Materials & Durability
A "Cordura vest" refers to a professional tactical or ballistic vest made from licensed Cordura® fabric. This material is characterized by extremely high resistance to abrasion, tears, and harsh weather conditions. As a result, Cordura vests are the standard for intensive operational use by the military and uniformed services.
The main difference lies in durability and intended use.
- 600D Polyester is a cheaper material but significantly less resistant to mechanical damage and abrasion.
- 500D Cordura (even at a lower weight/density) provides incomparably higher longevity and strength. It is the material preferred by the military, police, and special units that require reliable equipment on the battlefield.
UHMW-PE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) is an ultra-strong polyethylene fiber.
- In helmets: It provides very low weight while maintaining high ballistic resistance.
- In ballistic plates: It enables protection against rifle ammunition while keeping weight to a minimum, which is crucial for operator mobility.
The choice depends on user priorities (weight vs. thermal resistance):
- PE Helmets (UHMW-PE): Are noticeably lighter. Their typical weight ranges from 1.2 to 1.5 kg. They are ideal for long-term wear.
- Kevlar Helmets (Aramid): Are slightly heavier (typical weight from 1.4 to 1.7 kg) but are characterized by greater resistance to high temperatures and fire compared to polyethylene.
Plate manufacturing technology depends on the required protection level and weight:
- Ceramic: Alumina (Aluminum Oxide), Silicon Carbide (SiC), or Boron Carbide (B4C) – the lightest and most effective against armor-piercing ammunition.
- UHMW-PE: Pure polyethylene – very light, great for standard rifle ammunition (NIJ III), but weaker against steel cores.
- Ballistic Steel: Heavy, but thin and very durable, resistant to multiple hits.
- Composites: Hybrid combinations of ceramics with a PE or aramid backing.
Basic concepts and definitions
These terms, often used interchangeably, cover a wide range of gear supporting operational activities:
- Tactical Gear is the general equipment for uniformed services (vests, helmets, pouches).
- Tactical Equipment refers to specific elements designed to increase the user's efficiency and safety during task execution.
Body Armor is a collective term for all ballistic protection measures worn by a user – ranging from soft vests worn under a uniform to heavy sets with ballistic plates and helmets.
- Ballistic vest is the professional term defining personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to absorb and disperse the energy of bullets and shrapnel.
- "Bulletproof vest" is a colloquial name. Technically, it means a vest resistant to bullets within a specific threat range (e.g., a specific caliber).
A Plate Carrier is a lightweight tactical vest used to carry hard ballistic inserts (plates) on the chest and back, providing protection for vital organs while maintaining mobility.
Technical parameters and ballistic plate shapes
The plate shape (Cut) determines the balance between protection and shooting comfort:
- SAPI / ESAPI Cut: Standard shape used by NATO forces (clipped top corners). Offers an optimal compromise between protective coverage and arm range of motion.
- Swimmer / Shooter Cut: Features more aggressive cuts around the shoulders. This increases mobility and makes it easier to shoulder a weapon, but at the cost of slightly less protective surface area.
- Square / Full Cut: A rectangular plate (or with minimal cuts). Provides maximum protective surface, but is heavier and may restrict arm movement (more often used on the back or in heavy vests).
This is a key parameter when selecting a plate:
- STA (Stand Alone): A "self-sufficient" plate. It provides the declared level of protection without any additions. It does not require a soft insert underneath.
- ICW (In Conjunction With): A plate that works "in combination with...". To provide full protection, it requires wearing a soft ballistic insert (soft armor) underneath. Without it, an ICW plate will not meet its rated standard.
This designation refers to the contouring of the plate relative to the body:
- Single-Curve: A plate curved in only one plane (horizontal). This is a simpler and cheaper design.
- Multi-Curve: A plate anatomically profiled in multiple planes (vertical and horizontal). It provides significantly better ergonomic fit to the chest, which translates to higher comfort during long-term wear.
Specialization: Equipment for military, police, and special forces
Gear for special forces focuses on the highest quality and specialization:
- SOF Vest: Ensures full modularity and maximum mobility. It must allow for any pouch configuration for a specific mission.
- SOF Helmet Cover: A specialized cover providing camouflage and surface protection for the helmet.
A military plate carrier is a combat vest with strict durability standards, intended for military operations. It must be compatible with military gear and carry standard plates.
- Police Vest: Personal protective equipment for officers, often featuring a larger area of soft armor protection.
- Police Helmet: Protects officers during high-risk activities (e.g., riots), often equipped with face shields.
Mounting systems, backpacks, and accessories
- MOLLE: Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (PALS webbing), which allows the user to freely configure the placement of pockets and pouches on a vest or backpack.
- Velcro: On vests and helmets, this system enables quick attachment of markings (ID, unit patches), as well as mounting light accessories and cable management.
- IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit): An individual medical kit containing essential supplies to save lives on the battlefield (tourniquet, dressings).
- Quick Release: A system of buckles or cables in vests that allows for the instant shedding of equipment in emergency situations (e.g., falling into water, fire, need to treat a wound).
