
Appendix C: BFD Measurements................................................................................................. 57
Appendix D: Analysis of Ballistic Limit Data.............................................................................. 59
Appendix E: Test Item Size Templates ........................................................................................ 60
Appendix F: Label Requirements ................................................................................................. 66
Appendix G: Guidance for P-BFD Testing of Soft Armor Designed for Female Wearers.......... 72
Appendix H. Flowcharts for Testing ............................................................................................ 78
Introduction
This National Institute of Justice (NIJ) publication, Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor, NIJ
Standard 0101.07, specifies minimum performance requirements and test methods for the
ballistic resistance of body armor used by U.S. law enforcement that is intended to protect the
torso against handgun and rifle ammunition. It is a revision of National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
Standard 0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor, published in 2008.1
The primary purpose of this standard will be for use by the NIJ Compliance Testing Program
(CTP) for testing, evaluation, and certification of ballistic-resistant body armor. It will also be
used by ballistic testing laboratories and body armor suppliers participating in the NIJ CTP. This
standard will be included in the Law Enforcement and Corrections Equipment Laboratory
Accreditation Program (LAP) of the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program
(NVLAP) to accredit ballistics laboratories.2
NIJ Standard 0101.07 is divided into fourteen sections and eight appendices and differs from NIJ
Standard 0101.06 in several important ways. Among these are notable structural changes
between the two documents, as well as the introduction of several improvements to test methods
and laboratory practices. An overview of these differences is provided in the following
paragraphs.
First, unlike previous versions of the NIJ standard, NIJ Standard 0101.07 references a suite of
standardized test methods and laboratory practices published by ASTM. NIJ, the U.S. Army, the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ballistics laboratories, body armor
manufacturers, materials suppliers, and other stakeholders have been working collaboratively for
several years within ASTM Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications to harmonize,
where possible, laboratory test procedures and practices relevant to ballistic testing. The result of
this collaboration has been a suite of test methods and laboratory practices developed within
ASTM Subcommittee E54.04 on Public Safety Equipment, many of which are referenced in this
document.3
Incorporation of relevant ASTM standards into U.S. government standards and technical
requirements affords the opportunity to harmonize laboratory test procedures and practices for
both law enforcement and military ballistic-resistant armor and other ballistic-resistant
equipment where the same general testing methodology otherwise applies. This also provides
those end-user communities ultimate control over product specifications, such as the specific
threats against which their equipment must protect.
Second, the ballistic test threats are no longer listed in NIJ Standard 0101.07 as in past revisions
of the standard. These have been moved into Specification for NIJ Ballistic Protection Levels
1
NIJ Standard 0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor, National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of
Justice, Washington, DC, July 2008, https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/223054.pdf.
2
“Law Enforcement and Corrections Equipment LAP,” National Institute of Standards and Technology website,
https://www.nist.gov/nvlap/law-enforcement-and-corrections-equipment-lap, accessed June 12, 2023.
3
“Subcommittee E54.04 on Public Safety Equipment: Matching Standards Under the Jurisdiction of E54.04 by
Status,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, https://www.astm.org/get-involved/technical-
committees/committee-e54/subcommittee-e54/jurisdiction-e5404.
4
and Associated Test Threats, NIJ Standard 0123.00, which is a new standalone document that
defines ballistic threats identified by U.S. law enforcement as representative of current prevalent
threats in the United States.
NIJ Standard 0123.00 was designed be used in conjunction with other standards like NIJ
Standard 0101.07 to test and evaluate specific ballistic-resistant equipment, such as ballistic-
resistant body armor, against contemporary ballistic threats that pose a life-threating safety
hazard to U.S. law enforcement officers. The test projectiles and reference velocities in the
inaugural version of NIJ Standard 0123.00 have been updated from section 2 of NIJ Standard
0101.06 to reflect the current threats faced by U.S. law enforcement end users, including a wider
range of rifle threats.
Third, protection level nomenclature has also been moved into NIJ Standard 0123.00 and has
been revised to be more descriptive of threats and to reduce confusion for users of body armor.
• NIJ Level II and NIJ Level IIIA have been replaced with “NIJ HG1” and “NIJ HG2,”
respectively, to represent handgun (HG) threats.
• NIJ Level III and NIJ Level IV have been revised to three protection levels representing
rifle (RF) threats — “NIJ RF1,” “NIJ RF2,” and “NIJ RF3”:
o NIJ RF1 and NIJ RF3 replace NIJ Level III and NIJ Level IV, respectively.
o NIJ RF2 is a new intermediate rifle protection level that includes all the threats at
the NIJ RF1 protection level plus an additional threat.
NIJ Standard 0101.07 references the new ballistic protection levels in the inaugural version of
NIJ Standard 0123.00 rather than defining the levels within NIJ Standard 0101.07 itself, as was
done in NIJ Standard 0101.06 and previous versions.
Fourth, this standard contains improvements to the test methods for armor designed for women,
including new clay appliques (e.g., build-up of clay) to ensure better contact of nonplanar panels
with the clay backing material and new shot requirements to assess shaping features. Shot
placement has also been reconfigured to exploit potential vulnerabilities due to unique
construction elements in the panel and nonzero angles of incidence in the proximity of edges.
Earlier drafts of NIJ Standard 0101.07 initially referenced ASTM E3086, Standard Practice for
Creating Appliques for Use in Testing of Nonplanar Soft Body Armor Designed for Females.
This ASTM standard specified a procedure for creating appliques for use behind nonplanar soft
armor panels and affixing the appliques to the clay block. The purpose was to specify critical
parameters for creating appliques in order to improve consistency of the test setup between
laboratories. The practice described a single applique shape applicable only to nonplanar, soft
body armor designed for women.
Implementation of this laboratory practice proved more challenging than expected, including
difficulty creating the specific applique shapes described in ASTM E3086 and ensuring proper
contact with the armor panel once mounted on the clay block. These challenges required
reconsideration of how to build up clay behind nonplanar soft armor panels. A more simplified
5
applique was developed to ensure that the panels are fully filled in with clay before mounting on
the clay block. This applique is more monolithic in form and better supports armors designed for
female wearers during testing. It is created using one of two standardized mold sizes along with a
procedure to shape its form once affixed to the clay block. The result is a better substrate to
ballistically test nonplanar armor, replacing the procedure in ASTM E3086. The electronic files
containing the drawings of the molds to make the clay appliques described in Appendix G are
freely available to NIJ-approved testing laboratories and other organizations upon request.
Fifth, NIJ has updated perforation-backface deformation (P-BFD) testing to include an additional
shot on soft armor panels. How soft armor responds to handgun projectiles striking very near the
top edge of a front armor panel has been explored by an adjacent U.S. Government agency
through experimental testing efforts. This involved mounting a ballistic vest with soft armor
panels in an external carrier onto a model female torso made of molded ballistic gelatin. In this
configuration, the top of the panel is naturally slanted back toward the torso in the carrier,
creating an angle of obliquity between the armor panel and the trajectory of the incoming bullet.
Shots striking the top-center edge at angles of obliquity in excess of approximately 40° have
been demonstrated in some exploratory tests to not fully engage all layers of the armor panel and
deflect off a middle layer into the neck region of the gelatin torso.
For soft armor, NIJ has added a shot located at the top center at the minimum shot-to-edge
distances (2 in. or 3 in.) for the respective NIJ HG1 and NIJ HG2 threats at a 45° angle of
obliquity between the shot and the armor test item. This added shot applies to all soft armor
tested, both planar and nonplanar.
• For planar soft armor, the clay block is rotated a 45° angle of incidence to introduce the
obliquity for the shot striking the armor.
• For nonplanar soft armor, the built-up clay of the applique introduces an approximately
15° angle of obliquity by slanting the top of the armor panel back toward the clay block.
The clay block is rotated an additional 30° angle of incidence to yield the required 45°
obliquity for the shot striking the armor.
This new shot will provide minimum performance for soft armor for handgun projectiles striking
that location.
Finally, NIJ has also reconfigured P-BFD testing on hard armor plates to include striking the
crown on curved plates. The crown is defined as the location of the highest point of the strike
face of the plate when the plate is lying horizontally on a flat surface, at the intersection of
multiple different curvatures. The placement of a shot on the crown probes the performance of
hard armor in a location that may be more vulnerable to penetration due to characteristics of the
materials or construction methods used to manufacture plates. This shot location is consistent
with testing conducted by the U.S. Army on hard armor to meet its specifications, bringing the
NIJ standard into better alignment with U.S. Army testing of hard armor plates.
6
A previous draft of this standard was published for public comment in the Federal Register.4
This document uses the following in accordance with international standards:
— “shall” indicates a requirement.

— “should” indicates a recommendation.
— “may” indicates a permission.
— “can” indicates a possibility or a capability.
Please send all written comments and suggestions to the Director, National Institute of Justice,
Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, 810 7th Street NW, Washington, DC
20531.
Nothing in this document is intended to create any legal or procedural rights enforceable against
the United States. Moreover, nothing in this document creates any obligation for any individual
or organization to follow or adopt this voluntary standard nor does it create any obligation for
suppliers, law enforcement agencies, or others to follow or adopt voluntary NIJ equipment
standards.
4
“Request for Public Comment on Proposed Revision of NIJ Standard 0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Body
Armor,” Federal Register, 83 FR 7776, February 22, 2018, https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2018-03674.
7
Scope
1.1. This standard specifies minimum performance requirements and test methods for the
ballistic resistance of some types of body armor used by U.S. law enforcement intended
to protect the torso against handgun and rifle ammunition.
1.1.1. The test methods within this standard were developed and validated for broadly
available armor designs. Some armor designs may require additional testing.
1.2. Body armor covered by this standard is classified into five protection levels: NIJ HG1
and NIJ HG2 for soft armor and NIJ RF1, NIJ RF2, and NIJ RF3 for hard armor.
1.3. This standard addresses three types of armor:
(1) Soft armor
(2) Stand-alone hard armor
(3) In conjunction with (ICW) hard armor intended to provide the stated level of ballistic
protection only when paired with a specific model of soft armor. ICW hard armor is
addressed within protection levels NIJ RF1, NIJ RF2, and NIJ RF3.
1.4. This standard is applicable for certification testing or research and development testing.
1.5. This standard incorporates other standards from ANSI/SAAMI, ASTM International, and
ISO/IEC.
1.6. Values stated in either the International System of Units (metric) or U.S. Customary
Units (inch-pound) are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents. Both units are referenced to facilitate acquisition of
materials internationally and minimize fabrication costs. Tests conducted using either
system maintain repeatability and reproducibility of the test method and results are
comparable.
1.7. The tests required by this standard have inherent hazards. It is the responsibility of the
user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to comply
with regulatory requirements.
8
2. References
The following references form a basis and provide support for the requirements and procedures
described in this standard. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document applies, including any amendments.
ANSI/SAAMI. Glossary of Industry Terms. Newtown, CT: Sporting Arms and Ammunition
Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI).
ASTM D5264-98(2019), Practice for Abrasion Resistance of Printed Materials by the

