The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the standards for body armor in the United States, and the NIJ standard RF2 is one of the latest and most advanced levels of protection available under the new NIJ 0101.07 Standards (yet to be released). But what exactly is the NIJ standard RF2, and how does it differ from earlier standards? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the NIJ standard RF2 and explain how it provides improved protection against special threats such as penetrator bullets.

Understanding the New NIJ Standard RF2

The NIJ Standard RF2 is a rating that signifies a high level of protection against rifle fire under the new NIJ Standards 0101.07 (Soon to be released). The RF in RF2 stands for "rifle," and the 2 indicates that this is the second level of rifle-fire protection in the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) testing and certification program. It is equivalent to the industry standard of Level III+ and it is designed to defeat rifle rounds such as the 7.62x51mm NATO M80 ball, 7.62x39mm M43 AK-47, and 5.56x45mm M855.

To put it simply, the NIJ standard RF2 is a rating that signifies a higher level of protection against rifle fire than the RF1 rating (previously NIJ Level III). Soon the NIJ will be releasing the new NIJ 0101.07 standards which will include the RF3 rating, an even higher level of protection against rifle fire. As of the publishing of this article, we are still on NIJ 0101.06 Standards (Level IIIA, Level III, Level IV).

But what exactly does the NIJ standard RF2 protect against? The NIJ standard RF2 is specifically designed to protect against the M855/SS109 BT bullet, which is also known as the "green tip" bullet.

This bullet is not necessarily an "armor-piercing" round, but instead is a common penetrator round that is used in many types of rifles, including the popular AR-15, to punch through barriers such as walls, thick clothing, etc. The NIJ standard RF2 is designed to defeat this type of bullet and provide a higher level of protection for law enforcement officers and other individuals who may be at risk of rifle-fire attacks.

It's worth mentioning that companies like Spartan Armor Systems® are releasing new level RF2 Ceramic armor, such as the "Hercules Lite" plate. This plate offers high quality and light weight RF2 protection at an affordable cost, making it a great option for those who want to ensure they are protected to the highest level of NIJ standard RF2. This new level RF2 Ceramic armor is just one example of how the industry is continuing to innovate and provide better protection for all.

How the NIJ Standard RF2 offers Improved Protection

So, how is the NIJ standard RF2 different from earlier standards? The NIJ standard RF2 is the latest level of protection in the NIJ's testing and certification program, and it offers improved protection against special threats such as penetrator rounds. In comparison, the RF1 rating only tests for the M80 bullet, which is not as commonly used as the M855 is starting to become.

But the NIJ is not only focused on the RF2, they have also been working on the new HG (Handgun) standards, NIJ 0101.07 which is set to be released soon. It will be a more rigorous standard that will test against multiple rounds and angles, making the body armor rating even more effective and push body armor companies to make body armor safer.

Passing the Test: NIJ Standard RF2 Evaluation Process

Now that we've covered what the NIJ standard RF2 is and how it differs from earlier standards, let's take a closer look at the testing process for NIJ standard RF2. The NIJ conducts rigorous testing and evaluation of body armor to ensure that it meets its standards. This means that armor that is "NIJ Certified" has passed these rigorous test, and are at a higher standard than just "meeting" the standard.

The testing process for NIJ standard RF2 includes ballistic tests for multiple rounds. To test the ballistic resistance, body armor is shot with the M855 BT bullet at various velocities to ensure that it can withstand the impact and protect the wearer. It also includes shooting 7.62x51 M80 Ball, 7.62x39 120.5 grain, and the other rounds used to test the RF1 rating.

For body armor to meet the NIJ standard RF2 rating, it must pass the ballistic test. This means that body armor that is NIJ standard RF2 is a highly versatile and effective form of protection for law enforcement officers and other individuals who may be at risk of multiple types of attacks.

To ensure the highest level of quality and protection, companies such as Spartan Armor Systems® go above and beyond the NIJ's testing process by submitting our body armor to independent testing by NIJ certified labs. This ensures that our products are sure to meet the NIJ standard.

By submitting our products to independent testing, we can provide our customers with the assurance that our products are of the highest quality and provide the best possible protection for their rating. This level of transparency in testing and quality control is becoming increasingly important in the body armor industry and sets companies like Spartan Armor Systems® apart from others.

Protection, Redefined: The Importance of the NIJ Standard RF2

In conclusion, the NIJ standard RF2 is a highly advanced and effective level of protection against rifle-fire attacks. It offers improved protection against special threats such as "green tip" bullets. The NIJ's rigorous testing and evaluation process ensure that body armor that meets the NIJ standard RF2 rating can protect the wearer in real-world scenarios.

It's important to note that the NIJ is constantly updating its standards to reflect the changing nature of threats and to provide the best protection possible. With the upcoming NIJ 0101.07 standards, body armor will be tested against multiple rounds and angles, making it even more effective and safer for law enforcement officers and other individuals who rely on it for protection.

The NIJ standard RF2 is a crucial advancement in body armor technology and it plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of law enforcement officers and other individuals who may be at risk of rifle-fire attacks. The NIJ's commitment to updating and improving its standards will continue to provide the highest level of protection for those who rely on body armor to keep them safe.

So, whether you're a law enforcement officer, a civilian, or just someone who appreciates good tactical gear, make sure you're protected with body armor that meets the NIJ standard RF2. It may just save your life.