Moder body armour and helmets an introduction

Moder body armour and helmets an introduction - Laurence Tobin

The first coverings worn by humans were to protect against the elements and injury. While that requirement still exists in everyday clothing, very specialised garments have been developed to protect against the effects of bullets, bombs, knives and other weapons. This book is about these forms of protective clothing – body armour and helmets. The protection of personnel against the effects of weapons has become an important not only to those in the military or in law enforcement but also to others such as journalists and medical staff who might be at risk in the course of their duties.

The authors have written this introduction to the modern body armour and helmets of the early 21st century in non-technical language, mainly for the reader who has little or no previous knowledge of materials technology, design, or ballistics. They have attempted to provide answers to the questions that such a reader may have. The book describes anti-personnel weapons and ammunition and the materials which are used to stop these threats. The reader will learn why and how such forms of protection work. The book also explains how body armour and helmets are designed, how both the basic materials and the finished clothing and headwear are tested and how to select appropriate armours and helmets.