We Torture Test Ceramic Body Armor Plates so You Don't Have to

Published on December 16, 2023
Duration: 30:05

This video torture tests Hesco L210 ceramic body armor plates through extreme conditions like water submersion, drops, and heat. While the plates generally maintained ballistic integrity against 5.56mm and 7.62x39mm rounds, prolonged exposure to water and heat increased backface deformation. Edged weapon attacks did not compromise the plates' ballistic performance.

Quick Summary

The Hesco L210 ceramic body armor plate generally maintains ballistic integrity under extreme conditions but shows increased backface deformation after water submersion or heat exposure. Repeated impacts in the same area, especially with 7.62x39mm, can lead to penetration.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Body Armor Torture Test
  2. 00:45Test Setup & Hesco L210 Selection
  3. 03:08Control Test: Pristine Plate
  4. 06:34Water Submersion Test Results
  5. 13:09Drop Test: Durability Assessment
  6. 17:31Heat Exposure Test (Hot Car Sim)
  7. 20:04Edged Weapon Attack Test
  8. 21:33Conclusion: Hesco L210 Durability

Frequently Asked Questions

How does water affect Hesco L210 body armor plates?

Submerging Hesco L210 plates for 24 hours showed they could still stop initial 5.56mm rounds. However, moisture increased backface deformation and led to failure during subsequent 7.62x39mm testing, indicating potential degradation.

Can Hesco L210 ceramic plates withstand extreme heat?

Testing showed that prolonged heat exposure (180°F for 5 hours) softened the adhesive in Hesco L210 plates. This resulted in significant backface deformation, though the plates initially stopped rounds before eventual penetration.

What are the limitations of Hesco L210 special threat plates?

Hesco L210 plates are rated for specific threats like 5.56 M193 and 7.62x39 MSC. They are not multi-hit rated for the same spot, especially with 7.62x39mm, and environmental factors like water or heat can compromise performance.

Does dropping body armor damage its ballistic integrity?

Yes, dropping Hesco L210 plates multiple times from 53 inches onto concrete caused visible damage and led to ballistic failure when hit near damaged areas, demonstrating that physical trauma can compromise armor effectiveness.

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