The MITUS consists of a series of combinable layers of durable uniform clothing that can accept modular plates of ablative carbonate polymer. When worn, these modular plates overlap to form an armadillo-like shell of protection, and damaged segments can be replaced in the field with minimal skill required. ACP plating typically comes in degrees of ablation - more rigid plating is more effective, but also heavier and more difficult to move around in easily.

ACP plates are usually delineated by a simple color code on the back of the plate, though trained soldiers can usually distinguish between them by feel alone.

ACP-White is a fully ablative solution used to provide lightweight defense to journalists, medics, and other non-combatants. Typically marked with the universal designations for noncombatants, ACP-White is sufficient to stop stray bullets or blasts or survive a significant accident, but is not intended for use in combat situations. ACP-White plates are sometimes also carried and used as field-expedient cover patches until better armor replacements can be received. ACP-White provides DR 20 (Ablative) when used.

ACP-Green is a typical light-duty infantry armor plating solution; ACP-Green vests are typically worn by law enforcement personnel, tactical response teams, and private security forces. It is primarily ablative in nature; projectiles and energy weapons easily deform an individual plate on impact, but this is typically sufficient to resist small arms fire from projectile and energy weapons in isolated situations. ACP-Green provides DR 4 (Hardened 1) + DR 16 (Semi-Ablative) + DR 10 (Ablative) when used.

ACP-Blue is used for standard combat duty wear by active-duty soldiers and special forces operatives; it is more resistant to deformation and dissipates energy with less deterioration, providing improved protection in sustained-fire situations. It is considered the ideal combination of protection and weight. ACP-Blue provides DR 10 (Hardened 1) + DR 10 (Hardened 1, Semi-Ablative) + DR 10 (Ablative) when used.

ACP-Yellow is reserved for front-line soldiers, although ACP-Yellow accessories or plates over specific areas are common (even if it is looked down on by most duty personnel.) ACP-Yellow suffers extremely limited deformation and specifically focuses on providing united resistance to sustained impacts, enabling it to shrug off multiple shotgun blasts while maintaining reasonable integrity. It is heavy and not particularly comfortable, and is not recommended for extended use in a theater of engagement because it can be exhausting in a sustained firefight. ACP-Yellow provides DR 20 (Hardened 2) + DR 20 (Hardened 2, Semi-Ablative.)

ACP-Red is typically only used in short instances, as it is very heavy and very sturdy; individual plates may be used to guard vital points, and full suits are worn by bomb disposal squads and other people who need maximum protection for extremely limited periods of time. ACP-Red provides DR 40 (Hardened 2) + DR 20 (Hardened 2, Semi-Ablative.)

ACP-Black is essentially pure armor with no ablative capabilities; it is also comparatively heavy and is most often used for emergency vehicle patching rather than for individual infantry level combat. With that in mind, ACP-Black personnel plating is only commonly used on the torso to stop center-of-mass shots. ACP-Black provides DR 60 (Hardened 3).

The HEAD is an experimental system that uses advanced sensory equipment and processors coupled with a waveform generator to detect incoming hazards and divert or dissipate them. How it works depends on the hazard:

Against projectile weapons and solid inbound hazards, the sensory equipment assesses the threat, and generates a gravitic wavefield that ideally forcibly diverts and repulses inbound objects. For example, a bullet fired at the HEAD would be diverted on an alternate trajectory, lose velocity, or possibly ricochet off at an angle as the waveform pulses outwards.

Inbound energy weaponry is, in turn, forcibly repulsed or dissipated into the wavefield as it pulses. A HEAD can be programmed to specifically counter a particular type of energy weapon, or further refined to counter a specific brand; specializing and tightening the waveform's focus provides improved performance and range at the expense of lessened or negated performance in other defensive areas. Likewise, it can be tuned to specifically not protect against a particular attack type - usually to allow the wearer to attack without ruining their own shots.