Sutherland Rub Test. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
ASTM E3004-22. Standard Specification for Preparation and Verification of Clay Blocks Used
in Ballistic-Resistance Testing of Torso Body Armor. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM
International.
ASTM E3005-20. Standard Terminology for Body Armor. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM
International.
ASTM E3062/E3062M-20. Standard Specification for Ballistic Test Ranges for Small Arms and
Fragmentation Testing of Ballistic-Resistant Items. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM
International.
ASTM E3068-20. Standard Test Method for Contact Measurement of Backface Deformation in
Clay Backing During Body Armor Testing. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
ASTM E3078/E3078M-23. Standard Practice for Conditioning of Hard Armor Test Items. West
Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
ASTM E3107-23. Standard Test Method for Resistance to Penetration and Backface
Deformation for Ballistic-Resistant Torso Body Armor and Shoot Packs. West Conshohocken,
PA: ASTM International.
ASTM E3110/E3110M-22. Standard Test Method for Collection of Vx Ballistic Limit Data for
Ballistic-Resistant Torso Body Armor and Shoot Packs. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM
International.
ASTM E3112/E3112M-20, Standard Test Method for Ballistic-Resistant Products and Shoot
Packs. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
ASTM E3192-20, Standard Practice for Soft Body Armor Conditioning By Tumbling. West
Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
ISO/IEC 17025:2017. General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration
Laboratories. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standardization.
NIJ Standard 0123.00, Specification for NIJ Ballistic Protection Levels and Associated Test
Threats. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice.
9
3. Terminology
3.1. Terms and definitions from ASTM standards5
3.1.1. accessory, n. – a body armor component that is detachable or removable from the
body armor and is intended to provide extended area of coverage protection against
threats that may include ballistic threats, stabbing, fragmentation, blunt impact, or a
combination of threats. (ASTM E3005)
NOTE: Accessories are typically attachments to tactical body armor providing

protection to areas not covered by the vest, such as the shoulders, upper arms, neck,
sides, pelvis, and groin.
3.1.2. ammunition, n. – one or more loaded cartridges consisting of case, primer, propellant,
and one or more projectiles. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.3. angle of incidence, n. – the angle between the test threat line of aim and the line
normal to a reference plane based on the front surface of the backing assembly or
witness panel. See also obliquity. (ASTM E3005)
NOTE: Some standards have used the terms angle of incidence and obliquity as
synonyms, but in this standard, they are defined differently. Figure 1 provides
examples to aid in visualizing the difference between angle of incidence and
obliquity.
Figure 1. Examples showing angle of incidence and obliquity using a clay block backing
assembly
3.1.4. applique, n. – a three-dimensional item molded from backing material that is shaped
and sized for testing or conditioning a nonplanar test item. (ASTM E3005)
5
Reprinted, with permission, from D5264, E3004-22, E3005-20, E3078-23, E3107-23, and E3110-22, copyright
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. Copies of the complete standards may
be obtained from ASTM, www.astm.org.
10
NOTE: Some appliques are designed for the purpose of ﬁlling the entire space behind
a nonplanar test item; other appliques are designed to assess features of a nonplanar
test item.
3.1.5. armor carrier, n. – See carrier.
3.1.6. armor panel, n. – a component of soft body armor consisting of protective materials,
typically enclosed in a panel cover. See ballistic panel, blunt impact panel, stab
panel. See also panel cover. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.7. backface deformation (BFD), n. – the indentation in the backing material caused by a
projectile impact on the test item during testing. Synonymous with backface
signature. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.8. backing assembly, n. – a backing fixture filled with backing material. For example, a
clay block is a type of backing assembly. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.9. ballistic limit, n. – a measure of an item’s ballistic resistance to complete penetration

expressed as a velocity associated with some probability of perforation. (ASTM
E3005)
NOTE: The item may be a test item, material, shoot pack, body armor, or other
ballistic-resistant product.
3.1.10. ballistic panel, n. – a type of armor panel intended to provide ballistic resistance.
(ASTM E3005)
3.1.11. ballistic resistance, n. – a characteristic of protective equipment or materials

describing their ability to provide protection from projectiles. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.12. body armor, n. – an item of personal protective equipment intended to protect the
wearer from threats that may include ballistic threats, stabbing, fragmentation, or
blunt impact. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.13. bullet, n. – a projectile fired from a firearm or testing apparatus. (ASTM E3005)
NOTE: The SAAMI definition considers bullets to be projectiles fired from rifled
barrels, which differentiates bullets from shot, slugs, fragment simulators, and other
projectiles.
3.1.14. carrier, n. – a garment whose primary purpose is to retain the armor panel(s) or
plate(s) and provide a means of supporting and securing the armor panel(s) or plate(s)
to the wearer. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.15. clay block, n. – a type of backing assembly in which the backing material is Roma
Plastilina #1® modeling clay. (ASTM E3005)
11
3.1.16. conditioning, n. – a process that exposes an item, prior to testing, to a specified
controlled environment or physical stresses, or both. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.17. controlled ambient, n. – conditions with temperature of 20.0 °C ± 5.6 °C (68 °F ± 10

°F) and 50% ± 20% relative humidity (RH). (ASTM E3005)
3.1.18. fair hit, n. – a test threat impact (on a test item) that meets all specified requirements
in a particular test method. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.19. hard armor, n. – an item of personal protective equipment that is constructed of rigid
materials and is intended to protect the wearer from threats that may include ballistic
threats, stabbing, fragmentation, or blunt impact, or combinations thereof;
synonymous with hard armor plate and plate. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.20. in conjunction with armor, n. – soft or hard armor that is designed to provide a
specific level of ballistic protection only when layered with a specified model(s) of
body armor. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.21. insert, n. – a removable unit of protective material (soft armor or hard armor)
intended to be placed into a special pocket on a carrier to enhance protection in a
localized area. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.22. nonplanar, adj. – having features that would prevent the test item from making full
contact with a flat surface; typically used to describe curved plates and armor
designed for female wearers. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.23. obliquity, n. – the angle between the test threat line of aim and the line normal to a
reference plane based on features of the test item at the point of aim. (Adapted from
MIL-STD-3027.) See also angle of incidence. (ASTM E3005)
NOTE: Some standards have used the terms angle of incidence and obliquity as
synonyms, but in this standard, they are defined differently. Figure 1 provides
examples to aid in visualizing the difference between angle of incidence and
obliquity.
3.1.24. over velocity, n. – velocity that is greater than the upper limit of a specified range.
(ASTM E3005)
3.1.25. panel cover, n. – a covering, typically nonremovable, that encloses the protective
materials and protects them from environmental factors, such as moisture, ultraviolet
light, debris, and dust. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.26. partial penetration (PP), n. – any result of a test threat impact that is not a complete
penetration; synonymous with stop. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.27. receptor, n. – film or paper of a specified abrasiveness onto which coatings (for
example, ink or protective coating) removed from the specimen are deposited during
the abrasion test. (ASTM D5264)
12
3.1.28. shot-to-edge distance, n. – the distance from the center of the projectile impact to the
nearest test item edge. (ASTM E3005) For soft armor, the test item edge shall be the
edge of the ballistic material. For hard armor, the test item edge shall be the
outermost perimeter of the test item.
3.1.29. shot-to-shot distance, n. – the distance from the center of the projectile impact to the
center of any other projectile impact on the test item. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.30. soft armor, n. – an item of personal protective equipment constructed of

pliable/flexible materials intended to protect the wearer from threats that may include
ballistic threats, stabbing, fragmentation, or blunt impact. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.31. strike face, n. – the surface of an armor panel or plate intended to face the incoming
threat. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.32. test item, n. – a single article intended for testing. (ASTM E3005)
NOTE: Examples may include one panel, one plate, or one shoot pack.
3.1.33. test series, n. – the set of all shots necessary to obtain the required number of fair hits
on a single test item or the set of all shots necessary over multiple test items to
generate the required data. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.34. test threat, n. – the projectile, edged blade, spike, or other object that is used in
laboratory testing to impact the test item at a specific velocity or energy to assess
performance of body armor. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.35. under velocity, n. – velocity that is less than the lower limit of a specified range.
(ASTM E3005)
3.1.36. unfair hit, n. – a test threat impact that does not meet the specified requirements in a
particular test method for impact location and spacing, velocity, obliquity, or yaw.
(ASTM E3005)
3.1.37. Vx, n. – the velocity at which x% of the impacts by a specified test threat are expected
to completely penetrate nominally identical test items when tested according to a
specified test method. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.38. V0, n. – the maximum velocity at which 0% of the impacts by a specified test threat
are expected to completely penetrate nominally identical test items when tested
according to a specified test method. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.39. V05, n. – the velocity at which 5% of the impacts by a specified test threat are
expected to completely penetrate nominally identical test items when tested according
to a specified test method. (ASTM E3005)
13
3.1.40. V50, n. – the velocity at which 50% of the impacts by a specified test threat are
expected to completely penetrate nominally identical test items when tested according
to a specified test method. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.41. wear face, n. – the surface of an armor panel or plate that is intended to be placed
against or proximal to the wearer’s body. (ASTM E3005)
3.1.42. yaw, n. – the angular deviation between the projectile’s axis of symmetry and its line
of travel. (ASTM E3005)
3.2. Terms and definitions specific to this NIJ standard
3.2.1. armor model, n. – synonymous with model.
3.2.2. ballistic layup, n. – the specific ballistic materials, and their stitching, order, and
orientation, of the ballistic-resistant item under consideration. Ballistic layup does not
include shaping features for nonplanar armor.
3.2.3. complete penetration (CP), n. – the result of a test threat impact if one or more of the
following conditions are met:
(1) any portion of a test threat or a fragment of a test threat passes through the wear
face of the test item.
(2) the test threat is visible from the wear face of the test item.
(3) a hole is created through the test item by the test threat.
(4) for soft armor, any portion of a test threat or a fragment of a test threat is
embedded in or passes into the backing material directly behind the test item.
(5) for hard armor, any portion of a test threat, a fragment of a test threat, or a
fragment of the test item is embedded in or passes into the backing material
directly behind the test item.
3.2.4. crown, n. – location of the highest point of a plate, at the intersection of multiple
different curvatures.
NOTE: Novel and innovative designs (such as those for females) may include
multiple high points and complex curvatures.
3.2.5. label, n. – a material applied to a product and containing information about the
product.
3.2.6. label assembly, n. – the label itself and any clear plastic laminate that will be used to
protect the label.
3.2.7. label system, n. – the label assembly and the substrate to which it is applied.
14
3.2.8. model, n. – the manufacturer’s design, with unique specifications and characteristics,
of a particular item.
3.2.9. planar, adj. – two-dimensional in quality such that the test item can make full contact
with a flat surface.
3.2.10. substrate, n. – the material identical to the external surface of the production body
armor to which the label will be affixed. In soft armor, this will typically be the
ballistic panel cover material. In some hard armors, the substrate will be the plate
material itself. In other hard armors, the substrate will be the plate wrap material or
the “sprayed-on liner” covering material.
3.2.11. supplier, n. – the party that is responsible for ensuring that products meet and, if
applicable, continue to meet, the requirements on which the NIJ certification is based.
15
4. Test Threats, Equipment, and Materials
4.1. Test threats

4.1.1. The test threats shall be as specified in NIJ Standard 0123.00, Specification for NIJ
Ballistic Protection Levels and Associated Test Threats.
4.2. Test range

4.2.1. The test range shall meet the requirements of ASTM E3062, including the
temperature and humidity requirements.
4.2.2. No firearms shall be used for testing.
4.3. Conditioning equipment
4.3.1. Equipment for soft armor test item conditioning by tumbling shall meet the
requirements described in ASTM E3192, Section 6.
4.3.2. Equipment for soft armor test item conditioning by submersion shall meet the
requirements described in Appendix A: Soft Armor Conditioning by Submersion.
4.3.3. Equipment for hard armor test item conditioning by submersion shall meet the
requirements described in ASTM E3112, Section 9.7.1.
4.3.4. Specialized equipment for hard armor test item conditioning shall meet the
requirements described in ASTM E3078 for the following two procedures:
1) Impact Durability Pre-conditioning in ASTM E3078, Section 13.1
2) Impact Durability Conditioning Procedure for Torso Front and Back Plates in
ASTM E3078, Section 14.2
4.4. Backing assembly and clay verification equipment

4.4.1. The backing assembly shall be a clay block that meets the requirements of ASTM
E3004, Section 5, with the exception that plywood backing on the clay block shall be
removed for ballistic limit testing.
4.4.2. The clay verification equipment shall be as specified in ASTM E3004, with the
modifications listed below.
4.4.2.1. When verifying the backing assembly, the spherical clay-verification impactor
specified in ASTM E3004, Section 5.1.6, shall be used, and the test setup shall be as
specified in ASTM E3004, Section 5.1.10.
4.4.2.2. The template for marking verification drop locations shall meet the requirements of
ASTM E3004, Section 5.1.8, with two additional locations positioned on the 203 mm
(8 in.) radius circle, with each respective 60 and 120 degrees from the first location
on the 203 mm (8 in.) radius circle. See Appendix B: Modifications to the Procedures
of ASTM E3004 and Additional Requirements, Figure B1.1 for the template.
16
4.5. Yaw measurement equipment
4.5.1. Equipment for measuring yaw shall meet the requirements of ASTM E3110, Section
6.2.1.
4.6. Backface deformation (BFD) measurement equipment
4.6.1. Equipment for measuring BFD shall meet the requirements of ASTM E3068, Section
6.
17
5. NIJ Ballistic Protection Levels
5.1. Soft armor protection levels

5.1.1. For a soft armor model being submitted for testing to this standard, the supplier shall
declare to the test laboratory the intended protection level.
5.1.2. The protection levels for soft armor are NIJ HG1 and NIJ HG2 as specified in NIJ
Standard 0123.00, Specification for NIJ Ballistic Protection Levels and Associated
Test Threats.
5.2. Hard armor protection levels

