Dragon Skin body armor is a type of bulletproof vest made by Pinnacle Armor. It is distinguished by its silver dollar-sized circular discs that overlap like scale armour, creating a flexible vest that allows a greater range of motion and can absorb more hits than standard military body armor. The discs are composed of a silicon carbide ceramic matrices and laminates, much like the larger ceramic plates in other types of bulletproof vests.^[1] This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Pinnacle Armor is a United States-based armor manufacturing company. ... Dollar coins have been minted in the United States in gold, silver, and base metal versions. ... Dacian scale armour on Trajans column. ... Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 Â°C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references Silicon carbide (SiC) is a ceramic compound of silicon and carbon that is manufactured on a large scale for use mainly as an abrasive but also occurs in... Fixed Partial Denture, or Bridge The word ceramic is derived from the Greek word κεραμικός (keramikos). ... Laminate flooring Laminated core transformer A laminate is a material constructed by uniting two or more layers of material together. ... It has been suggested that Small-arms protective insert be merged into this article or section. ...

The armor is available in the SOV-2000, which had been certified as Level III protection, but this certification has subsequently been withdrawn^[2]; SOV-3000, currently in process of getting Level IV certification,^[3] and a classified level V variant. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Dragon Skin has been worn by some civilian contractors in Iraq, some elite special forces in Iraq and Afghanistan,^[4] some SWAT teams,^[5] nine generals in Afghanistan,^[6] bodyguards tasked with protecting generals,^[7] and U.S. Secret Service personnel.^[8]

Structure

Pinnacle SOV-2000 level III armor is made of an imbricated overlapping configuration of approximately 0.25” x 2” ceramic discs encased in an aramid textile cover. The area of Dragon skin body armor coverage varies between different layout configurations selected by the user. Fixed Partial Denture, or Bridge The word ceramic is derived from the Greek word κεραμικός (keramikos). ... Aramid fiber (1961) is a fire-resistant and strong synthetic fiber. ...

Testing

History Channel and Discovery Channel tests

In a test for the History Channel's military show, "Mail Call", the vest repelled nine rounds of pointed steel ammunition from an AK-47 and 35 rounds of 9 mm, all fired into a 10-by-12-inch area on the vest. In "Test Lab", also on the History Channel, the vest withstood 120 rounds fired from an AK-47 (7.62 × 39 mm) and MP5 (9 x 19 mm). In another demonstration on the Discovery Channel series "Future Weapons", a Dragon Skin vest withstood numerous rounds from an AK-47, an MP5, an M4 carbine (5.56 x 45 mm), and a point-blank detonation of an M67 grenade. While the vest was heavily damaged (mainly by the grenade), there was no penetration of the armor. The History Channel is a cable television channel, dedicated to the presentation of historical events and persons, often with frequent observations and explanations by noted historians as well as reenactors and witnesses to events, if possible. ... Mail Call DVD case. ... The History Channel is a cable television channel, dedicated to the presentation of historical events and persons, often with frequent observations and explanations by noted historians as well as reenactors and witnesses to events, if possible. ... Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947 g. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... The MP5 is a submachine gun, developed by German weapons designer Heckler und Koch (HK) in the 1960s. ... ball and hollowpoint 9mm Luger rounds are popular handgun ammunition. ... Discovery Channel is a cable and satellite TV channel founded by John Hendricks which is distributed by Discovery Communications. ... Future Weapons is a television program series first shown on April 19, 2006 on Discovery Channel. ... M4A1 redirects here. ... U.S. Military 5. ... The M67 grenade is a fragmentation hand grenade used by the US armed forces and Canadian forces - where it is referred to as the C13. ...

Fresno test

Fresno, California, police officers ordered it after a vest stopped all the bullets fired during a test, including .308 rounds from a sniper rifle and 30 rounds from a fully automatic MP5 fired from five feet away. Ninety-eight federal, state, and local law enforcement officers witnessed the SWAT test. The armor also stopped 40 rounds of PS-M1943 mild steel core bullets from an AK-47 along with 200 9 mm FMJ military ball bullets fired from a submachine gun.^[9] Fresno redirects here. ... This article is about Special Weapons and Tactics. ...

