Ceramic or Steel? RTS Tactical Level IV Ceramic Armor Plate Test & Comparison!

Published on April 9, 2022
Duration: 18:22

This video details a rigorous testing protocol for RTS Tactical's Level IV ceramic composite armor plate, comparing it against their Level III+ steel armor. The ceramic plate successfully stopped multiple rifle rounds including 5.56x45mm, 7.62x39mm, .308 Winchester, and four .30-06 Springfield rounds before failing on the fifth .30-06 shot, demonstrating significant deformation but no penetration on the initial impacts. The test highlights the trade-offs between ceramic (lighter, more deformation) and steel (heavier, less deformation, potential fragmentation) armor systems.

Quick Summary

The RTS Tactical Level IV ceramic armor plate successfully stopped multiple rifle rounds, including 5.56x45mm, 7.62x39mm, and .308 Winchester. It withstood four .30-06 Springfield rounds with significant deformation before failing on the fifth, demonstrating its protective capabilities while highlighting the trade-offs in weight and deformation compared to steel armor.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:20RTS Tactical Armor Overview
  3. 00:43Level IV Ceramic vs Level III+ Steel
  4. 01:16Steel Plate Characteristics
  5. 01:39Ceramic Plate Specs (Weight & Thickness)
  6. 01:58Testing Setup & Plate Carrier
  7. 02:34Test Ammunition Selection
  8. 02:525.56x45mm M855 Test
  9. 04:507.62x39mm Test
  10. 05:08.308 Winchester Test
  11. 05:39Post-Initial Test Inspection
  12. 06:00Damage Assessment (5.56, 7.62x39, .308)
  13. 07:36.30-06 Springfield Test Begins
  14. 08:04First .30-06 Rounds Fired
  15. 08:37Liquid Observed - Potential Failure
  16. 09:08Backface Deformation & Bottle Impact
  17. 09:36Plate Removal & Deformation Analysis
  18. 10:32Pushing to Failure Point
  19. 10:59Cobbled Plate Re-test
  20. 11:30Fifth .30-06 Round & Penetration
  21. 12:06Exit Hole Confirmation
  22. 12:35Test Recap & Comparison
  23. 13:13Plate Carrier Damage Analysis
  24. 13:58Steel Armor Test Recap
  25. 15:42Ceramic Armor Internal Construction
  26. 16:54Steel vs. Ceramic Preference
  27. 17:36Conclusion & Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

How does RTS Tactical's Level IV ceramic armor perform against rifle rounds?

The RTS Tactical Level IV ceramic armor plate successfully stopped multiple rifle rounds including 5.56x45mm M855, 7.62x39mm FMJ, and .308 Winchester FMJ. It also withstood four .30-06 Springfield rounds before failing on the fifth, showing significant deformation but no penetration on the initial impacts.

What are the key differences between ceramic and steel body armor?

Ceramic armor, like the RTS Tactical Level IV plate, is typically lighter (6.3 lbs) and thicker (1.1 inches) but deforms significantly upon impact. Steel armor is heavier (7.9 lbs) and thinner (~0.25 inches) but shows minimal deformation and is more resistant to fragmentation, though it can cause more secondary hazards if not coated.

What is the failure point of the RTS Tactical Level IV ceramic armor plate?

During testing, the RTS Tactical Level IV ceramic armor plate failed on the fifth .30-06 Springfield round fired at close grouping. This resulted in complete penetration, with the projectile exiting the plate and plate carrier, and causing significant backface deformation.

What is the internal construction of the RTS Tactical Level IV ceramic armor?

The RTS Tactical Level IV ceramic armor appears to be a two-part system. It features an outer layer of ceramic squares designed to break up projectiles, backed by multiple layers of a polymer-type material that absorbs energy and helps to shred or melt the incoming rounds.

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