Ballistic shields or tactical shields are protection devices deployed by police and military forces designed to stop or deflect bullets and other projectiles fired at their carrier. Ballistic shields will also act as riot shields and protect from less severe threats such as thrown items. Although, ballistic fibers would only serve this purpose in situations where riot shields would not offer adequate protection.
Ballistic shields can be made of materials such as UHMWPE or pre-preg aramid fibers. They mostly have clear armored viewing ports, ambidextrous handles, and spotlights for use in the dark, and either handheld or mounted on wheel-based frames.
Ballistic shield viewport
- Viewports are the transparent windows in a ballistic shield that allows the user to see. Like the other part of the ballistic shield, the viewport needs to be extra durable and bullet resistant. Due to this reason, viewports are made of solid materials like polycarbonate.
- Technological advancements have resulted in the evolution of different sizes and shapes of viewports. In some cases, a small viewport is enough to serve its purpose and get the job done. Many newer versions of ballistic shields have viewports that are wider and taller such that the= operator can see straight ahead, laterally, up, and down. This added visibility and sight increases the officer’s safety and provides the police, law enforcement agencies, and other users with the tactical advantage of always having fixed eyes on the threat.
- Some ballistic shields do not have a viewport. In some cases, the viewport can be the heaviest part of the shield; its durability and need to be bullet resistance add to the view port’s weight. It is important to note that any scratches or damage to the viewport will limit or cause blurred vision. However, it is for a good cause.
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