scope:

The purpose of this standard is to provide a general methodology for the test equipment, procedures, targets, and terminology needed to develop ballistic performance evaluation and ranking of advanced armor materials against high-density eroding projectiles.

This military standard is intended for use in performing ballistic tests on armor materials, selection of materials to employ in armor systems, and as a tool to promote research and development of new armor materials. The method and target assembly technique also provide a means to perform parametric analyses on the effects of material properties, and other factors such as tile size, confinement, and penetrator properties on ballistic performance.

This ballistic test method is intended for application to armor ceramics and other low ductility materials, for projectiles of heavy alloy, long rod type, and the armor materials to be used with a stiff backing structure. Applications of the test methodology to armor metallic materials are feasible in some instances, but fall outside the scope of this document.

Examples of materials for which this test may be appropriately employed are:

a. Single-phase ceramics (e.g. SiC, TiB2)

b. Multiple-phase ceramics (aluminas)

c. Glasses

d. Metal-infiltrated ceramic composites

e. Low ductility metal-matrix composites

This standard has the following limitations:

This standard does not take precedence over nor supersede existing armor specification ballistic test procedures.

Specific requirements for the ballistic testing of armor end items are not covered by this standard and must be specified in the appropriate detailed specification or contract.

Military activities or DoD contractors may use in-house ballistic test facilities and equipment not covered by this standard (e.g., MIL-STD-1161(GL)).

intended Use:

This standard is intended for the ballistic evaluation of ceramic plates used in armor systems (see 1.2 and 1.3).