The HEAD creates a semi-constant waveform around the user, which has the side effect of disrupting electronic equipment that falls within the field's effective range; treat this as a jammer / EMP effect within the area it protects. HEAD accumulates feedback when it deflects attacks, particularly energy attacks, which gradually dissipates in the form of electrical discharges, sparks, and visible light. This energized state enhances the field's ability to respond to further attacks, but has undesirable side effects (aforementioned discharges, and increased power drain to maintain the waveform.) An energized HEAD wavefield can be deactivated normally (when the unit loses power, if nothing else), but this results in an EMP 'pop' that damages nearby electronics - including those carried by the user. HEADwear is typically hardened against EMP, but most civilian gear is not.

GURPS TL 7/8 Body Armor

Version 3.63 Introduction

What level of protection can I expect from my body armor? In reality a serious and useful answer is hard to find. Several attempts have been made to rate body armor by Types or Levels . Not better or worse than any other is the U.S. standard for Types of Ballistic Resistance. While standardization is - in reality - difficult and full of errors it might still help GURPS players - especially newcomers - to decide on the usefulness of a given piece of body armor.

Tired of always taking the same armor for your PCs? Here are some other models to choose from a list of new TL7 body armor for GURPS, a table for generic Concealed Body Armors (TL7), and a new sort of TL8 armor: Spider Silk Body Armor.

If you got the impression that light body armors like the Gentex (PASGT) protective vest (TL 7, DR 5), or Light Monocrys (TL 8, DR 8) are useless, - that is wrong. You can use it as a base and upgrade it with inserts (p. COII44), and it will reduce the potential damage from fragments, shot, shrapnel, and bullets. Every bit of energy taken from things trying to wound you can make the difference between a survivable wound or death.

Types of Ballistic Resistance as defined by the U.S. NIJ Standard 0101.03 (National Institute of Justice/1987) in terms of GURPS Damage Resistance (DR)

Type Guns and Ammunition against which Protection is expected Minimum DR GURPS Body Armor Examples I .22, .25, and .32 caliber handguns, .38 Special lead round-nose 11 Armored Overcoat (TL7): DR 12, p. COII43. II-A .38 Special high-velocity, .45s, low-velocity .357 Magnum & 9-mm FMJ, .22 rifles 14 Second Chance Standard (TL7): DR 14, p. B211. II Higher velocity .357 Magnum and 9mm 17 Second Chance Hardcorps system (TL7): DR 16, p. B211. Medium Monocrys (TL8): DR16, p. COII44. III-A .44 Magnum and submachine gun 9mm 18 Second Chance Hardcorps system with standard inserts (TL7): DR 35, 44 lbs., p. B211. Heavy Monocrys (TL8): DR 24, p. COII44. III High-power rifle: 5.56mm, 7.62mm FMJ, .30 carbine, .30-06 (7.62x51mm) pointed soft point (ball), 12-gauge rifled slug 43 Second Chance Hardcorps system with maximum inserts (TL7): DR 50, 56 lbs., p. COII44. Combat Infantry Dress (CID) (TL8): DR40, p. B 211, COII44. IV .30-06 (7.62x51mm) FMJ armor-piercing rifle bullet 86 ??? Note: The NIJ “standard” 0101.03 is not a serious technical standard. It is an attempt to create one.

Comparison of Ballistic Body Armor Levels as defined by German, American, European, and Russian Standards or Norms and GURPS Damage Resistance (DR)

In the net and other sources you can find catalogs with body armor from all over the world with the cost and weight of these items. To translate the different protection standards into GURPS PD and DR is another matter. Here is the table that will make this easy for you.

Germany GURPS DR USA (NIJ) GURPS DR European Union (EN) GURPS DR United Kingdom GURPS DR Russia (RSC) GURPS DR - - I 11+ B1 11+ - - 1, 2 11+, 12+ L 14+ IIA 14+ B2 14+ HG1 14+ - - I, II 17+, 18+ II, IIIA 17+, 18+ B3, B4 17+, 18+ HG2 18+ - - - - - - SG1, SG2 24+ SG1 24+ 2a 24+ - - - - B5 31+ - - 3 31+ III 43+ III 43+ B6 43+ RF1 43+ 4 43+ IV 86+ IV 86+ B7 86+ - - 5, 6 62+, 86+

New Armor (TL7)

See also the armor lists on pp. B210-211 and pp. COII40-46.

