The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) protection levels indicate the sorts of ammunition that different body armor can withstand. The National Institute of Justice has five distinct levels of protection (IIA, II, IIIA, III, IV). Although Level I protection was formerly acceptable under NIJ standards, it is no longer up to par. The NIJ only evaluates the armor’s resistance to certain conditions. For a ballistic blanket to meet National Institute of Justice requirements, it must also be able to prevent blunt force harm. 

The “A” in “IIA” and “IIIA” indicates that the body armor is more effective than the level below but does not match the standards of the next higher level. It’s best to think of it as a half (level IIIA would be 2.5). Body armor levels IIIA and below are soft, whereas levels III and above, including plates, are hard armor. A ballistic blanket must be constructed from Kevlar 129HT 1100 Dtex fabric layers to achieve an NIJ Level II rating. 

Every ballistic blanket has multiple layers of aramid fabric. Then it is wrapped in a nylon cover resistant to abrasion and moisture (or flame-resistant fabric). The heavy-duty nylon web loops on ballistic blankets can also be used as drag handles, making it much easier to transport and work with the blanket.

Ballistic blankets use multiple layers of Kevlar 129HT 1100 Dtex to meet the requirements of NIJ Level IIA. With protection tested to Stanag 17-grain V50 300m/s, ballistic blankets are made of numerous Kevlar 129HT 1100 Dtex cloth layers. These blankets are suitable for moderate threats because they can withstand fragmentation up to the speed of a Stanag 17-grain V50 bullet traveling at 450 meters per second. For instances involving fragmentation at lower velocities, these are the best option.

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