Significance and Use
5.1 The test method is intended to determine the resistance to penetration of a ballistic-resistant product or shoot pack to specified projectiles impacting at specified velocities. No other properties of the ballistic-resistant product or shoot pack are evaluated by this test method.
5.2 This test method may be used by private-sector and government laboratories, manufacturers, research and development organizations, and others assessing the ballistic resistance of products or shoot packs or performing research and development of new products.
5.3 It is intended that this test method be referenced by other standards, specifications, or test methods.
Scope
1.1 This test method assesses resistance to complete penetration by projectiles and applies to ballistic-resistant products or shoot packs, either flexible or rigid, that are intended to provide protection against projectiles from small arms.2 This test method does not assess blunt impact resistance.
1.2 This test method does not apply to body armor, armor panels, inserts, trauma packs, trauma plates, materials, or other items intended to be worn or located against the body to limit blunt trauma.
1.3 This test method applies only to products related to homeland security and public safety.
1.4 This test method is not intended to address architectural products covered by Test Method F1233, such as building materials and security glazing.
1.5 This test method is applicable to products or shoot packs that are constructed with identical layups of ballistic materials over the entire product or shoot pack. The product or shoot pack may have stitching, seams, or other joints.
NOTE 1: For example, this test method is applicable for evaluating a ballistic-resistant blanket constructed from multiple sheets of different materials laminated together; however, this test method is not applicable for evaluating a ballistic-resistant shield that has a discontinuity at the interface between opaque and transparent component materials.
1.6 The test method does not specify performance criteria or usage of the test results.
1.7 It is anticipated that this test method will be referenced by certifiers, purchasers, or other users in order to meet their specific needs.
1.7.1 In this test method, “other standards and specifications” and “unless specified elsewhere” refer to documents (for example, military standards, purchase specifications) that require the use of this test method. Purchasers and other users are responsible for the “other standards and specifications” and for specifying any requirements that supersede those of this test method.
1.7.2 Purchasers and other users will specify the ballistic test threats, and the associated velocities, to be used.
1.8 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.8.1 The user of this standard will identify the system of units to be used, and it is critical to ensure that any cross-referenced standards maintain consistency of units between standards.
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
