Level IV Body Armor Torture, 50BMG

Published on October 24, 2014
Duration: 11:22

This video tests AR500 Armor's Level IV ceramic and composite plates against extreme threats, including .50 BMG AP rounds. While Level III plates failed against .50 BMG, the Level IV plates demonstrated significant capability, stopping .308 AP/API rounds and even a .50 BMG FMJ with a second plate. The final .50 BMG AP test showed the third plate's composite backing catching the projectile after it penetrated the first two.

Quick Summary

Level IV body armor, typically made of ceramic and composite, is designed to stop high-velocity armor-piercing threats. While a single Level IV plate can stop .308 AP rounds, stopping a .50 BMG requires multiple plates or a robust composite backing to catch the projectile.

Chapters

  1. 00:25Level III vs Threats
  2. 01:08Level IV Plate Intro
  3. 01:58Test Ammunition Selection
  4. 02:41.308 AP/API Test
  5. 04:51.50 BMG FMJ Test
  6. 07:47.50 BMG AP Torture Test

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Level IV body armor stop a .50 BMG round?

Yes, under specific conditions. The video shows that a single Level IV plate was defeated by a .50 BMG FMJ, but a second plate stopped it. In a final test, a .50 BMG AP round penetrated two plates but was caught by the composite backing of a third.

What is the difference between Level III and Level IV body armor?

Level III armor typically uses steel or composite materials to stop common rifle rounds like .308 Winchester. Level IV armor, usually ceramic and composite, is rated to stop higher-velocity armor-piercing rifle threats, such as the 30-06 M2 AP round.

How does Level IV armor work?

Level IV plates feature a hard ceramic 'strike face' designed to shatter and break up incoming projectiles. This is backed by a composite material layer that absorbs the remaining energy and catches fragments, preventing penetration.

What rifle was used to test the body armor?

The primary rifle used for the extreme testing in this video was a Barrett M82, a semi-automatic rifle chambered in .50 BMG, known for its long-range anti-materiel capabilities.

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