Head

ABA Level IIIA SWAT Helmet ABA Level IIIA SWAT Helmet (TL 7; U.S.) : For use under the most threatening conditions, this is the only Level IIIA helmet available in 1999. It is tested to NIJ approved standards and comes with a ballistic aramid shell as well as advanced anti-trauma alveolar foam padding. An adjustable head-suspension net and adjustable leather headband make this helmet comfortable and stable in all conditions. Standard features also include exterior mounting slots for gas-mask attachment and a three-point adjustable chin cup. Options include a ballistic face shield that combines protection and unobstructed vision (PD 4, DR 20, +2 lbs.) and a riot face shield (PD 4, DR 5, +1 lb.). This type of helmet is often worn together with PEA (see below). PD 4, DR 18, protecting areas 3-4 and 5 from the rear. $500, 4.25 lbs.

   Gentex PASGT helmet (TL7; U.S.):  This helmet is listed on p. B211. It reappears here to show you a picture of it. PD 4, DR 5. $125, 3 lbs.

Torso (including full suits)

   Explosive Ordnance Disposal protective suit (EOD) (TL7): This is an advanced model of the EOD listed in the GURPS Basic Set (p. B211). Assisted donning/doffing time is less than 5 minutes for the complete system. For a picture of EOD click here; click here for a second picture. The suit reduces DX, most DX-based skills (GMs call) and Hearing rolls by -2. Any strenuous activity (like fighting) while wearing this suit results in doubled Fatigue (see p. B134). It provides PD 4, DR 50 to areas 9-11, 17-18, PD 2, DR 20 to areas 6-8, 12-16, PD 4, DR 30 to areas 3-4, and PD 4, DR 20 to the face (area 5 front). $2,000, 56 lbs.

  Gentex PASGT flak vest (TL7; U.S.): PASGT stands for Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops . This is the same as the Gentex protective vest from p. B211, listed here under its full name for clarification. Protects areas 9-10, 17-18 with PD 2, DR 5. $200, 5 lbs.

  Integrated Personal Protection System (IPPS) (TL 7; GB): This modular tactical armor is fully integrated, meaning that all elements of it are designed to work well together and do not limit each other. The elements are: Armored vest (PD 2, DR 20 for areas 9-11, 17-18, 7 lbs.), Ballistic Inserts for front and back (raising protection to PD 4, DR 50; +15 lbs. per insert), NBC Respirator with large outset eyepieces (to allow for unhindered aiming and eye protection from flash grenades; covers face with PD 2, DR 10, 2 lbs.), Ballistic Helmet (areas 3-4, and 5, but not face, PD 4, DR 17, 4 lbs.), Tactical Headset with earphones that protect from loud explosions, and Fire-Retardant suit (areas 6-8, 12-14, with PD 2, DR 5, 9 lbs.). This type of body armor is worn by counter-terrorist special forces like the SAS, the FBI hostage rescue team, and the GSG9. The complete system costs $2,000 and weighs 52 lbs. (without inserts: 22 lbs.).

   Level IV Sniper Armor (TL7) : Covers areas 9-11, 17-18, with PD 4, DR 100. The heavy armor plates are suspended clear of the body by a harness to allow for unrestricted breathing. This increases bulk somewhat and reduces DX and some DX-based skills by -2, but not manual skills like shooting (GMs call). Any strenuous activity (like fighting) while wearing this armor results in additional Fatigue +1 (see p. B134). $1,200, 50 lbs.

   Police Entry Armor (PEA) (TL7): This vest is similar to the AIRSAVE (see below) in having the option of ceramic plates for front and back protection (raising protection to PD 4, DR 43, +12.5 lbs. per plate). In addition there are more modular grids and attachment systems. The vest, as worn by SWAT units, is usually black with removable identity insignia, often with the word "POLICE" in high contrast and reflective colors on the back to avoid friendly fire. Another feature is a rescue strap for dragging a downed officer out of hazardous environments. For a picture of PEA click here: Front / Back. The flexible armor protects areas 9-11, 17-18 with PD 2, DR 18. $1,500 (1997); 10 lbs.

