How Lightweight Body Armor Was Developed
Below is a short but complete summary of how lightweight body armor was developed. This summary will somehow provide a enlighten us on how lightweight body armor started and developed.
Man started making weapons during the early civilizations. With the production of weapons, man has also simultaneously produced body armors that can protect him from these weapons and other threats. The ancient armors used by soldiers in the early times were made from wood and trees. Leather, animal skins and hammered metal plates were also used. These types of body armor although unrefined, bulky and uncomfortable were effective and can provide protection from many weapons and various threats.
During the middle ages, more ornate body armors that were relatively thinner were used by noblemen. These body armors were effective in giving protection from swords and lance but were only limited to the well off families because they are quite expensive.
The introduction of firearms and projectiles brought different experiments and researches to the body armor. Some were made for exclusive use of soldiers and well off individuals while some were made for commercial use. The English focused on the use of tissue, cotton and silk to make soft body armors. The British used uniform jackets made of metal plates. Germany used heavy body shields made of large metallic breast plates with harnesses.
Lightweight body armor only appeared in 1965 when one company was able to discover a material that is made of aramid fiber which is more superior and stronger than steel. This material is called Kevlar 16, which has undergone years of research and experiments before it has finally made it to the market and made available to the public. This material made a breakthrough to the lightweight body armor widely used today. Not only does it provide ballistic protection, it is also extremely lightweight and has the ability to absorb projectiles and reduce its impact. Moreover, anyone who will wear lightweight body armor will experience greater mobility and comfort.
Man started making weapons during the early civilizations. With the production of weapons, man has also simultaneously produced body armors that can protect him from these weapons and other threats. The ancient armors used by soldiers in the early times were made from wood and trees. Leather, animal skins and hammered metal plates were also used. These types of body armor although unrefined, bulky and uncomfortable were effective and can provide protection from many weapons and various threats.
During the middle ages, more ornate body armors that were relatively thinner were used by noblemen. These body armors were effective in giving protection from swords and lance but were only limited to the well off families because they are quite expensive.
The introduction of firearms and projectiles brought different experiments and researches to the body armor. Some were made for exclusive use of soldiers and well off individuals while some were made for commercial use. The English focused on the use of tissue, cotton and silk to make soft body armors. The British used uniform jackets made of metal plates. Germany used heavy body shields made of large metallic breast plates with harnesses.
Lightweight body armor only appeared in 1965 when one company was able to discover a material that is made of aramid fiber which is more superior and stronger than steel. This material is called Kevlar 16, which has undergone years of research and experiments before it has finally made it to the market and made available to the public. This material made a breakthrough to the lightweight body armor widely used today. Not only does it provide ballistic protection, it is also extremely lightweight and has the ability to absorb projectiles and reduce its impact. Moreover, anyone who will wear lightweight body armor will experience greater mobility and comfort.