ZERO TRAUMA TECHNOLOGY
BODY ARMOR PLATES AND PLATE CARRIERS. BACKFACE DEFORMATION (BFD) ALLOWED BY THE STANDARD: 44 mm. OURS MEASURED 11 mm AND 2 mm.
ARMORIQ BODY ARMOR
ArmorIQ makes body armor plates, plate carriers and tactical gear for departments, units and the people in them. Veteran founded, with in-house ballistic engineering. Our plates are independently tested at an NVLAP accredited laboratory, and we measure and record every shot.
Why backface deformation matters
Stopping the round is half the job. Backface deformation (BFD) is how far the back of the plate pushes in toward the wearer, and it is what hospitalizes someone after the round has been stopped.
The NIJ standard allows backface deformation of up to 44 mm. On the reports we hold, the HG2 Special measured 7.9 to 11.2 mm and the 3++ measured 0 to 2 mm. The NIJ standard verifies the 44 mm limit on the first two shots. ArmorIQ measures and records every shot, six per plate on the 3++.
44 mmAllowed by the NIJ standard
11.2 mmHG2 Special, highest measured on the report
2 mm3++, highest of six shots on one plate
What the lab reports show
| Plate | Laboratory | Rounds | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| HG2 Special | Energetic Test Labs, Phoenix, Arizona. NVLAP accredited, Lab Code 600369-0, ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Tested under the conditions of NIJ 0101.07 Ballistic Resistance, V0 | Three shots of 7.62x39 mm MSC at 2,400 ft/s | No penetration, backface deformation 7.9 to 11.2 mm. Report ETL-TR-AIQ-25-124-0103, May 2025 |
| 3++ | Beretta Test Center, Gardone Val Trompia, Italy. Tested to ArmorIQ's protocol | Six shots on one plate, three 7.62x51 mm NATO FMJ and three 5.56x45 mm SS109 | No penetration, trauma 2, 2, 1, 0, 0, 0 mm. Report 488/2026, May 2026 |
Results are for the samples named in each report. HG2 Special sample: 9.5 x 11.5 in, 4.744 lb, 0.728 in thick. 3++ sample: 290 x 240 x 18 mm, 2.608 kg. Results are published as a table on the lab results page. Full reports are shared as part of an evaluation.
See the lab results
Three shots of 7.62x39 mm MSC at 2,400 ft/s, no penetration, backface deformation 7.9 to 11.2 mm.
THICKNESS
13 mm (0.5 in)
SIZE
220 x 300 mm (8.66 x 11.81 in)
WEIGHT
1.4 kg (3.09 lb)
THREAT LEVEL
7.62x39 mm MSC (AK-47)
MATERIAL
Proprietary ballistic alloy core with integrated polymer layer system
Six shots on one plate, three 7.62x51 mm NATO FMJ and three 5.56x45 mm SS109, no penetration, trauma 2, 2, 1, 0, 0, 0 mm.
THICKNESS
18 mm (0.7 in)
SIZE
220 x 300 mm (8.66 x 11.81 in)
WEIGHT
2.45 kg (5.4 lb)
THREAT LEVEL
7.62x51 mm NATO FMJ | 5.56x45 mm SS109
MATERIAL
Proprietary ballistic alloy core with integrated polymer layer system
The padding is part of the plate
The alloy core is fully covered in polyurethane foam, so the padding is part of the plate. There is no trauma pad to add yourself. A complete setup, not a plate you build around. Because the padding is part of the plate, there is no aftermarket trauma pad to buy, fit or carry, and nothing extra adding thickness or weight between the plate and the wearer.
Armadillo Elite Plate Carrier | Rhino Large Carrier Vest
Built and tested
- Independently tested. The HG2 Special at Energetic Test Labs in Arizona, an NVLAP accredited laboratory. The 3++ at the Beretta Test Center in Italy, an independent laboratory.
- ISO 9001 certified manufacturing.
- AQAP 2110:2016 (NATO) certified quality management system. Manufactured under the quality standard NATO requires of its defense suppliers.
- 12-year warranty on ballistic plates, more than twice the five-year warranty common on armor plates. Carriers and textile products have their own warranty terms, available on request.
- Plates are made in the USA.
- Patented, with two further applications pending.
For departments and agencies
Evaluating plates for a department or unit? Results are published as a table on the lab results page. Full reports are shared as part of an evaluation.
Compare the plates | Plate life and replacement | State purchasing information | Become a dealer
About ArmorIQ
ArmorIQ was established in 2023 and is veteran founded. We have in-house ballistic engineering, with textile and PPE manufacturing in the group. The range covers hard armor, off-the-shelf tactical gear, custom bespoke military gear and textiles. If it is not in the catalog, it can be made.
Questions
How are ArmorIQ plates tested?
The HG2 Special at Energetic Test Labs in Arizona, an NVLAP accredited laboratory. The 3++ at the Beretta Test Center in Italy, an independent laboratory. ArmorIQ measures and records every shot, and the full reports are available in an evaluation.
What is backface deformation?
It is how far the back of a plate pushes in toward the wearer after it stops a round, often written BFD. The NIJ standard allows backface deformation of up to 44 mm. On the reports we hold, the HG2 Special measured 7.9 to 11.2 mm and the 3++ measured 0 to 2 mm.
What are ArmorIQ plates made of?
A proprietary ballistic alloy core with an integrated polymer layer system. A proprietary alloy core, not plain steel.
How many hits has a plate taken in testing?
On the 3++ report, six rounds on a single plate with no penetration: three 7.62x51 mm NATO FMJ and three 5.56x45 mm SS109. Replace any plate that has been shot, dropped onto a hard edge or visibly deformed, whatever its age.
How much do the plates weigh?
The HG2 Special is 8.66 x 11.81 in (220 x 300 mm), 0.5 in (13 mm) thick and 3.09 lb (1.4 kg). The 3++ is 8.66 x 11.81 in (220 x 300 mm), 0.7 in (18 mm) thick and 5.4 lb (2.45 kg).
Do I need a separate trauma pad?
No. The alloy core is fully covered in polyurethane foam, so the padding is part of the plate. There is no trauma pad to add yourself.
What warranty do the plates carry?
A 12-year warranty on ballistic plates, more than twice the five-year warranty common on armor plates. Carriers and textile products have their own warranty terms, available on request.
Where are the plates made?
Plates are made in the USA.
How should I care for a plate?
Recommended care: wipe down once a year, store dry, and keep out of prolonged direct heat. These are recommendations for full service life, not conditions of the warranty.
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