- Tactical Backpack: A durable operational backpack compatible with MOLLE.
- Military Backpack: A high-capacity design adapted for carrying heavy equipment.
Ballistic helmets: Systems and models
- Picatinny Rail (MIL-STD-1913/STANAG 2324): A standard side rail enabling the mounting of flashlights, cameras, and hearing protection.
- NVG Mount: A socket on the front of the helmet for mounting night vision goggles.
The BOA system (often in the form of a dial at the back of the helmet) is an advanced suspension adjustment mechanism. It allows for precise, millimeter-level fitting of the helmet to the head circumference with one hand, guaranteeing stability even while running or making sudden movements.
- Ballistic Helmet: Protects against shrapnel and bullets.
- Tactical Helmet: A modular helmet with the capability to mount accessories (headsets, night vision), often without ballistic protection (bump helmet), though the term can be used broadly.
- High Cut: Compatibility with communication headsets.
- Mid Cut: A compromise between protection and comfort.
- Low Cut: Maximum protection coverage.
- Models: PASGT (full coverage, older style), MICH (ergonomic), FAST (lightweight, high cut).
Tactical and protective clothing
These are key features of combat clothing that protect against burns:
- Aramid Uniforms: Made of fibers (e.g., Nomex) resistant to fire and high temperatures.
- NO MELT – NO DRIP: Material technology that ensures the uniform does not melt or drip onto the skin when exposed to fire or an explosion, preventing deep and difficult-to-treat burns.
Ripstop is a characteristic fabric reinforcement technique (visible as a small grid). It involves adding a stronger fiber at regular intervals, which prevents the spread of potential tears or holes in the uniform during operations in difficult terrain.
Advanced aviation systems: ANTI-G suits
An ANTI-G suit is specialized attire worn by pilots and crew members.
- Purpose: Its main goal is to counteract the effects of high G-forces during flight maneuvers, prevent blood pooling in the lower body, and protect against G-LOC (G-force induced Loss Of Consciousness).
- Operation: It utilizes inflatable bladders and pressure panels that automatically compress the abdomen and legs during high G-forces, maintaining proper blood flow to the brain.
Specific part numbers (P/N) denote specialized variants adapted to specific operational needs:
- P/N AFG0590936-01: Equipped with a system of pressure chambers exerting pressure on the lower body, crucial for maintaining cerebral circulation.
- P/N AFG0590943-01: A model serving to increase performance under conditions of particularly intense positive G-forces, supporting the body during combat flights and maneuvers.
- P/N AFG0590950-01: Designed with full compatibility with modern life support systems and aviation equipment (e.g., advanced fighters) in mind.
- P/N AFG0590966-01: Intended for crews exposed to high G-forces, where reaction speed and concentration are of key importance.
- P/N AFG0590973-01: A variant adapted to specific operational requirements (size, technical configuration, integration with a specific aircraft type).
- P/N AFG0590989-01: Guarantees reliable protection and increases pilot comfort, minimizing fatigue during long and demanding missions.
Each P/N corresponds to a specific specification. Differences may concern:
- Size and fit to the body.
- Compatibility with the ejection seat and harness of a specific aircraft model.
- Operating pressure values and pressure panel configuration. Exact differences are always defined by the manufacturer's datasheet and the aviation equipment matrix.
Yes. Although mainly associated with the military, civilian pilots performing aerobatic flights or piloting high-performance jets also use them. This increases safety and efficiency during competition or experimental flights (however, appropriate training in G-force physiology is required).
To ensure reliability, suits (e.g., P/N AFG0590966-01) require:
- Regular inspection of pressure chamber airtightness and seam condition.
- Verification of the functionality of inflation valves and connectors.
- Specialized cleaning in accordance with manufacturer guidelines to avoid damaging the technical material.
Protection levels and NIJ standards
- Soft protection: Protects against pistol ammunition and shrapnel/fragmentation.
- Hard protection: Plates protecting against rifle ammunition.
- NIJ 0101.06: Standard for ballistic vests (body armor).
- NIJ 0106.01: Standard for protective helmets.
- NIJ IIIA: Pistol ammunition.
- NIJ III: Rifle ammunition (7.62×51 NATO).
- NIJ III+: High-velocity intermediate ammunition (e.g., M855/Green Tip).
- NIJ IV: Armor-piercing (AP) ammunition.
- V50: The velocity at which there is a 50% risk of penetration.
- STANAG 2920: NATO standard for fragmentation protection.
- MIL-STD-662F: American testing standard.
The maximum allowable Backface Deformation (BFD) is typically up to 25 mm.
About EU SHIELDS
EU SHIELDS sp. z o.o. is a specialized supplier of professional protective solutions. The offer includes certified ballistic vests, ballistic helmets, plate carriers, advanced ANTI-G suits, and broad tactical equipment. All products are designed and selected to meet rigorous NATO standards and NIJ norms, ensuring the highest level of safety for professional and civilian users.