5.2.1. For a hard armor model being submitted for testing to this standard, the supplier shall
declare to the test laboratory the intended protection level.
5.2.2. The protection levels for hard armor are NIJ RF1, NIJ RF2, and NIJ RF3 as specified
in NIJ Standard 0123.00, Specification for NIJ Ballistic Protection Levels and
Associated Test Threats.
18
6. Armor Ballistic Performance Requirements
6.1. Perforation-backface deformation (P-BFD) performance requirements
6.1.1. The P-BFD performance requirements are applicable to soft armor and hard armor,
including in conjunction with (ICW) hard armor.
6.1.2. Each test item shall be tested as specified in the appropriate sections of this NIJ
standard.
6.1.2.1. Each test item shall withstand the required number of fair hits and shall experience no
complete penetrations at or below the reference velocity + 30 ft/s (+ 9.1 m/s).
6.1.2.2. Any complete penetration of a fair hit constitutes a failure.
6.1.3. BFD measurements shall be taken for: (1) soft armor test items conditioned by
submersion and (2) hard armor test items conditioned by the hard armor conditioning
procedure.
6.1.3.1. Either of the following two conditions shall be met:
1) Each individual BFD measurement (BFDi) ≤ 44.0 mm
or
2) (44.0 mm ≤ BFDi ≤ 50.0 mm) and (BFDave + 𝑘1𝑠 ≤ 44.0 mm)
BFDave is obtained by taking the average of all recorded fair hit BFDi
measurements, at full precision, for test items of that particular model, size,
conditioning status, and test threat, followed by rounding the result to the nearest
0.1 mm. s is the sample standard deviation. For explanations and calculations for
BFDave, see Appendix C: BFD Measurements.
6.1.3.1.1. A BFDi measurement greater than 50.0 mm shall be considered a failure.
6.1.4. BFD measurements shall be taken for soft armor test items conditioned by tumbling.
Those BFD measurements shall be recorded.
NOTE: There is no pass/fail BFD measurement requirement for test items

conditioned by tumbling.
6.2. Ballistic limit performance requirements
6.2.1. The ballistic limit performance requirements are applicable to soft armor and hard
armor, including in conjunction with (ICW) hard armor.
6.2.2. Each test item shall be tested as specified in the appropriate section of this NIJ
standard.
19
6.2.2.1. Each test item shall withstand the required number of fair hits and shall experience no
complete penetrations at or below the reference velocity + 30 ft/s (+ 9.1 m/s).
6.2.3. The ballistic limit data shall be analyzed as described in Appendix D: Analysis of
Ballistic Limit Data. The estimated probability of complete penetration at the
reference velocity (Vref) shall be less than 5% (i.e., 𝑉 ≤ Vref).
20
7. Soft Armor Requirements and Allocation of Test Items for Conditioning and Testing
7.1. Soft armor test item sizes

The test items shall be sized according to the templates in Appendix E: Test Item Size
Templates.
7.1.1. The supplier selects the templates to be used based on the range of sizes over which
the armor model will be produced.
7.1.1.1. A portion of the test items shall be of the larger size and conform to one of the size
templates in Appendix E: Test Item Size Templates. The remaining test items shall be
a smaller size and conform to a different and smaller size template in Appendix E:
Test Item Size Templates. (See Table 1 and Table 2.)
NOTE: The NIJ Compliance Testing Program (CTP) requires that the smaller size be
NIJ-C-1 and the larger size be NIJ-C-5. Nonplanar test items will be tested using an
appropriate applique as described in Appendix G.4.
7.1.2. For planar test items, half of the test items of each size shall be front panels with a
neck scoop, as shown on the relevant test item size template.
7.1.3. All nonplanar test items shall be front panels with a neck scoop, as shown on the
relevant test item size template.
7.1.3.1. For nonplanar test items, the supplier shall provide a dimensioned diagram for each
size of test item indicating the location of stitches, seams, folds, and other shaping
features.
7.2. Soft armor test item quantity requirements
7.2.1. For testing soft armor with planar panels, a total of 62 test items is required. See
Table 1 for how the test items are to be used. The test item details are described
below:
7.2.1.1. 40 larger test items: 20 test items with neck scoop and 20 test items without neck
scoop.
7.2.1.2. 22 smaller test items: 14 test items with neck scoop, and 8 test items without neck
scoop.
7.2.2. For testing soft armor with nonplanar front panels, a total of 107 test items is required
when the planar panel of the same ballistic layup has not previously been tested and
certified by NIJ. See Table 1 and Table 2 for how the test items are to be used. The
test item details are described below:
7.2.2.1. 59 larger test items: 39 test items with neck scoop and 20 test items without neck
scoop.
7.2.2.2. 48 smaller test items: 40 test items with neck scoop, and 8 test items without neck
scoop.
21
7.2.3. For testing soft armor with nonplanar front panels, a total of 45 test items is required
when the planar panel of the same ballistic layup has previously been tested and
certified by NIJ. See Table 2 for how the test items are to be used.The test item
details are described below:
7.2.3.1. 19 larger test items: All test items with neck scoop.
7.2.3.2. 26 smaller test items: All test items with neck scoop.
7.3. Soft armor test item allocation

7.3.1. Table 1 provides a summary of how each planar test item shall be allocated for
conditioning and testing.
7.3.2. When testing soft armor with nonplanar front panels, Table 2 provides a summary of
how each test item shall be allocated for conditioning and testing.
7.3.3. All test items shall be conditioned at controlled ambient for at least 24 hours prior to
submersion.
7.3.4. All test items to be conditioned by tumbling (for both P-BFD and Ballistic Limit
testing) shall be conditioned simultaneously in a single tumbler.
7.3.5. Figure 2 provides further details regarding the allocation and utilization of planar test
items.
7.3.6. Figure 3 provides further details regarding the allocation and utilization of nonplanar
test items.
7.4. Soft armor test item workmanship and construction requirements

7.4.1. Each test item shall be free from evidence of inferior workmanship or material
defects, such as wrinkles, blisters, fabric tears, fraying, unintended folds/creases, or
discoloration of materials or stitching.
7.4.2. The stitching for each test item shall be consistent and secure.
7.4.3. There shall be no variation in construction details between individual test items.
7.4.4. All test items shall be identical in appearance, materials, and manner of construction,
including stitch size and location, as appropriate for the sizes submitted.
7.5. Soft armor test item label requirements

7.5.1. The label shall be permanently attached to the panel cover of the test item and shall
meet the requirements below.
7.5.1.1. The label text shall be in a readable typeface and font size, and the content shall be as
specified in Appendix F: Label Requirements, Section F.1: Label Content
Requirements.
7.5.1.2. This label shall match, in materials, manner of construction, printing, and ink(s), the
label on a production armor.
22
7.5.1.3. The labels for every test item conditioned by tumbling shall be evaluated following
tumbling.
7.5.1.3.1. Each label shall remain legible and attached to the test item in its original
position.
7.5.1.3.2. No more than one inch (25.4 mm) of separation of any label edge from the test
item is allowed.
7.5.2. Failure of a label to meet the above requirements is not considered a failure of the
armor model. In the event of a label failing to meet these requirements, a case-by-case
evaluation will be made by the NIJ CTP.
7.6. Soft armor test item carrier requirements

7.6.1. Test items shall be submitted with carriers that are made from cotton or poly-cotton
fabric having an areal density of less than or equal to 250 g/m2 (7.4 oz/yd2).
7.6.1.1. If the manufacturer chooses to submit a carrier that does not meet the above
requirement, then the carrier becomes part of the unique design and construction of
the armor model and cannot be changed in production.
NOTE: It is recommended that the manufacturer contact the NIJ CTP prior to
submitting test items to the laboratory.
7.6.2. Carriers for test items that will undergo conditioning by tumbling shall not have
strapping, strapping attachment points, or any accessory mounting points.
23
Table 1. Planar Test Items: Summary
Size and Quantity of Conditioning and Quantity of
Quantity of Test Items for Each Test
Test Items Test Items
Conditioning at controlled With neck scoop 4
ambient for at least 24
hours followed by 8 P-BFD Test Without neck scoop
submersion, per Appendix 4
A
With neck scoop 2
P-BFD Test
Larger size Conditioning at controlled Without neck scoop 2
ambient for at least 24 With neck scoop 2
40 test items: hours followed by 10 Ballistic Limit Test
20 test items with tumbling, per ASTM Without neck scoop 2
neck scoop, E3192
20 test items without With neck scoop 1
Spares
neck scoop Without neck scoop 1
With neck scoop 10
Ballistic Limit Test
Conditioning at controlled Without neck scoop 10
ambient for at least 24 22
hours With neck scoop 1
Spares
Without neck scoop 1
ambient for at least 24
hours followed by 12 P-BFD Test Without neck scoop
submersion, per Appendix 4
Smaller size A
22 test items: Conditioning at controlled With neck scoop 4
P-BFD Test
14 test items with ambient for at least 24 Without neck scoop 2
neck scoop, hours followed by 8
8 test items without tumbling, per ASTM With neck scoop 1
Spares
neck scoop E3192 Without neck scoop 1
ambient for at least 24 2 Spares
hours Without neck scoop 1
Note: “With neck scoop” is equivalent to “front panel,” and “without neck scoop” is equivalent to “rear panel.”
24
Table 2. Nonplanar Front Panel Test Items: Summary
Size and Quantity of Conditioning and Quantity of
Quantity of Test Items for Each Test
Test Items Test Items
Conditioning at
controlled ambient for at
least 24 hours followed 8 P-BFD Test With neck scoop 8
by submersion, per
Larger size
Appendix A
Conditioning at 4
19 test items: P-BFD Test With neck scoop
All test items with
least 24 hours followed 10
neck scoop 6
by tumbling, per ASTM P-BFD Test With neck scoop
E3192
Conditioning at
controlled ambient for at 1 Spare With neck scoop 1
least 24 hours
Conditioning at
least 24 hours followed 16 P-BFD Test With neck scoop 16
by submersion, per
Smaller size Appendix A
Conditioning at
26 test items: P-BFD Test With neck scoop 8
All test items with
least 24 hours followed 9
neck scoop
by tumbling, per ASTM Spare With neck scoop 1
E3192
Conditioning at
controlled ambient for at 1 Spare With neck scoop 1
least 24 hours
Note: “With neck scoop” is equivalent to “front panel.”
25
Figure 2. NIJ HG1 and NIJ HG2: Allocation and Utilization of Planar Soft Armor Test Items
26
Figure 3. NIJ HG1 and NIJ HG2: Allocation and Utilization of Nonplanar Soft Armor Test Items
27
8. Soft Armor Test Item Examination
8.1. Verify the group of test items are of the correct model and correct quantity and sizes.
8.2. Examine the group of test items for variations in appearance.
8.3. Weigh each test item.
8.4. Examine the label of a single spare test item to determine whether requirements of
Appendix F: Label Requirements, Section F.1: Label Content Requirements, are met.
8.5. Prior to submersion or tumbling, photograph at least one test item of each size. For the
photograph, the test item shall be lying on a flat surface and shall have a scale (i.e., ruler)
visible.
8.6. Following tumbling, evaluate the label of each test item to determine if the label remains
legible and adhered to the test item.
8.7. Following ballistic testing, perform the steps below:

8.7.1. Horizontally slit only the test item panel cover with a razor blade near the
bottom of the test item and remove the ballistic panel from its cover.
8.7.2. Document any evidence of inferior workmanship or material defects.
8.7.3. Document the construction of the ballistic panel (e.g., layer count, material
description, stitching).
8.7.4. Examine the construction of each test item to determine whether the
requirements of Sections 7.4.2 through 7.4.4 are met.
8.7.5. After inspecting, reinsert the ballistic panel in its panel cover in the correct
orientation.
8.8. Document the relevant details for each test item.
28
9. Soft Armor Ballistic Test Requirements and Procedures
9.1. Soft armor shots required: planar and nonplanar

