Level 1 and Level 3 Ballistic fiberglass are two of the most commonly used products for protecting facilities. They are effective at stopping certain types of projectiles and are tested and certified by UL (Underwriters Laboratory), the primary testing organization for materials used in bullet-resistant systems. Level 1 ballistic fiberglass is 1/4 inch thick and can withstand Velocities 1 and 2 at 1175 FT/S and 1090 FT/S respectively. Level 3 ballistic fiberglass is 1/2 inch thick and has been tested to withstand Velocities 1 and 2 at 1350 FT/S and 1400 FT/S respectively.
Ballistic Fiberglass or armor is a type of reinforced structural laminate that has unique properties that make it effective at resisting bullets. The flat, opaque panels are press-molded at high pressure and temperature. The structural design of the armor causes it to progressively delaminate as a bullet penetrates. The material’s hard surface and toughness cause the bullet to distort and flatten. As the bullet penetrates the layers of fiberglass reinforcement within the laminate, it pulls apart in a controlled manner, dissipating the energy of the bullet within the laminate. The high-strength glass fibers consume more energy as the bullet penetrates, and there is no spalling (fragmentation of the surface).
Level 1 Ballistic Fiberglass
| Thickness | LBS per SQFT | Ballistic Data |
| 1/4 | 2.4 | 9MM | 124 Grams FMJ | Velocity 1 = 1175 FT/S Velocity 2 = 1090 FT/S |
N.I.J. 0108 / Level IIA
Level 3 Ballistic Fiberglass
| Thickness | LBS per SQFT | Ballistic Data |
| 1/2 | 5 | 44 Mag | 240 Gram SWG| Velocity 1 = 1350 FT/S Velocity 2 = 1400 FT/S |
N.I.J. 0108.01 / Level IIIA
Additional Bulletproofing Levels
Bulletproofing levels” from 1 to 8 under the UL 752 standard denote a progressive scale of protection against ballistic threats, each level specifying the type of ammunition it can resist:
Level 1 Bulletproofing: This level is designed to stop one shot from a .22 Long Rifle Lead Round Nose (LR LRN). It’s the most basic level, suitable for environments where the threat is minimal.
Level 2 Bulletproofing: Can handle one shot from a .38 Special Lead Round Nose (LSP). This is slightly higher protection, often used in places where handgun threats might be more likely but still not very powerful.
Level 3 Bulletproofing: Offers resistance against two shots from a .44 Magnum Lead Semi-Wadcutter Gas Checked (LSWCG). This level starts to provide significant protection against common handgun threats, making it appropriate for banks, retail environments, or any place where handgun violence could occur.
Level 4 Bulletproofing: Steps up to resist one shot from a .30 Caliber Rifle Lead Core Soft Point (LCSP). This is where protection begins to cover threats from rifles, suitable for areas with higher risk or where rifle threats might be anticipated, like certain government buildings or high-security areas.
Level 5 Bulletproofing: Can stop one shot from a 7.62mm Rifle Lead Core Full Metal Jacket, Military Ball (FMC). This level significantly increases the protection against more powerful rifle ammunition, often seen in secure facilities or in environments where military-grade weapons might be a concern.
Level 6 Bulletproofing: Designed to withstand one shot from a 9mm Full Metal Jacket Rifle (FMJ). This level is for settings where threats from submachine guns or high-velocity pistols are considered, offering robust protection for high-threat areas.
Level 7 Bulletproofing: Provides resistance against one shot from a 5.56mm Rifle Lead Core Full Metal Jacket, Military Ball (FMC). This level is tailored for environments where advanced rifle threats are possible, often used in military installations or high-security governmental structures.
Level 8 Bulletproofing: The highest level of protection, capable of handling seven shots from a 7.62mm Rifle Lead Core Full Metal Jacket, Military Ball (FMC). This level is for the most secure locations that require unparalleled resistance to multiple high-powered rifle rounds, like embassies, critical infrastructure, or any ultra-high-security scenarios.
Bulletproofing Rundown:
Application:
Levels 1-3 are commonly applied in settings like retail stores, schools, or banks where the primary concern is handgun-related violence.
Levels 4-8 are utilized in environments where there’s a risk from rifle or submachine gun threats, including high-security governmental facilities, military bases, and any location requiring extreme protection against ballistic assaults.
The progression from Level 1 to Level 8 in bulletproofing corresponds directly with an increase in the capability to resist more powerful and frequent shots, thereby escalating the security level of the protected area.