December 2006 test

On December 7, 2006 a demonstrational shoot for the following departments took place on a 10" x 12" SOV-2000 Level III panel: Saint Charles Parish Sheriff's SWAT, Saint John's Parish Sheriff's SWAT, Gretna PD, Jefferson Parish Sheriff's SWAT, LaCruz Parish Sheriff's SWAT, Ascension Parish Sheriff's SWAT, Coast Guard Investigative Services, US Navy. is the 341st day of the year (342nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

A total of 17 rounds were fired into the panel without penetration.^{[citation needed]}

• 3 @ 7.62x51 mm Federal Match
• 3 @ 7.62x39 mm Military Ball
• 3 @ 5.56x45 mm M193 Ball
• 3 @ 5.56x45 mm M193 Ball at 45 degrees
• 2 @ 5.56x45 mm M855 Green Tip
• 2 @ 5.56x45 mm Bonded M193
• 1 @ 7.62x51 mm Federal Bonded

NATOs 7. ... The Soviet 7. ... 5. ...

Testing by Dr. Gary Roberts

Pinnacle Dragon Skin SOV-2000 level III armor was also tested the week of October 2, 2006 by Dr. Gary Roberts, LCDR, USNR, Stanford University Medical Center.^[10] These tests were conducted for a local law enforcement agency, as a control sample a stand-alone Armored Mobility Incorporated (AMI) level III steel composite plate armor was used for comparison. Both types of armor were conditioned for 12 hours at 170°F (77°C), then moved to ambient air for approximately 90 min prior to being shot. The problems associated with the use of inelastic clay backing material have been well documented; as such, the armor was secured to a life-size curvilinear torso replica made of Perma-Gel. Each armor system was shot a minimum of 20 times with five shots of each ammunition type fired against each armor system — one 90 degree perpendicular shot, two shots at 60 degrees obliquity, and two shots at 30 degrees obliquity, using each of the following loads fired at a distance of 10 feet (3.0 m): is the 275th day of the year (276th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Ballistic gelatin is a solution of gelatin powder in water. ...

• 5.56 mm 40 gr LeMas Urban Warfare (using a moly coated Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet) with a 3,718 feet (1,133 m) per second average velocity.
• 5.56 mm M855 62 gr FMJ with a 3,054 feet (931 m) per second average velocity.
• 7.62x39 mm M43 123 gr steel-core FMJ with a 2,307 feet (703 m) per second average velocity.
• .30-06 M2 150 gr FMJ with a 2,736 feet (834 m) per second average velocity.

All of the above ammo was successfully stopped by both armor systems in this testing, with no armor failures or penetrations, even after receiving multiple hits.

AMI level III plates are fabricated using an outer 3 millimeters (0.1 in) MARS steel layer bonded to a compressed Dyneema backing, with a linex coating for spall reduction, resulting in a total plate thickness of approximately 1 inches (25 mm). AMI level III 12 inches (305 mm) x 14.5 inches (368.3 mm) plates weigh about 10 lb (4.5 kg) and 10 inches (254 mm) x 12 inches (305 mm) plates are about 9 lb (4.1 kg). The pound or pound-mass (abbreviations: lb, lbm, or sometimes in the United States, #) is a unit of mass (sometimes called weight in everyday parlance) in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... “Kg” redirects here. ... The pound or pound-mass (abbreviations: lb, lbm, or sometimes in the United States, #) is a unit of mass (sometimes called weight in everyday parlance) in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... “Kg” redirects here. ...

Pinnacle SOV-2000 level III armor is made of overlapping approximately 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) x 2 inches (50.8 mm) ceramic discs encased in a fabric cover. In evaluating the Dragon Skin system, it is important to note that while the external measurements of the Dragon Skin panel are 11.5 inches (292.1 mm) x 13.5 inches (342.9 mm), the area of level III coverage provided by the encased ceramic discs is 10 inches (254 mm) x 12 inches (305 mm); the fabric edges are not intended to provide ballistic protection. Weight of the Pinnacle SOV-2000 Dragon Skin armor providing 10 inches (254 mm) x 12 inches (305 mm) of level III protection was approximately 5.5 lb (2.5 kg). The pound or pound-mass (abbreviations: lb, lbm, or sometimes in the United States, #) is a unit of mass (sometimes called weight in everyday parlance) in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... “Kg” redirects here. ...