9.1.1. A complete P-BFD test series and Ballistic Limit test series consists of the total
required number of fair hits accumulated on the required number of test items for
each of the specified test threats, as shown in Figure 2 for planar test items or Figure
3 for nonplanar test items.
9.1.1.1. The number of shots shown in Figures 2 and 3 represent the required number of fair
hits.
NOTE: Additional shots may be necessary to achieve the required number of fair hits.
9.1.1.2. Each test item shall be subjected to the number of fair hits specified in Figure 2 or
Figure 3, as appropriate, using the specified test threat.
9.2. Soft armor P-BFD test requirements
9.2.1. Seven P-BFD shots per test item are required as specified in ASTM E3107.
9.2.2. The fair hit requirements shall be as specified in ASTM E3107, Section 9.3, with the
following exceptions:
9.2.2.1. The minimum shot-to-edge distance may be decreased at the request of the
supplier.
9.2.2.2. The minimum shot-to-edge distance shall not be greater than 3.0 in (76 mm) for
the greater mass test threat and shall not be greater than 2.0 in (51 mm) for the
lesser mass test threat.
9.2.2.3. When the measured velocity is not within ± 30 ft/s (± 9.1 m/s) of the reference
velocity, but all other requirements are met, the shot shall be considered a fair hit
if either:
(1) the velocity is less than the minimum allowed and the shot results in a
complete penetration (CP), a BFD measurement is greater than 44.0 mm, or
both
or
(2) the velocity is greater than the maximum allowed and results in a partial
penetration (PP) and BFD measurement less than or equal to 44.0 mm.
9.2.3. A test item that is impacted with an over-velocity shot and subsequently impacted
with a fair hit that completely penetrates or results in a BFD measurement greater
than 50.0 mm shall be replaced with a spare test item. This occurrence and the results
shall be documented. These shots shall not be included in the data set for calculations.
The test series shall be repeated on the spare test item.
9.2.4. A test item that is impacted with an over-velocity shot may be replaced with a spare
test item when the following two conditions are met:
1) the over velocity shot results in a PP with a BFD measurement less than 44.0 mm
and
29
2) another subsequent shot in the test series is a fair hit with a BFD measurement
greater than 44.0 mm but less than 50.0 mm
9.2.4.1. If the test item is replaced per the conditions above, this occurrence and the results
shall be documented. The shots shall not be included in the data set for calculations.
The test series shall be repeated on the spare test item.
NOTE: Despite being a passing result, there is concern that the over-velocity
would result in a greater dispersion in the BFD data set. See Appendix C: BFD
Measurements.
9.2.5. When a shot is determined to be an unfair hit, additional attempts shall be made to
obtain a fair hit on the same test item.
9.2.5.1. The number of shots taken on a single test item shall not exceed nine. If this
requirement cannot be met, the test series shall be repeated on a spare test item of
the same size. This occurrence and the results shall be documented. The shots
taken on the spare test item shall be included in the data set for calculations. The
shots taken on the original test item shall not be included in the data set for
calculations.
9.2.6. For shot 7 on a front panel, if any portion of a test threat or a fragment of a test threat
is embedded in or passes into any area of the backing material, that shall be
considered a CP.
NOTE: This is an exception to the definition of a CP on soft armor from Section
3.2.3 of this NIJ standard that applies only to shot 7 at the neck of a front panel.
9.2.7. The duration of the ballistic testing of each test item shall be no more than 30 minutes
from the time the first shot is fired until the last shot is fired.
9.2.7.1. If the time limit is exceeded, the test series shall be repeated on a spare test item. This
occurrence and the results shall be documented. The shots taken on the spare test item
shall be included in the data set for calculations. The shots taken on the original test
item shall not be included in the data set for calculations.
9.2.8. Ballistic testing of each test item conditioned by submersion shall begin within 15
minutes of removal from the water bath described in Appendix A: Soft Armor
Conditioning by Submersion (including the 10-minute drying time).
9.2.9. BFD measurements shall be taken on shots 1, 2, and 3 for each test item, and the
measurand shall be as defined in ASTM E3068, Section 7.
9.2.9.1. BFD measurements for planar test items shall be performed according to ASTM
E3068, Section 8.
9.2.9.2. BFD measurements for nonplanar test items shall be performed according to ASTM
E3068, Section 9.
9.2.10. The angle of incidence for each shot shall be as specified in ASTM E3107, Section
11.2.
9.3. Soft armor P-BFD test procedure for planar test items
30
9.3.1. The steps of this procedure are detailed as a flowchart in Figure H.1 of Appendix H:
Flowcharts for Testing, and summarized below.
9.3.2. For test items to be conditioned by submersion, mark shot locations on the test items
per ASTM E3107, Section 11.2, prior to conditioning.
9.3.2.1. For test items having construction features, the locations of shots 4, 5, and 6 shall be
adjusted to exploit the perceived weaknesses of the test item.
9.3.2.2. Condition the test items as specified in Section 7.3 and Table 1 or Table 2 of this NIJ
standard.
9.3.3. For test items to be conditioned by tumbling, condition the test items as specified in
Section 7.3 and Table 1 or Table 2 of this NIJ standard.
9.3.3.1. Following conditioning, mark shot locations on each test item per ASTM E3107,
Section 11.2.
9.3.3.1.1. For test items having construction features, the locations of shots 4, 5, and 6 shall be
adjusted to exploit perceived weaknesses of the test item.
9.3.4. Prepare and verify the clay block as specified in ASTM E3004, Section 6.3, with the
modifications listed in Appendix B, Section B.2: Modifications to ASTM E3004,
Section 6.3, Clay Block Verification Procedure: Prior to Ballistic Testing.
9.3.4.1. If the clay block meets the acceptance criteria, then repair the clay block according to
ASTM E3004, Section 6.4, Clay Block Repair.
9.3.4.2. If the clay block does not meet the acceptance criteria, then follow the steps of ASTM
E3004, Section 6.5, Clay Blocks That Fail to Meet the Acceptance Criteria, or select
another clay block and repeat 9.3.4.
9.3.5. Position the clay block for shooting, and place the test item on the clay block per
ASTM E3107, Section 10.
9.3.6. Perform the steps of ASTM E3107, Section 11.3, taking shots in this order: 1, 2, 3, 7,
4, 5, 6.
9.3.6.1. Document the result (i.e., CP or PP) and other required data.
9.3.6.2. Determine whether the shot was a fair hit and take appropriate actions.
9.3.6.3. Following each of shots 1, 2, and 3, remove the test item and follow the procedures of
ASTM E3068, Section 8 for planar armor.
9.3.7. If there are additional test items in the test series, perform the procedure of ASTM
E3004, Section 6.6, with the modifications listed in Appendix B, Section B.3:
Modifications to ASTM E3004, Section 6.6, Clay Block Verification Procedure:
Between Test Items, and repeat the above procedure on another test item.
9.3.8. After the final test item in the test series has been tested, perform the procedure of
ASTM E3004, Section 6.7, with the modifications listed in Appendix B, Section B.4:
Modifications to ASTM E3004, Section 6.7, Clay Block Verification Procedure: After
Final Shot on Clay Block.
31
9.4. Soft armor P-BFD test procedure for nonplanar test items
9.4.1.1. These steps apply only to nonplanar front panels. The construction of the armor
model shall have been fully tested as planar armor prior to taking the steps of this
section.
9.4.2. For test items to be conditioned by submersion, mark shot locations on the test
items per Appendix G: Guidance for P-BFD Testing of Soft Armor Designed for
Female Wearers of this NIJ standard, prior to conditioning.
9.4.2.1. For smaller test items, shots 1, 2, and 3 shall be marked on one test item, and shots 4,
5, 6, and 7 shall be marked on another.
9.4.2.2. Condition the test items as specified in Section 7.3 and Table 1 or Table 2 of this NIJ
standard.
9.4.3. For test items to be conditioned by tumbling, condition the test items as specified in
Section 7.3 and Table 1 or Table 2 of this NIJ standard.
9.4.3.1. Following conditioning, mark shot locations on each test item per Appendix G:
Guidance for P-BFD Testing of Soft Armor Designed for Female Wearers, of
this NIJ standard.
9.4.3.1.1. For smaller test items, shots 1, 2, and 3 shall be marked on one test item, and
shots 4, 5, 6, and 7 shall be marked on another.
9.4.4. For shots 1, 2, and 3 on nonplanar soft test items, place the test item on the clay block
and flatten it as much as possible.
9.4.5. For shots 4, 5, 6, and 7 on nonplanar soft armor test items, construct a suitable
applique to fill the void between the test item and the clay block.
9.4.5.1. Follow the procedure in Appendix G: Guidance for P-BFD Testing of Soft Armor
Designed for Female Wearers of this NIJ standard to create the applique.
9.4.5.2. Each applique shall be formed using clay that has been temperature conditioned as
specified in ASTM E3004.
9.4.5.3. Each applique shall be stored, until needed for testing, in a chamber having
temperature conditions as specified in ASTM E3004.
32
9.4.7. For shots 1, 2, and 3, position the clay block (without applique) for shooting and
place the test item on the clay block per ASTM E3107, Section 10.
9.4.8. For shots 4, 5, 6, and 7, affix the applique to the clay block, position the clay block
for shooting, and place the test item on the clay block per ASTM E3107, Section 10,
aligning the test item with the applique.
9.4.9. Perform the steps of ASTM E3107, Section 11.3, taking shots in this order: 1, 2, 3, 7,
4, 5, 6.
9.4.9.3. Following each of shots 1, 2, and 3, remove the test item and follow the procedures of
ASTM E3068, Section 9 for nonplanar armor.
9.4.10.1. When conducting P-BFD testing on smaller front test items, clay block verification
shall not be required after the test items that include only shots 1, 2, and 3. Please
refer to Figure 2 for planar test items and Figure 3 for nonplanar test items. Clay
block verification shall be conducted after all other test items are tested.
9.5. Soft armor ballistic limit test requirements
9.5.1. The intended velocity of the first shot shall be the reference velocity for the test
threat.
9.5.1.1. The actual velocity of the first shot shall be the reference velocity ±100 ft/sec (±30
m/s) for the test threat.
9.5.1.1.1. If this requirement is not met, that shot shall be considered an unfair hit and not
included in the data set for ballistic limit calculations. The first shot shall be
repeated on the same test item.
9.5.2. After the first shot, the velocity shall be incremented per the steps shown in Table 3.
All steps shall be incremented based on the previous intended velocity (i.e., not the
measured velocity).
33
Table 3. Velocity Increments
Nominal Velocity Incremental Velocity Value
Velocity step until -100 ft/sec (-30 m/s) if first shot was a CP
first reversal +100 ft/sec (+30 m/s) if first shot was a PP
Velocity step until
±75 ft/sec (± 23 m/s) depending on result of previous shot
second reversal
Velocity step after
±50 ft/sec (± 15 m/s) depending on result of previous shot
second reversal
9.5.3. The test requirements of ASTM E3110, Section 9 apply.
9.5.4. The removable plywood backing on the clay block shall be removed for ballistic limit
testing.
9.5.5.1. The minimum shot-to-edge distance may be decreased at the request of the supplier.
9.5.5.2. The minimum shot-to-edge distance shall not be greater than 2.0 in (51 mm) for the
lesser mass test threat and shall not be greater than 3.0 in (76 mm) for the greater
mass test threat.
9.5.6. The number of shots taken on a single test item shall not exceed 15. If this
requirement cannot be met, the test series shall be continued on a spare test item. This
occurrence shall be documented.
9.5.7. The ballistic limit data set shall contain at least 60 PPs and at least 30 CPs. The
additional outcomes may be either PPs or CPs.
9.5.7.1. When the ballistic limit is sufficiently high that achieving the velocity necessary to
perforate the test item is difficult or impossible, the test laboratory shall document
that this situation has occurred. In such cases, the test series will be considered
acceptable when a minimum of 120 shots has been taken even if the minimum
number of CPs is not achieved.
9.5.8. All shots for ballistic limit testing shall be reported. The shot information shall be
reported in the order of shots fired and, at a minimum, shall include shot number,
measured velocity, and shot outcome.
9.6. Soft armor ballistic limit procedure for planar test items
9.6.2. Condition test items as specified in Section 7.3 and Table 1 or Table 2 of this NIJ
standard.
34
9.6.2.1. Following the required conditioning procedure or sequence, mark the shot locations
on each test item, following the shot spacing requirements of Section 9.5.5 of this NIJ
standard.
9.6.2.1.1. If test item size permits, the shot locations should avoid areas where there is an
overlap of ballistic material. Impacts on areas of overlap are considered fair hits
and shall be documented.
9.6.4. Position the clay block for shooting (ensuring that the plywood backing is not
attached), and place the test item on the clay block.
9.6.5. Perform the steps of ASTM E3110, Section 14.
9.6.5.1. Document each shot outcome (i.e., CP or PP), the corresponding measured velocity
for each shot, and other required data.
35
10. Hard Armor Requirements and Allocation of Test Items for Conditioning and Testing
10.1. Stand-alone hard armor and ICW hard armor

