Ballistic Properties Of Composite Materials For Personnel Protection

The Australian Army currently has requirements for new combat and vehicle crewman helmets. Various polymer materials in the form of fibre- reinforced organic matrix composites have been shown to have sufficient resistance to ballistic impact to be regarded as attractive construction materials for personnel protective helmets. This report discusses the relative ballistic properties of those organic matrix composite materials which are considered as prime candidates to meet the requirements of the Army's new combat and vehicle crewman helmets.