Testing by NBC

In 2007, NBC News had independent ballistics testing conducted of Dragon Skin versus Interceptor body armor. Retired four-star general Wayne A. Downing observed the tests, and concluded that although a limited number of trials were performed, that the Dragon Skin armor performed significantly better.^[11] NBC also interviewed Jim Magee, one of the Marines involved in developing the Interceptor armor. Magee stated "If you would ask me today, Jim we’re sending you to Iraq tomorrow. What would you wear?" Jim Magee responded, "I would buy Dragon Skin and I would wear it." ”^[11] NBC News endcap, used from 2002 to present. ... Interceptor body armor in woodland camouflage with groin and neck protector. ... Wayne Allan Downing (May 10, 1940 – July 18, 2007) was a retired four-star United States Army general born in Peoria, Illinois. ...

In light of the May 2007 media investigations, senators Hillary Clinton and Jim Webb requested that U.S. Comptroller General David M. Walker initiate a Government Accountability Office investigation into the army's body armor systems.^[12] REDIRECT Hillary Rodham Clinton   This is a redirect from a title with another method of capitalisation. ... For other persons named James Webb, see James Webb (disambiguation). ... David M. Walker became the seventh Comptroller General of the United States and began his 15-year term when he took his oath of office on November 9, 1998. ... General Accounting Office headquarters, Washington, D.C. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is the non-partisan audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of Congress, and an agency in the Legislative Branch of the United States Government. ...

After being confronted with conflicting information by lawmakers who questioned the NBC test results and provided Army-supplied data of vest failures from a May 2006 test, the technical expert solicited by NBC to certify its test backed away from his staunch defense of Dragon Skin and stated that the vests weren't "ready for prime time."^[13]

Army Testing Controversy and Comparison with Interceptor body armor

The Dragon Skin became the subject of controversy with the U.S. Army^[14] over testing it against its Interceptor body armor. The Army claimed Pinnacle's body armor was not proven to be effective and that some failed an Air Force test and were recalled. The Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... Interceptor body armor in woodland camouflage with groin and neck protector. ... “The U.S. Air Force” redirects here. ...

Pinnacle Armor put out a press release stating that Dragon Skin "did not fail any written contract specifications with the Air Force" although it admitted they did "return the vests to Pinnacle following testing ... to address a manufacturing issue, but that issue did not affect the vests' performance during testing."^[15] Defense Review said they saw the test results and that they exceeded that of the Army's Interceptor vest.^[16] The Pentagon said the test results are classified and neither side could agree to terms on another, more comprehensive test. The Army wanted to hold and inspect the vests for 1-2 weeks before shooting at them, and Pinnacle wanted them shot at right away from out of the box because they said they feared the Army tampering with them in order to save their currently cheaper body armor program.

On May 19, 2006 it was announced that the dispute had been resolved and the vests were going to be retested again by the Army to clear the dispute.^[17] On May 20, 2006 it was announced by the Washington Post (and other newspapers) in an article titled "Potential Advance in Body Armor Fails Tests"^[18] that the Dragon Skin vests had failed the retest according to their anonymous source — an assertion that Pinnacle Armor would not comment on for at least a month afterwards. is the 139th day of the year (140th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 140th day of the year (141st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

On June 6, 2006 in comments posted on an online discussion forum, Karl Masters, director of engineering for Program Manager - Soldier Equipment, said he recently supervised the retest and commented on it. "I was recently tasked by the army to conduct the test of the 30 Dragon Skin SOV-3000 level IV body armor purchased for T&E [tests and evaluation]," Masters wrote. "My day job is acting product manager for Interceptor Body Armor. I'm under a gag order until the test results make it up the chain. I will, however, offer an enlightened and informed recommendation to anyone considering purchasing an SOV-3000 Dragon Skin - don't. I do not recommend this design for use in an AOR with a 7.62x54R AP threat and an ambient temperature that could range to 120F. I do, however, highly recommend this system for use by insurgents..."^[19] is the 157th day of the year (158th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The 7. ...