10.1.1. This section applies to stand-alone hard armor and ICW hard armor.
10.1.2. For ICW hard armor, an equivalent number of soft armor test items, sized to the NIJ-
C-2 template, is required.
10.1.2.1. The associated soft armor model shall be listed on the NIJ Standard 0101.07
Compliant Products List.
10.1.3. For ICW hard armor models, the soft armor carrier shall have the necessary pocket
for the hard armor.
10.2. Hard armor test item quantity and size requirements
10.2.1. Either 33 or 63 test items per test threat are required for testing to NIJ RF1. The
number required depends on whether the test items are specified by the supplier for
three or six shots.
NOTE: There are three test threats for NIJ RF1.
10.2.2. Either 43 or 83 test items per test threat are required for testing to NIJ RF2. The
number required depends on whether the test items are specified by the supplier for
three or six shots.
NOTE: There are four test threats for NIJ RF2 (including the three threats for NIJ
RF1).
10.2.3. 10 to 50 test items are required for testing to NIJ RF3. The number required depends
on whether the test items are specified by the supplier for one, two, three, or six shots.
NOTE: There is one test threat for NIJ RF3.
10.2.4. Test items shall be no larger than 10 in x 12 in (254 mm x 305 mm). All test items
shall be identically sized.
10.2.4.1. For all nonplanar test items, the supplier shall provide a dimensioned diagram for the
test items indicating the crown location(s).
10.3. Hard armor test item workmanship and construction requirements
10.3.1. Each test item shall be free from evidence of inferior workmanship or material
defects, such as uneven coatings or thicknesses of materials, wrinkles, blisters, cracks,
fabric tears, fraying, crazing, and chipped or sharp edges.
10.3.2. There shall be no variation in construction details between individual test items.
10.3.3. All test items shall be identical in appearance, materials, and manner of construction,
including the outside perimeter and shape of the test item.
10.4. Hard armor test item label requirements

10.4.1. The label shall be permanently attached to the exterior of the test item and shall meet
36
the requirements below.
10.4.1.1. The label text shall be in a readable typeface and font size, and the content shall be as
specified in Appendix F, Section F.1: Label Content Requirements.
10.4.1.2. This label shall match — in materials, manner of construction, printing, and ink(s) —
the label on a production armor.
10.4.1.3. The labels for every test item shall be evaluated following conditioning, and each
label shall remain legible and attached to the test item in its original position. No
more than one inch (25.4 mm) of separation of any label edge from the test item is
allowed.
10.5. Hard armor test item allocation for conditioning and testing
10.5.1. A summary of how hard armor test items shall be allocated for conditioning and
testing is shown in Table 4.
10.5.2. All test items shall be conditioned at controlled ambient for at least 24 hours prior to
subsequent hard armor conditioning or conditioning by submersion.
10.5.3. All test items, except for one archive test item, shall be subjected to the hard armor
conditioning procedures specified in ASTM E3078, Sections 13 and 14. Test items
for P-BFD testing shall subsequently be conditioned by submersion per ASTM
E3112, Section 9.7.2.
10.5.4. Figure 4 provides further details regarding the allocation and utilization of hard armor
and ICW test items at the NIJ RF1 protection level.
10.5.6.1. The soft armor test items shall be conditioned by submersion, per Appendix A of this
NIJ standard, prior to ballistic testing.
10.5.6.2. The combination of that soft armor and the hard armor shall then be tested as a
system at a specified NIJ RF protection level.
37
Table 4. Summary of Hard Armor Test Items, Quantities, Conditioning, and Testing
Protection Level and

Conditioning and Quantity of Test Items Quantity of Test Items for Each Test
Quantity of Test Items
Hard armor conditioning per
18 or
ASTM 3078 followed by P-BFD 18 or 36
36
submersion per Appendix A
NIJ RF1 33 or 63 Hard armor conditioning per Ballistic Limit 12 or 24

14 or 26
ASTM 3078 Spare 2
Conditioning at controlled
1 Archive 1
ambient for at least 24 hours
Hard armor conditioning per

24 or
ASTM 3078 followed by P-BFD 24 or 48
48
submersion per Appendix A
NIJ RF2 43 or 83 Hard armor conditioning per Ballistic Limit 16 or 32

18 or 34
ASTM 3078 Spare 2
1 Archive 1
Hard armor conditioning per 6, 12,
ASTM 3078 followed by 18, or P-BFD 6, 12, 18, or 36
submersion per Appendix A 36
NIJ RF3 10 to 50 Hard armor conditioning per 3, 5, 7, or Ballistic Limit 2, 4, 6, or 12

ASTM 3078 13 Spare 1
1 Archive 1
38
Figure 4. NIJ RF1: Allocation of Hard Armor (Including ICW) Test Items
39
40
41
11. Hard Armor Test Item Examination Procedure
11.1. Verify the group of test items for correct quantity and sizes.
11.2. Examine the group of test items for variations in appearance.
11.3. Weigh each test item.
11.4. Examine the test item label text to determine whether the content requirements are met.
11.5. Prior to conditioning by the hard armor conditioning procedure, photograph at least one
test item.
11.6. Following conditioning, examine the test items for visible damage due to conditioning
and photograph any test items showing such damage.
11.7. Following ballistic testing, perform the steps below:

11.7.1. If necessary, cut open one side of the test item and peel back the cover or
coating material enough to allow viewing of subcomponents.
11.7.2. Document any evidence of inferior workmanship or material defects.
11.7.3. Document the construction of the ballistic plate (e.g., material description,
thickness of layered subcomponents, presence of coatings) to assess
whether all test items are visually similar.
11.7.4. Examine the construction of each test item to determine whether the
requirements of Sections 10.3.2 and 10.3.3 are met.
11.8. Document the relevant details for each test item.
42
12. Hard Armor Ballistic Test Requirements and Procedures
12.1. Hard armor shots required

12.1.1. A complete P-BFD test series and Ballistic Limit test series consists of the total
required number of fair hits accumulated on the required number of test items for
each of the specified test threats, as shown in Figure 4 for NIJ RF1, Figure 5 for NIJ
RF2, and Figure 6 for RF3.
12.1.1.1. The number of shots shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6 represent the required number of
fair hits.
NOTE: Additional shots may be necessary to achieve the required number of fair hits.
12.1.2. Each test item shall be subjected to the number of fair hits specified in Figure 4, 5, or
6, as appropriate, using the specified test threat.
12.1.2.1. The supplier shall declare the number shots to be placed on a single test item in
accordance with the listed options.
NOTE: NIJ allows the supplier to choose the number of shots to place on each test
item. This enables a supplier to use fewer test items to achieve the required number of
shots; however, the supplier assumes the risk associated with a higher number of
shots.
12.2. Hard armor P-BFD test requirements
12.2.1.1. Minimum shot-to-edge distances may be decreased at the request of the supplier.
12.2.1.2. All edge shots shall meet the shot-to-edge distance requirements but shall be located
not more than the shot-to-edge distance plus 0.75 in (19 mm) from the edge of the test
item.
12.2.1.3. When the measured velocity is not within ± 30 ft/s (± 9.1 m/s) of the reference
velocity, but all other requirements are met, the shot shall be considered a fair hit if
either:
(1) the velocity is less than the minimum allowed and the shot results in a CP, a
BFD measurement is greater than 44.0 mm, or both
or
(2) the velocity is greater than the maximum allowed and results in a PP and BFD
measurement less than or equal to 44.0 mm.
12.2.2. The shot placement for a 3-shot plate shall be on the test item strike face as shown in
Figure 7.
43
Figure 7. NIJ RF1, NIJ RF2, and NIJ RF3: Shot Placement for 3
Shots per Test Item
12.2.2.1. For each test item, shots 1 and 2 shall be moved to different locations within the
shaded band, and shot 3 shall be placed on the center for a planar plate or on the apex
of the curve in the center of the plate for a single-curve plate.
NOTE: The crown is not necessarily in the center of the plate for a multi-curve plate.
Figure 8 shows an example of a multi-curve swimmer/shooters cut plate where the
crown is located in the upper portion of the plate.
Figure 8. NIJ RF1, NIJ RF2, and NIJ RF3: Example of Shot
Placement for 3 Shots per Test Item on a Multi-Curve Plate
44
12.2.2.2. All shots shall be taken at either 0° or 30° angle of incidence. See Figures 4, 5, and 6
for specific shot angles. For a 3-shot plate with 30-degree shots, the following
requirements apply:
(1) The crown shot and the next closest shot shall be angled away from each other.
(2) The remaining shot shall be angled toward the centerline.
12.2.3. The shot placement for a 6-shot plate shall be on the test item strike face as shown in
Figure 9.
12.2.3.1. For each test item, shots 1, 2, 3, and 4 shall be moved to different locations within the
shaded band, and shots 5 and 6 shall be placed in the cross-hatched area; for a curved
plate, either shot 5 or shot 6 shall be placed on the crown.
NOTE: The crown is not necessarily in the center of the plate for a multi-curve plate.
Figure 10 shows an example of a multi-curve swimmer/shooters cut plate where the
crown is located in the upper portion of the plate.
12.2.3.2. All shots shall be taken at either 0° or 30° angle of incidence. See Figures 4, 5, and 6
for specific shot angles. The following requirements apply:
(1) Shot 6 (crown shot) and three shots in the shaded band shall be taken at 0 degrees.
(2) Shot 5 shall be angled at 30 degrees toward the centerline, and one shot in the
shaded band shall be angled at 30 degrees away from the centerline.
(3) BFD measurements shall be taken for all 0 degree shots, including the crown shot.
Figure 9. NIJ RF1, NIJ RF2, and NIJ RF3: Shot Placement for 6
Shots Per Test Item
45
Figure 10. NIJ RF1, NIJ RF2, and NIJ RF3: Example of Shot
Placement for 6 Shots Per Test Item on a Multi-Curve Plate
12.2.4. The shot placement for a 1-shot or 2-shot plate shall be on the test item strike face as
shown in Figure 11. For a curved plate, at least 25% of the shots in the test series
shall be placed on the crown.
Figure 11. NIJ RF3: Shot Placement for 1 or 2 Shots Per Test Item
46
12.2.5. For test items in which the cross-sectional layup varies across the plate, the placement
of shots shown in Figures 7, 9, and 11 shall be adjusted to exploit perceived
weaknesses of the test item. Shot angles and number of shots may be adjusted to fully
challenge the design.
12.2.6. A test item that is impacted with an over-velocity shot and subsequently impacted
with a fair hit that completely penetrates or results in a BFD measurement greater
than 50.0 mm shall be replaced with a spare test item. This occurrence and the results
shall be documented. The shots taken on the original test item shall not be included in
the data set for calculations. The shots taken on the spare test item shall be included
in the data set for calculations.
12.2.7. A test item that is impacted with an over-velocity shot may be replaced with a spare
test item when the following two conditions are met:
1) the over-velocity shot results in a PP with a BFD measurement less than 44.0 mm
and
2) another subsequent shot in the test series is a fair hit with a BFD measurement
greater than 44.0 mm but less than 50.0 mm
12.2.7.1. If the test item is replaced per the conditions above, this occurrence and the results
shall be documented. The shots taken on the original test item shall not be included in
the data set for calculations. The test series shall be repeated on the spare test item.
The shots taken on the spare test item shall be included in the data set for
calculations.
NOTE: Despite being a passing result, there is concern that the over-velocity would
result in a greater dispersion in the BFD data set. See see Appendix C: BFD
Measurements.
12.2.8. When a shot is determined to be an unfair hit, any preceding shots on that test item
shall be included in the data set for the calculations, and this shot shall be repeated on
a spare test item. The remainder of the test series shall be continued on the spare test
item. This occurrence and the results shall be documented.
12.2.9. The duration of the ballistic testing of each test item shall be no more than 30 minutes
from the time the first shot is fired until the last shot is fired.
12.2.9.1. If the time limit is exceeded, the test series shall be repeated on a spare test item. This
occurrence and the results shall be documented. The shots taken on the original test
item shall not be included in the data set for calculations. The shots taken on the spare
test item shall be included in the data set for calculations.
12.2.10. The occurrence of side spalling from angled edge shots shall be documented but is
not a failure.
47
12.3. Hard armor BFD measurements
12.3.1. BFD measurements shall be performed as specified in ASTM E3068, and the
measurand shall be as defined in ASTM E3068, Section 7.
12.3.1.1. BFD measurements for planar test items shall be performed according to ASTM
E3068, Section 8.
12.3.1.2. BFD measurements for nonplanar test items shall be performed according to ASTM
E3068, Section 9.
12.3.2. BFD measurements shall be taken on each test item as specified below:
12.3.2.1. When taking one shot per test item, BFD measurement shall be made on shot 1.
12.3.2.2. When taking two or three shots per test item, BFD measurements shall be made on
shots 1 and 2.
12.3.2.3. When taking six shots per test item, BFD measurements shall be made on shot 6 and
three of the shots within the shaded band.
12.4. Hard armor P-BFD test procedure for planar and nonplanar test items
12.4.2. Condition the test items as specified in Section 10.5 and Table 4 of this NIJ standard.
12.4.3. Mark shot locations on the test items per this NIJ standard, Section 12.2.2 through
12.2.5 (as appropriate), ensuring that shot locations meet the shot spacing
requirements.
12.4.4. For nonplanar hard armor, follow the procedure in ASTM E3107, Section 12.3 to
create the applique.
12.4.4.1. Each applique shall be formed using clay that has been temperature conditioned as
specified in ASTM E3004.
12.4.4.2. Each applique shall be stored, until needed for testing, in a chamber having
temperature conditions as specified in ASTM E3004.
48
E3004, Section 6.5 Clay Blocks That Fail to Meet the Acceptance Criteria, or select
12.4.6. Position the clay block for shooting, and mount the test item and applique (as needed)
on the clay block as specified in ASTM E3107, Section 12.

