armoring

Armoring is the practice of applying protective armor to objects or people to resist threats from projectiles, blasts, or impact. It encompasses personal protective equipment, vehicle armor, and structural protection. Historically, armor evolved from metal plates and chainmail to more advanced composite and ceramic systems.

Personal armor includes soft, flexible textiles that resist low-velocity threats and hard armor plates that provide higher protection. Modern soft armor uses fibers such as aramid or UHMWPE; hard armor uses ceramic or composite plates placed in a carrier. Protection levels are specified by standards such as the NIJ, with tiers IIA, II, IIIA for soft armor and III, IV for hard plates. Weight, flexibility, and heat management influence design.

Vehicle armor aims to protect occupants and sensitive equipment from ballistic and blast threats. Materials range from rolled homogeneous steel to advanced composites, ceramics, and backing materials. Modern configurations often use layered systems combining ceramic tiles on a ceramic- or steel-backed substrate, plus optional reactive armor and spall liners. Modular armor and add-on kits allow tailoring to mission needs. Some vehicles employ active protection systems to intercept incoming projectiles.

Structural and architectural armoring protects buildings and critical infrastructure against blasts or ballistic impacts, including reinforced concrete, composite barriers, and ballistic glass.

Manufacturing considerations include balancing protection against weight and cost, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure, and meeting relevant standards and testing protocols. Armoring decisions depend on threat assessment, installation constraints, maintenance, and end-user requirements.