In response to these claims, Pinnacle Armor released a press release on June 30, 2006 as an official response to Karl Master's comments, saying the testing was biased, not conducted professionally, that the testing is still unfinished, and the vests did not fail.^[20] Official results of these tests are classified. is the 181st day of the year (182nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

According to the Army, the vests failed because the ambient temperature tests caused the discs to dislodge, thus rendering the vest ineffective. Pinnacle Armor affirms that their products can withstand environmental tests in accordance with military standards, as does testing by the Aberdeen Test Center.^[21]

In response to claims made by several US Senators, Dragon Skin and special interest groups, on Monday, May 21, 2007, the Army held a press conference where they released the test results that the Army says shows that Dragon Skin failed the Army's testing standards and that the current Interceptor body armor is the best available in the Army's opinion.^{[22][23][24][25]}

While calling the failure of his vest to stop a round on the second shot of the Army test a "once in a while" occurrence, the Pinnacle Armor CEO denied Army claims that a dozen more rounds penetrated his Dragon Skin vests. He argued x-ray photos of one vest the Army claims failed showed the Dragon Skin disks had stopped the round. "The bullet did not go through the armor," Neal said flatly. Army officials responded by showing lawmakers a video clip of Neal inspecting the same vest after a test shot, watching engineers dig the penetrating round out of ballistic clay backing. "Are you telling me if you were wearing this vest ... and that round hit you in the chest, would that have killed you or not?" a skeptical Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) asked Pinnacle CEO Murray Neal. "No," he replied.^[13] Gary Eugene Gene Taylor (born September 17, 1953) is an American politician of the Democratic Party and a U.S. Representative from the 4th District of Mississippi (map). ...

Official NIJ Certification and Later Decertification

In an interview with KSEE 24 News an NBC affiliate on November 14, 2006 and November 16, 2006, Pinnacle Armor detailed the five year process that the NIJ and Pinnacle Armor went through to establish a test protocol and procedure for flexible rifle defeating armor, and then pass it for the certification.^[26] is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 320th day of the year (321st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

On December 20, 2006, Pinnacle Armor received the official letter from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) that they've passed the Level III tests, and that Dragon Skin SOV-2000 is now certified for Level III protection. ^[27] is the 354th day of the year (355th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The Air Force, which ordered the Dragon Skin vests partially based on claims it was NIJ certified at a time when it was not, has opened a criminal investigation into the firm Pinnacle Armor over allegations that it had fraudulently placed a label on their Dragon Skin armor improperly stating that it had been certified to a ballistic level it had not yet been. Murray Neal, the Pinnacle Armor chief executive, claimed that he was given verbal authorization by the NIJ to label the vests although he didn't have written authorization.^[28] For a particular Air Force, see List of air forces. ...

On August 3, 2007 the Department of Justice announced that the NIJ had reviewed evidence provided by the body armor manufacturer and has determined that the evidence is insufficient to demonstrate that the body armor model will maintain its ballistic performance over its six-year declared warranty period. Because of this, Dragon Skin has been found not in complaince with the NIJ's testing program and has been removed from the NIJ's list of bullet-resistant body armor models that satisfy its requirements.^[2] Pinnacle CEO Murray Neal responded that this move was unprecedented, political, and not about the quality of the vests because they aren't saying they've failed any ballistics. He says it's about a dispute with the paperwork to deal with a warranty issue instead, in which the warranty period of Dragon Skin is longer than that of most other commercial vests. is the 215th day of the year (216th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is a Cabinet department in the United States government designed to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. ...

On August 20, 2007 at the United States Test Laboratory in Wichita, Kansas, nine Dragon Skin SOV-2000 (Level III) body armor panels were retested, for the purpose of validating Pinnacle Armor's six year warranty. The panels tested were between 5.75 years old to 6.6 years old. All items met the NIJ Level III ballistic protection, confirming Pinnacle Armor's six-year warranty for full ballistic protection.^[29] is the 232nd day of the year (233rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Wichita (disambiguation). ...

References

October 9 is the 282nd day of the year (283rd in Leap years). ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 219th day of the year (220th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 271st day of the year (272nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 135th day of the year (136th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 282nd day of the year (283rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other persons named James Webb, see James Webb (disambiguation). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 161st day of the year (162nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 135th day of the year (136th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 173rd day of the year (174th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 135th day of the year (136th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 143rd day of the year (144th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 219th day of the year (220th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 219th day of the year (220th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 161st day of the year (162nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Pinnacle Armor
• U.S. Army's Program Executive Office Soldier
• Official results of the Army's Dragon Skin test.