12.4.7.2. Determine whether the shot was a fair hit according to Section 12.2 of this NIJ
standard and take appropriate actions.
12.4.7.3. Following each shot for which BFD is to be measured, remove the test item and
follow the procedures of ASTM E3068, Section 8 for planar armor or Section 9 for
nonplanar armor.
12.4.8.1. When conducting RF1 or RF2 testing using three shots per item, clay block
verification shall be required only after six shots have been fired (i.e., after every
other test item). The six shots shall be fired in consecutive order using the same clay
block. Please refer to “Option 2” in Figure 4 and Figure 5. Clay block verification
shall be conducted after all other test items are tested.
12.4.8.2. When conducting RF3 testing using less than six shots per test item, clay block
verification shall be required only after six shots have been fired. The six shots shall
be fired in consecutive order using the same clay block. Please refer to “Option 2,”
“Option 3,” and “Option 4” in Figure 6. Clay block verification shall be conducted
after all other test items are tested.
12.5. Hard armor ballistic limit test requirements
12.5.1. The ballistic limit test requirements from Section 9.5 of this NIJ standard apply to
hard armor.
12.5.2. The ballistic limit data set for NIJ RF1 and NIJ RF2 shall contain at least six CPs and
at least 12 PPs. The additional outcomes may be either PPs or CPs.
12.5.2.1. When the ballistic limit is sufficiently high that achieving the velocity necessary
to perforate the test item is difficult or impossible, the test laboratory shall
document that this situation has occurred. In such cases, the test series will be
49
considered acceptable when a minimum of 24 shots has been taken even if the
minimum number of CPs is not achieved.
12.5.3. The ballistic limit data set for NIJ RF3 shall contain at least three CPs and at least six
PPs. The additional outcomes may be either PPs or CPs.
12.5.3.1. When the ballistic limit is sufficiently high that achieving the velocity necessary
to perforate the test item is difficult or impossible, the test laboratory shall
document that this situation has occurred. In such cases, the test series will be
considered acceptable when a minimum of 12 shots has been taken even if the
minimum number of CPs is not achieved.
12.6. Hard armor ballistic limit test procedure

12.6.1. The steps of the ballistic limit test procedure for hard armor are detailed as a
flowchart in Figure H.4 of Appendix H: Flowcharts for Testing, and summarized
below.
12.6.2. Condition the test items as specified in Section 10.5 and Table 4 of this NIJ standard.
12.6.3. Mark shot locations on the test items, following the shot spacing requirements of
Section 9.5.5 of this NIJ standard.
12.6.5. Position the clay block for shooting, ensuring that the plywood backing is not
attached, and mount the test item on the clay block as specified in ASTM E3110,
Section 11, with the exception that Note 7 of ASTM E3110 does not apply.
12.6.6.1. Document each shot outcome (i.e., CP or PP), the corresponding measured velocity
for each shot, and other required data.
12.6.6.2. Determine whether the shot was a fair hit according to Section 12.2.1 of this NIJ
standard and take appropriate actions.
50
13. Label System Requirements
13.1. It is strongly recommended that label system testing be successfully completed prior to
submitting armor test items for conditioning or ballistic testing.
13.2. Label systems shall be evaluated in accordance with Appendix F, Section F.2: Label
System Tests for Permanency and Durability.
13.2.1. This label system shall match, in materials, manner of construction, printing, and
ink(s), the label system as it would be on a production armor.
13.2.2. The label system text shall be in a readable typeface and font size, and the content
shall be as specified in Appendix F, Section F2.1: Label System Test Items.
13.2.3. The label systems shall be tested in accordance with the Label System Tests for
Permanence and Durability specified in Appendix F, Section F.2: Label System Tests
for Permanency and Durability.
13.3. In the event of a label system failing to meet the requirements, new label systems are
required to be submitted and tested and shall meet the requirements.
51
14. Test Report
14.1.1. The test laboratory shall develop a test report that meets the requirements of ISO/IEC
17025 and the referenced ASTM standards.
14.1.2. All required data, calculated values, and photographs shall be included in the test
report.
52
Appendix A: Soft Armor Conditioning by Submersion
A.1 Equipment
A.1.1 The armor submersion equipment shall consist of a water bath sufficiently sized to allow
at least one test item of the largest template size to hang vertically, without any folds or
bends, with the top edge of the test item at least 4 in (~100 mm) below the surface of the
water, and with at least 2 in (~50 mm) clearance around the test item.
A.1.2 The water in the bath shall be clean and shall be either potable tap or demineralized
water. The water shall be replaced any time there are visible impurities in the water. The
water temperature shall be 21 °C + 3 °C/-6 °C (70 °F + 5 °F/-10 °F).
A.2 Procedure
A.2.1 Each test item shall be hung vertically in the water bath for 30 min (+ 5 min/- 0 min) with
the top edge of the test item positioned 4 in ± 1 in (100 mm ± 25 mm) below the water
surface and maintaining at least a 2 in (~50 mm) clearance around the test item. For test
items that are buoyant, weights shall be attached to the bottom edge with clothes pins or
similar clips to allow the test item to hang vertically.
A.2.2 After removing the test item from the water, it shall be hung vertically to drip dry for a
minimum of 10 minutes before mounting on the clay block for ballistic testing.
NOTE: Ballistic testing must begin within 15 minutes of removal from the water.
53
Appendix B: Modifications to the Procedures of ASTM E3004 and Additional
Requirements
B.1 Template
B.1.1 Figure B1.1 provides a graphic of the template used to mark clay verification drop
locations. The first three locations shall be positioned according to ASTM E3004, Section 5.1.8,
and the remaining two locations shall be as shown in Figure B1.1.
Figure B1.1 Template for Marking Clay Verification Drop Locations
B.2 Modifications to ASTM E3004, Section 6.3, Clay Block Verification Procedure: Prior to
Ballistic Testing
(1) Section 6.3.2.8 shall be replaced with:
Place the drop template on the clay surface in an arbitrary rotational position. Mark the
surface of the clay block (for example, by nicking the surface, laser marking, applying
ink) to indicate five drop target positions. Remove the template.
Drop the impactor onto the clay block, ensuring the movable support does not move
during the drop. The impactor shall be dropped five times, once on each of the marks on
the clay surface.
(3) Section 6.3.2.13 shall be modified to require that the five indentation measurements be
recorded.
(4) Section 6.3.3, Acceptance Criteria, shall not apply. The acceptance criteria shall be:
54
• The arithmetic mean of the five indentation depth measurements shall be 19.0 mm ±
2.0 mm (0.748 in ± 0.08 in).
• Each indentation depth measurement shall be 19.0 mm ± 3.0 mm (0.748 ± 0.12) .
• The measurements shall not be rounded off.
B.3 Modifications to ASTM E3004, Section 6.6, Clay Block Verification Procedure: Between
Test Items
(1) Section 6.6, Clay Block Verification Procedure: Between Test Items, is required.
(2) Section 6.6.2.2 shall apply, with these additions:
Five drop target positions shall be marked on the clay surface, attempting to avoid
placing drop target locations on the most recently repaired clay. Remove the template.
Drop the impactor onto the clay block. The impactor shall be dropped five times, once on
each of the marks on the clay surface.
recorded.
2.0 mm (0.748 in ± 0.08 in).
• Each indentation depth measurement shall be 19.0 mm ± 3.0 mm (0.748 ± 0.12) .
B.4 Modifications to ASTM E3004, Section 6.7, Clay Block Verification Procedure: After
Final Shot on Clay Block
(1) Section 6.7, Clay Block Verification Procedure: After Final Shot on Clay Block is
required.
(2) Section 6.7.2.1 shall apply, but the clay block shall be repaired.
(3) Sections 6.7.2.3 and 6.7.2.4, shall be replaced with:
Place the drop template on the clay surface in an arbitrary rotational position, attempting
to avoid placing drop target locations on the most recently repaired clay. Mark the
surface of the clay block (for example, by nicking the surface, laser marking, applying
ink) to indicate five drop target positions. Remove the template.
(4) Section 6.7.2.5, shall be replaced with:
Drop the impactor onto the clay block. The impactor shall be dropped five times, once on
each of the marks on the clay surface.
55
recorded.
2.0 mm (0.748 in ± 0.08 in).
• Each indentation depth measurement shall be 19.0 mm ± 3.0 mm (0.748 ± 0.12).
56
Appendix C: BFD Measurements
C.1 When any BFD measurement exceeds 44.0 mm, then there shall be a 95% confidence
that 80% of all BFD depths will be 44.0 mm or less. This requirement can be verified
using a statistical tolerance limit. It is expected that a stated portion of the entire
population of all BFD measurements will lie at or below the statistical upper tolerance
limit. To achieve this, the population of BFD measurements is assumed to be normally
distributed, and the upper tolerance limit, BFDU, must be ≤ 44.0 mm. The upper tolerance
limit is defined below:
Equation C.1: 𝐵𝐹𝐷 = 𝐵𝐹𝐷 + 𝑘 𝑠
BFDave is calculated as shown below:

Equation C.2: 𝐵𝐹𝐷 =  ∑
 𝐵𝐹𝐷
N represents the number of BFD measurements on a particular model, resulting from fair
hits, and where the size, conditioning status, and test threat are the same. BFDi are the
individual BFD measurements. The sample standard deviation, s, is calculated as shown
below:

Equation C.3: 𝑠 =  ∑
(𝐵𝐹𝐷 − 𝐵𝐹𝐷 )

The approximate k factor, k1, for a one-sided tolerance interval can now be calculated as
shown below:
    

Equation C.4: 𝑘 = 
Here, z1-p is the normal distribution-critical value that is exceeded with a probability of 1-
p. The factors a and b are defined below:

Equation C.5: 𝑎 = 1 − ()
  
Equation C.6: 𝑏 = 𝑧  − 
Here, z1-γ is the normal distribution-critical value that is exceeded with a probability of 1-
γ.
C.2 For the analysis of BFD measurements according to the requirements of this NIJ
standard, the probability that no BFD measurement exceeds 44.0 mm must be at least
80%, so p = 0.80, and the required confidence is 95%, so γ=0.95. The critical values for
57
the normal distribution can be calculated or obtained from tables in statistical textbooks.
For this case, they are:
z1-γ = z0.05 = 1.645; z1-p = z0.20 = 0.842
Table C.1 below provides some k1 values based on the number of BFD measurements.
Table C.1. k1 Values Based on Number of BFD Measurements

Number of BFD
k1
Measurements
12 1.568
13 1.528
14 1.494
15 1.464
16 1.438
17 1.415
18 1.394
19 1.375
20 1.358
21 1.342
22 1.328
23 1.315
24 1.303
58
Appendix D: Analysis of Ballistic Limit Data
D.1 Once the ballistic limit testing has been completed, the test results shall be analyzed for
each test threat by performing a regression to estimate the armor model’s performance
over a range of velocities. In particular, the analysis shall attempt to estimate the velocity
where the probability of CP becomes reasonably small (i.e., 𝑉 ≤ Vref). In general, a
logistic regression can be used for this purpose; however, other probability distributions
and regression methods may be used when one can be shown to better estimate the
performance of a particular armor model.
D.2 The logistic regression may be performed on the data using the method of maximum
likelihood to estimate the logistic parameters 𝛽 and 𝑏 , which are the estimated logistic
constant and the estimated velocity coefficient, respectively. These parameters define the
shape of the S-shaped logistic curve, which is defined as:
  
