Ballistic shields, also referred to as tactical shields have experienced a remarkable development in use, structure and design overtime. They have proven to be invaluably efficient in situations where the officers of the tactical entry and the special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team have inadequate cover from possible ballistic attacks. They provide further protection in highly risky circumstances where officers need to advance towards potentially armed persons.
These shields have been produced in varying designs to suit various purposes such as protection of torso or whole body. Ballistic shields have been designed to successfully stop ballistic attacks without transfer of pain to the bearer. Ballistic shield types have been crafted with necessary modifications to suit these exigencies.
One of the notable developments in Ballistic shield designs is development to suit various protective uses. These covers the development range from Level II ballistic shields (which protects against common handgun rounds like 45 acp, 9mm, .40 s&w, .357), to Level IIIA shields (which protects against slightly all handgun rounds like .44 magnum, 9mm submachine gun rounds, and 12-gauge shotgun slugs), Level III shields (for protection from with 7.62mm FMJ rounds) and level IV which protects against armor piercing rifles.
Another notable development in design of ballistic shields is the introduction of viewport to give the bearer a space to see within the shield. Initially, these were not available in earlier designs. Like the other parts of the shield, they are made with polycarbonate which is ultra-durable and protective against bullets. The first shields with viewports had small ones but with developments in design, ballistic shields now have wider and taller viewports.
Moreover, materials used in production of ballistic shields have evolved to suit the best designs. This stretches with soft amor, hard armor and rolling shield designs to cater for the needs of protection, retreat-friendliness as well as maneuverability.
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