CERTIFIED BALLISTIC STEEL/OPAQUE ARMOR
In keeping with the IAG philosophy of Total Quality Management, we only utilize certified ballistic steel for every armored vehicle manufactured. The pre-certified ballistic grade steel is tested by a accredited ballistic laboratory, independent of the manufacturer, to the protection levels as required by IAG using the standards set out in the Ballistics Standards section. All pre-certified ballistic grade steel used by IAG is labeled with heat numbers, making each piece of steel traceable back to the manufacturer. In the rare event that there is penetration of the steel, we are able to pull up the vehicle file and check which heat number of the ballistic steel was penetrated. An inquiry can then be sent to the manufacturer for full accountability.
In addition to the ballistic testing and certification, all steel is also tested for hardness. Hardness is usually measured in Brinell or HB. The steel hardness is very important as it changes the attributes and stopping potential of the steel. For example, the most commonly used level of steel hardness is 500HB suitable for CEN B6/NIJ III level of protection. This steel tends to be hard and perform well against ballistic threats. However, softer steel (400-450HB) provides better blast protection but it does not provide the same ballistic protection as 500HB. Steel used to stop armor piercing rounds has different hardness as well. CEN B7/NIJ IV level protection usually require 600HB steel which provides excellent ballistic protection but does not perform as well against explosives.