Equation D.1: 𝑝(𝑣) =   
Here, π(v) is the is the probability of a CP occurring at velocity, v. From the estimated
logistic parameters, the ballistic limit can be determined as:
 
Equation D.2: 𝑉 = 
In addition, the velocity at which the probability of a CP is x%, 𝑉 , can be determined as:
 
 
Equation D.3: 𝑉 = 

To determine the velocity at which the probability of a CP is 5%, 𝑉 , can be determined
as:
(.)
Equation D.4: 𝑉 = 
D.2 The estimated logistic parameters for a conditioned armor model and its ballistic limit
can be determined in the same method; however, care should be exercised when the
analysis is performed on a relatively small data set, as the reliability of the estimated CP
probability will be poor for small data sets.
59
Appendix E: Test Item Size Templates
E.1 This NIJ standard specifies five template sizes for testing soft armor test items:
1) NIJ-C-1 (smallest) as shown in Figure E.1.
2) NIJ-C-2 (small) as shown in Figure E.2.
3) NIJ-C-3 (medium) as shown in Figure E.3.
4) NIJ-C-4 (large) as shown in Figure E.4.
5) NIJ-C-5 (largest) as shown in Figure E.5.
E.2 The dimensions and shapes of the templates are shown in the figures on the following
pages. The figures show red lines for the maximum test item dimensions and blue lines
for the minimum test item dimensions.
E.3 The figures show the templates with and without a “neck scoop” at the top of each. The
neck scoop indicates the front panel.
60
3"
4
10"
9"
1"
12 6" 1"
12 R1"
1
2"
R1" R1"
1"
28
R2" 63
8"
63
4"
0"
1"
122 7"
R2" 8 1"
132
1"
R12
1" R2"
1"
R12
33
4" 1"
64
R2"
1"
43
4" 2" 43
4" R1"
1 1"
2" 112
1"
122
NIJ
SIZE REV
Sizing Template For Armor Samples Letter (8.5" x 11") 2.0

NATIONAL SCALE SHEET
INSTITUTE
OF JUSTICE
Template Size NIJ-C-1 - Smallest Approx. 1:4 1 of 5
61
3" 3"
4 4
11"
10"
2" 6" 2" R1"
R1"
1"
28
R2" 63
8"
63
4"
R2"
1" 7"
1" R2" R12 8
132 1"
142
1"
R2"
43
4" 1"
74
R2"
1" 1
2"
43 1"
62 43
4" 4"
16"
17" R1"
NIJ
SIZE REV

INSTITUTE
OF JUSTICE
Template Size NIJ-C-2 - Small Approx. 1:4 2 of 5
62
3" 12" 3"
4 4
11"
1" 1" R1"
22 6" 22
1
2" R1"
1"
28
R2" 73
8"
73
4"
R2"
7"
1" 1" 8
152 162
R2"
1"
R3"
R3"
53
4" 1"
84
R2"
1"
1
2"
43
4" 11" 43
1" 4" R1"
202
1"
212
NIJ
SIZE REV

INSTITUTE
OF JUSTICE
Template Size NIJ-C-3 - Medium Approx. 1:4 3 of 5
63
3" 13" 3"
4 4
12"
3" 6" 3"
1
2"
R1"
1"
28
R2"
83
8"
83
4"
7"
1" 1" 8
172 182
1" R2"
R3"
63
4" 1"
94
1" 1
2" R1"
43 1"
152 43
4" 4"
25"
26"
NIJ
SIZE REV

INSTITUTE
OF JUSTICE
Template Size NIJ-C-4 - Large Approx. 1:4 4 of 5
64
R1" 14" R1"
1 13"
2"
1"
28
1"
32 6" 1"
32
R2"
93
8"
93
4"
7"
1" 8 1"
192 202
R2" R2"
1"
R3"
R3"
73
4" 1"
104
R2" 1"
292
43
4" 20" 43
4"
1"
1
2"
1"
302 R1"
NIJ
SIZE REV

INSTITUTE
OF JUSTICE
Template Size NIJ-C-5 - Largest Approx. 1:4 5 of 5
65
Appendix F: Label Requirements
F.1. Label Content Requirements
F.1.1. The label shall be permanently attached to the face of the test item. The label shall
contain the following information (an example is provided in Figure F.1):
• Name, registered trademark or other Figure F.1. Example Label

identification of the supplier.
• The NIJ protection level.
• Reference to NIJ Standard 0101.07.
• A test ID number or model designation that

uniquely identifies the armor design for
testing purposes.
• The test item template size.
• A number or serial number that uniquely

identifies each test item.
• Location of manufacture.
• Date of manufacture.
• Identification of the proper orientation of

the armor panel (i.e., strike face or wear
face).
• A warning in larger type than the rest of the

type on the label that clearly emphasizes that the panel is a test item that has not yet
been demonstrated to provide ballistic resistance and that the armor panel or plate is
not intended to be worn. Printing color changes are acceptable but may not be
substituted for the type size requirement herein.
66
F.2. Label System Tests for Permanency and Durability
F.2.1. Label System Test Items
F.2.1.1. The test item is the label system being evaluated. See Figure F.2 for a graphic of the
label system and the required content to be included on the test item.
F.2.1.2. A total of five test items shall be subjected to testing. Two test items shall be tested in
accordance with Section F.2.3, Resistance to Peeling Test; three test items shall be
testing in accordance in Section F.2.4, Ink Permanency and Edge-of-Label Test.
F.2.1.2.1. To facilitate testing, the label assembly on the test items shall be affixed such that the
long edges of the label assembly are near the edges of the substrate, as shown in
Figure F.2.
F.2.1.2.2. If a clear laminate is present in the label assembly, its edge shall be less than 0.25 in
(6.4 mm) from the long edge of the label.
F.2.1.2.3. The label itself shall be less than 0.5 in (13 mm) away from and parallel to the long
edges of the substrate.
F.2.1.3. Special considerations for hard armor systems:
F.2.1.3.1. All substrate systems shall be nominally flat.
Figure F.2. Graphic of Label System
67
F.2.1.3.2. If the label substrate material is not a stand-alone material (e.g., spray liner or fabric
wrap), then the manufacturer shall submit test items with representative substrates
applied to a nominally planar surface (e.g., plastic, steel or wood). The surface finish
of this material shall be representative of the surface finish that will be present in the
finished product.
F.2.2. Visual Examination of Test Items
F.2.2.1. Visually examine each test item for imperfections. Imperfections include areas along
the edge of the label or clear plastic laminate that are not in contact with the substrate
or areas of the clear plastic laminate that are not in contact with the label.
F.2.2.2. Document any observed imperfections.
F.2.3. Resistance to Peeling Test
F.2.3.1. Quantity of Test Items
F.2.3.1.1. The test item is a label assembly.
F.2.3.1.2. Two test items are required.
F.2.3.2. Equipment and Materials
F.2.3.2.1. Packaging tape: Nominally 2-in wide, clear polypropylene tape with acrylic adhesive,
adhesion to steel rating of 27 to 30 oz/in (30 to 34 g/mm).6
F.2.3.3. Procedure
F.2.3.3.1. Photograph the test item to document the pre-test condition.
F.2.3.3.2. Place the label assembly on a smooth, flat surface.
F.2.3.3.3. Adhere packaging tape lengthwise to the top surface of the label assembly. The
adhered section must begin at the center of the label itself and extend to
approximately 0.25 to 0.5 in (6 to 13 mm) beyond a side edge of the label assembly.
Firmly press the tape as it is being applied. Allow extra length of tape to form a pull
tab.
F.2.3.3.4. After waiting 60 seconds, hold the substrate down and use the pull tab, slowly pulling
the packing tape by hand toward the label system center at a pull angle of
approximately 45°, to remove the packing tape from the label assembly. See Figure
F.3.
F.2.3.3.5. Document if any portion of the label assembly was removed from the substrate.
6
Two examples of available tapes meeting these requirements include: Shurtape AP-401 High Performance Grade
Packaging Tape and JVCC OPP-22CC Crystal Clear Packaging Tape.
68
F.2.3.3.6. Photograph the test item to document the post-test condition.
Figure F.3. Side View of Peel Test
F.2.3.3.7. The label assembly has failed this test if any of the label assembly is removed from
the substrate.
F.2.3.3.8. In the event that the first label assembly fails, the test may be stopped.
F.2.3.3.9. Repeat the above steps on the second test item.
F.2.3.4. Test Report
F.2.3.4.1. The results from the peel test and any relevant observations shall be included in the
test report.
F.2.4. Ink Permanency and Edge-of-Label Test
F.2.4.1. Test Items
F.2.4.1.1. Three test items are required.
F.2.4.1.2. Test items shall be cut from label assemblies to fit the rubber pad on the ink rub tester
base, with the cut portion of the label as shown in Figure F.4.
F.2.4.2. Equipment and Materials
F.2.4.2.1. A Sutherland Ink Rub Tester (SIRT) or equivalent shall be used, with a test weight
having mass of 4 lb ± 0.18 oz (1.81 kg ± 5 g), as specified in ASTM D5264. The
speed during testing shall be 85 cycles per minute.
69
Figure F.4. Cutting of Test Item Label to Fit SIRT
F.2.4.2.2. The receptor (in other words, abradant) shall be a swatch of nylon fabric, 200 Denier
scoured only, off white color, that is sized to fit the test weight.
F.2.4.2.3. The preparation steps of ASTM D5264, Sections 10.1 through 10.7 shall be followed.
F.2.4.2.4. Two challenge fluids are required.
• Isopropyl alcohol: nominally 70% by volume; commonly available
• Water, oil, and soap mixture with the following formulation:
o 1 fl oz (30 ml) dish soap
o 1 fl oz (30 ml) mineral oil
o 18 fl oz water (532 ml)
F.2.4.2.4.1. Shake the fluid mixture vigorously for a minimum of 30 seconds to mix well
before every application.
F.2.4.2.5. This test shall be conducted on a dry test item and then repeated on test items with
each challenge fluid.
70
F.2.4.3. Procedure
F.2.4.3.1. Photograph the test item to document the pre-test condition.
F.2.4.3.2. Place a test item onto the SIRT such that:
1) The test item is positioned on the ink rub testing apparatus such that the rubbing
occurs on the face of the label in the long direction of the label.
2) The test item is secured in place and is flat, taut, and unable to move when the test is
initiated.
F.2.4.3.3. Place the abradant nylon into the holders on the base of the test weight supplied with
the SIRT. Ensure that there are no folds or creases present in the nylon fabric and that
it is pulled tight enough to prevent folds and creases from forming during testing.
F.2.4.3.3.1. When challenge fluid is being used, submerse the nylon abradant in the challenge
fluid for at least 30 seconds prior to placing it on the test weight.
F.2.4.3.4. Promptly place the test weight and abradant assembly onto the SIRT.
F.2.4.3.5. Run the SIRT for 2,000 cycles, replacing the abradant every 500 ± 100 cycles with a
new swatch. When a challenge fluid is being used, the replacement abradant shall
have been soaked for at least 30 seconds in the challenge fluid.
F.2.4.3.6. Inspect each test item at the end of the test to check for damage to the test item.
F.2.4.3.6.1. The label system has failed this test if: (1) the edge of the label is worn away or
(2) the edge of the label is detached by any amount.
F.2.4.3.6.2. The label system has failed this test if any printed portion of the label becomes
illegible through the course of the testing described above.
NOTE: The label system has not failed if the characters on the label remain intact
despite significant damage occurring to the label assembly. Damage to any clear
plastic laminate coating, if present over the label, does not count as damage to the
label.
F.2.4.3.7. Photograph the test item to document the post-test condition.
F.2.4.3.8. In the event a test item fails, the test may be stopped.
F.2.4.3.9. Repeat the above steps for the remaining test items.
F.2.4.4. Test Report
F.2.4.4.1. The results from the ink permanency and edge-of-label test and any relevant
observations shall be included in the test report.
71
Appendix G: Guidance for P-BFD Testing of Soft Armor Designed for Female Wearers
G.1 Location of Shaping Features

