This specification establishes the indoor ballistic test range requirements for small arms and fragmentation testing of the following ballistic-resistant items: soft body armor, hard armor plates, body armor accessories, shields, and helmets. It specifies critical test range parameters in order to achieve consistency/repeatability among test ranges. It does not apply to ‘contact’ shots taken on the test item (that is, the muzzle rests on the strike face of the test item).

The requirements cover minimum room dimensions, range environmental conditions (relative humidity, controlled ambient temperature, general lighting), projectile firing system (receiver and test barrel, firearm), measurement procedures (projectile velocity, projectile yaw), spacing and set up of test equipment, and test item mounting system.

1.1 This standard specifies indoor ballistic test range requirements for small arms and fragmentation testing of the following ballistic-resistant items: soft body armor, hard armor plates, body armor accessories, shields, and helmets. The specification includes requirements for range geometry (for example, dimensions, alignment, spacing), range conditions (for example, temperature, humidity, lighting), test equipment (for example, receiver, mounting, test barrels, backing assembly mounting), instrumentation (for example, light screens, high speed cameras, radar), and measurement procedures (for example, projectile velocity, yaw).

1.2 The purpose of this standard is to specify critical test range parameters in order to achieve consistency/repeatability among test ranges.

1.3 This specification is not applicable for “contact” shots taken on the test item (that is, the muzzle rests on the strike face of the test item).

1.4 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not to be considered standard.

1.5 This standard does not address environmental concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.