G.1.1 Using the supplier-provided dimensioned diagram, locate on each test item the stitches,
seams, folds, and other shaping features. If overlaps of material exist in the test item, the
direction of overlap of the subcomponents of the test item shall be documented. These
features shall be marked on the test item panel cover.
G.2 P-BFD Shot pattern (i.e., shot location, angle, and direction) marking
G.2.1 The guidelines below shall be followed for clearly marking the intended shot pattern
directly on the test item panel cover:
1) Markings for each shot shall indicate the shot location, angle of incidence, and
direction from which the shot will impact the test item.
2) The shot patterns listed in Table G.1 shall be followed unless modification is
necessary to exploit potential areas of weakness.
3) Typically, the shot pattern for the first test item will follow the guidance provided
below. The shot patterns for subsequent test items should be modified as necessary
based on observed results.
Table G.1. Shot Pattern Summary Table for Test Items with Stitch Patterns (i.e., Darted
and Princess Cut) Forming Bust Cups
Shot Larger test item 1 Larger test item 2 Larger test item 3 Larger test item 4
# Smaller test item 2 Smaller test item 4 Smaller test item 6 Smaller test item 8
• Adjacent to overlap • Adjacent to overlap • ½-in offset from • ½-in offset from
Shot near apex 1 near apex 2 overlap near apex 1 overlap near apex 2
4 • Angle at 30° into the • Angle at 45° into the • Angle at 30° into the • Angle at 45° into the
overlap seam overlap seam overlap seam overlap seam
Shot • Angle at 45° in same • Angle at 30° in same • Angle at 45° in same • Angle at 30° in same
5 direction as shot 4 direction as shot 4 direction as shot 4 direction as shot 4
Shot • At 0° angle of • At 0° angle of • At 0° angle of • At 0° angle of
6 incidence incidence incidence incidence
G.3 P-BFD Testing

G.3.1 The P-BFD shots 1 through 6 shall be placed according to ASTM E3107, Section 11.2,
with the following modifications:
G.3.1.1 Placement of shots 1, 2, and 3 (i.e., edge shots) should avoid seams or areas of
overlap, while meeting the shot spacing requirements of ASTM E3107. For each test
item, shots 1, 2, and 3 shall meet the shot-to-edge distance requirements but shall be
located not more than the shot-to-edge distance plus 0.75 in (19 mm) from the edge of
the test item.
72
G.3.1.1.1 These shots shall be moved to different locations within the shaded band shown in
Figure G.1. The light gray band applies to the greater mass test threat, and the dark
gray band applies to the lesser mass test threat.
Figure G.1. Shot Plaement for Shots 1, 2, and 3 on NIJ-C-1 Test Item.
G.3.1.2 Placement of shots 4, 5, and 6 (i.e., cluster shots) shall be considered simultaneously
and shall meet the requirements of Table G.1; however, the shot-to-edge and shot-to-
shot distances shall be met for all shots, and if necessary, the shot locations shall be
moved toward the centerline to meet the shot-to-edge distance requirement
G3.1.2.2 Placement of shot 4

a) First test item of a given size
i) Shot 4 shall be used to challenge the apex of either the left or right bust cup.
73
ii) For hybrid designs where multiple stitch patterns are used throughout the
layup, the strike face stitch pattern shall be used to determine shot placement.
iii) The overlap on the strike face shall be identified, and shot 4 shall be angled
into the overlap seam. See Figure G.2 for placement of shot 4 with respect to
the overlap. See Figure G.3 for examples of shot placement in regions of
horizontal overlap.
b) Second test item of a given size

i) Shot 4 on test item 2 shall challenge the other bust cup apex.
ii) The same modifications listed in Section G.3.1.2.2, a) for vertical and
horizontal seams shall be followed.
c) Third and fourth test items of a given size
i) For test items where this position represents an overlap in material, the shot
shall be offset to the nearest point on the test item where no overlap exists.
Figure G.2. Shot 4 Placement Near Strike Face Overlap.
G.3.1.2.3 Placement of shot 5

a) Shot 5 shall be placed according to ASTM E3107, Section 11.2, following the
surface of the test item. Shot 5 shall be shifted slightly to avoid placing shots 4
74
and 5 along the same vertical or horizontal lines while adhering to the 3.94 in
(100 mm) diameter circle.
b) The location for shot 5 may be altered by rotating around the shot 4 location.
c) Ensuring that shot spacing requirements are met, the location of shot 5 should not
be on an overlap where possible but may be adjacent to or offset from an overlap.
d) Shot 5 shall be taken in the same direction as shot 4.
Figure G.3. Examples of Shot Placement in Regions of Horizontal Overlap.
G.3.1.2.4 Placement of shot 6

a) For the first test item of a given size in the test series, shot 6 shall be placed
according to ASTM E3107, Section 11.2, following the surface of the test item.
75
b) Ensuring that shot spacing requirements are met, the location of shot 6 should
avoid an area of overlap where possible.
G.4 Creation of appliques and placement of the test item on the clay block
G.4.1 The NIJ CTP shall provide the electronic design files for the applique molds and shaping
molds to the NIJ-approved testing laboratories. Electronic design files will be provided to
other organizations upon request.
NOTE: There are 4 molds required:
(1) Smaller applique mold (for making clay appliques)
(2) Smaller shaping mold (for conforming the clay appliques to the shape of the test
items)
(3) Larger applique mold
(4) Larger shaping mold
G.4.2 The steps for creating the applique for a female front panel, placing the applique on the
clay block, and placing the test item on the clay block are specified below:
(1) Select either the smaller or larger applique mold, as appropriate for the test item
size.
(2) Select Roma Plastilina #1 clay that has been temperature conditioned for a
minimum of 3 hours in a chamber having conditions as specified in ASTM
E3004.
(3) Place a layer of thin plastic wrap, or similar material, into the applique mold to
assist with removal of the applique from the mold.
(4) Work the conditioned clay into the applique mold until the mold is completely
filled and no voids are present. If necessary, use a draw knife, or similar device, in
contact with two parallel edges of the mold to strike the clay to create a planar
surface.
(5) Remove the clay applique from the mold, keeping the plastic wrap attached to the
applique.
(6) Position the test item, wear face up, on the shaping mold and place the applique
on the wear face, matching the appropriate face of the applique to the test item.
(7) Using a uniformly shaped (not tapered) cylinder as a rolling pin, roll the applique
into the test item so that the clay conforms to the shape of the test item.
(8) Remove the applique and test item from the shaping mold.
(9) Separate the applique from the test item.
(10) Place the applique on the conditioned clay block with the flat side against the clay
block. Remove the plastic wrap from the applique.
76
(11) Hand form warm clay into a long, thin strip. Place the strip around the perimeter
of the applique at the interface with the clay block and press the clay strip into the
interface to ensure that the applique remains adhered to the clay block during
testing.
NOTE: Care is required to ensure that the shape of the applique is not
significantly changed while affixing it to the clay block.
(12) Place the test item on the applique, aligning the test item appropriately with the
shape of the applique.
77
Appendix H. Flowcharts for Testing
Figure H.1. Soft Armor Procedure Flowchart for P-BFD Testing
78
Figure H.2. Soft Armor Procedure Flowchart for Ballistic Limit Testing
79
Figure H.3. Hard Armor Procedure Flowchart for P-BFD Testing
80
Figure H.4. Hard Armor Procedure Flowchart for Ballistic Limit Testing
81
About Standards and Conformity Assessment at the National Institute of Justice
NIJ standards and conformity assessment activities are conducted by NIJ’s Office of Technology
and Standards (OTS). OTS works to identify the needs of state and local criminal justice system
practitioners for equipment standards and test protocols, develops voluntary performance
standards for specific criminal justice tools and technologies, establishes conformity assessment
requirements for demonstrating that commercially available equipment conforms to those
standards, and publishes listings of product models that have been tested through one or more
specified organizations and found to comply with the standards.
The standards development process begins with gathering the operational needs and
requirements of practitioners in the field. Based on those needs and requirements, the standards
are developed in coordination with a special technical committee composed of criminal justice
practitioners, testing experts, other technical experts, federal partners, and members from
practitioner-stakeholder organizations. Manufacturers, vendors, and other interested parties are
provided with an opportunity to review and comment on draft standards prior to their
publication.
All NIJ standards are voluntary standards. There is no requirement or obligation for
manufacturers, law enforcement or corrections agencies, or others to follow or adopt these
voluntary law enforcement technology equipment standards. The primary intent of these
standards is to provide end users and equipment producers with performance criteria on
equipment characteristics and allow comparison of product models based on standardized testing
methods and performance requirements. These standards do not specify a particular solution but
rather define what a potential solution must accomplish. Conformity assessment based on NIJ
standards, such as testing and certification, provides a level of confidence in that particular
model’s fitness for use in specified circumstances. The ultimate goal is to help ensure, to the
degree possible, that law enforcement and corrections equipment is safe, reliable, and effective.
NIJ’s standards and conformity assessment activities are responsive to provisions in the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 that authorize NIJ to establish and maintain performance
standards (in accordance with the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995)
for law enforcement technologies that may be used by federal, state, and local law enforcement
agencies, and to test and evaluate those technologies. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 also
authorizes NIJ to establish and maintain a program to certify, validate, and mark or otherwise
recognize law enforcement technology products that conform to the standards mentioned above.
NIJ standards, including this standard, are available at no charge online at

https://nij.ojp.gov/active-nij-standards-and-comparative-test-methods. Users of NIJ standards are
advised to check that page regularly to determine whether a particular law enforcement
technology equipment standard has been revised or superseded, or if the compliance status of a
particular model has changed as applicable.
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Office of Justice Programs PRESORTED STANDARD
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Washington, DC 20531 PERMIT NO. G–91
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NIJ STD 0101.07 Test Standard

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U.S.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

Nancy La Vigne, Ph.D.

National Institute of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

Other new elements of this body armor standards are:

• Improved test methods for armor designed for women.

Nancy La Vigne, Ph.D.

This document uses the following in accordance with international standards:

— “shall” indicates a requirement.

1.3. This standard addresses three types of armor:

(1) Soft armor

(2) Stand-alone hard armor

ASTM D5264-98(2019), Practice for Abrasion Resistance of Printed Materials by the

3.1. Terms and definitions from ASTM standards5

NOTE: Accessories are typically attachments to tactical body armor providing

3.1.5. armor carrier, n. – See carrier.

3.1.9. ballistic limit, n. – a measure of an item’s ballistic resistance to complete penetration

3.1.11. ballistic resistance, n. – a characteristic of protective equipment or materials

3.1.17. controlled ambient, n. – conditions with temperature of 20.0 °C ± 5.6 °C (68 °F ± 10

3.1.30. soft armor, n. – an item of personal protective equipment constructed of

3.2. Terms and definitions specific to this NIJ standard

3.2.1. armor model, n. – synonymous with model.

4.1. Test threats

4.2. Test range

4.3. Conditioning equipment

1) Impact Durability Pre-conditioning in ASTM E3078, Section 13.1

4.4. Backing assembly and clay verification equipment

4.6. Backface deformation (BFD) measurement equipment

5.1. Soft armor protection levels

5.2. Hard armor protection levels

6.1. Perforation-backface deformation (P-BFD) performance requirements

6.1.2.2. Any complete penetration of a fair hit constitutes a failure.

6.1.3.1. Either of the following two conditions shall be met:

1) Each individual BFD measurement (BFDi) ≤ 44.0 mm

2) (44.0 mm ≤ BFDi ≤ 50.0 mm) and (BFDave + 𝑘1𝑠 ≤ 44.0 mm)

6.1.3.1.1. A BFDi measurement greater than 50.0 mm shall be considered a failure.

NOTE: There is no pass/fail BFD measurement requirement for test items

6.2. Ballistic limit performance requirements

7.1. Soft armor test item sizes

7.3. Soft armor test item allocation

7.4. Soft armor test item workmanship and construction requirements

7.5. Soft armor test item label requirements

7.6. Soft armor test item carrier requirements

8.2. Examine the group of test items for variations in appearance.

8.3. Weigh each test item.

8.7. Following ballistic testing, perform the steps below:

8.7.2. Document any evidence of inferior workmanship or material defects.

9.1. Soft armor shots required: planar and nonplanar

10.1. Stand-alone hard armor and ICW hard armor

10.4. Hard armor test item label requirements

Protection Level and

NIJ RF1 33 or 63 Hard armor conditioning per Ballistic Limit 12 or 24

Hard armor conditioning per

NIJ RF2 43 or 83 Hard armor conditioning per Ballistic Limit 16 or 32

NIJ RF3 10 to 50 Hard armor conditioning per 3, 5, 7, or Ballistic Limit 2, 4, 6, or 12

11.2. Examine the group of test items for variations in appearance.

11.3. Weigh each test item.

11.7. Following ballistic testing, perform the steps below:

12.1. Hard armor shots required