U. S. Aircrew Integrated Recovery Survival Armor Vest & Equipment U. S. Aircrew Integrated Recovery Survival Armor Vest & Equipment (AIRSAVE) (TL7; U.S.): This is a tri-service item consisting of a survival vest with harness, essential signaling, communication and survival components, and soft and hard body armor. The vest contains a total of 12 pockets, eight outer and four inner. Together these pockets accommodate Signal, Survival and Communication Components: compass, mirror, radio, smoke and illumination devices, signal kit distress, operation manual, survival packets, both “medical and basic”, hunting knife, and mission tailorable items such as flotation, LPFC, LPU-10 & LPU-21, HEEDS bottle, hand gun, etc. The soft armor protects areas 9-11, 17-18 with PD 2, DR 18. In the front and back of the torso a ceramic plate can be worn, raising protection to PD 4, DR 50. Both plates are designed for quick emergency jettisoning in the event of a water crash situation. $1,500, 20 lbs. for the vest with items (12 lbs. without items), 16 lbs. for each plate.

   U.S. Army Ranger Body Armor (RBA) (TL7; U.S.): For a picture of RBA click here . RBA provides PD 2, DR 20 over areas 9-11, 17-18. Cost includes the vest and the Ceramic Upgrade Plate. With the plate protection is PD 3, DR 43 over the front of areas 9-11, 17-18. The advantage of RBA over the Second Chance Hardcorps system with standard inserts is the reduced weight. $783, 8 lbs./16 lbs. (without insert/w. insert).

Shields

  Kevlar armored shield (TL7): PD 2, DR 18, with transparent viewport (PD1, DR14). $150, 12 lbs.

Generic Concealed Body Armor (late TL7)

Casual Wear (Locations 9-11, 17-18) Cost Wt. Photographers Vest (Locations 9-11, 17-18) Cost Wt. French Dessous (Locations 9, 11; one-third coverage: PD and DR will protect on a 1-2 on 1d. Fashion original cut.) Cost Wt. PD 2, DR 14 $800 4 PD 2, DR 14 $800 5 PD 1, DR 14 $1,500 1.1 PD 2, DR 17 $850 5 PD 2, DR 17 $850 6 PD 1, DR 17 $1,750 1.4 PD 2, DR 18 $1,000 5 PD 2, DR 18 $1,000 6 PD 1, DR 18 $2,000 1.5

Executive Wear (Locations 9-11, 17-18) Cost Wt. Trench Coat (Locations 6, 8-14, 17-18) Cost Wt. Baywatch Swimsuit (Locations 9-11, 17-18; two-third coverage: PD and DR will protect on a 1-4 on 1d. Stylish cut.) Cost Wt. PD 2, DR 14 $650 4 PD 2, DR 14 $1,250 7 PD 1, DR 14 $500 2.2 PD 2, DR 17 $750 5 PD 2, DR 17 $1,350 11 PD 1, DR 17 $800 2.8 PD 2, DR 18 $850 6 PD 2, DR 18 $1,450 12 PD 1, DR 18 $950 3

Give or take up to 20% for cost, more for stylish or fashion original cuts. These are ready-to-wear armored clothes. Custom jobs would cost about 20%-200% more. The three levels of protection follow the definition of threat levels (after U.S. NIJ Standard 0101.03). Note that since dessous and swimsuits are diaphanous clothing, they have reduced PD (p. UTT73).

For TL8 concealed body armor see GURPS Ultra-Tech 2 , p. UTT73, under Tailored Flexible Armor. You may safely use these rules for TL7 Specra armor also (available since about 1988). See also the footnote about monocrys.

Spider Silk Body Armor (TL 8)

Nylon® has about twice the tensile-strength-to-weight ratio (“tenacity”) of silk. Kevlar® has about three times the tenacity of Nylon. Monocrys™ is about 11% better in its tenacity than Kevlar (p. VE22). Spectra™ is about 30% better than Kevlar. Natural Spider Silk™ has about six times the tenacity of Kevlar, but it can not be cultivated and collected economically at TL 7 as silkworm silk can. Genetic engineers are currently striving to develop a way to copy spider silk. And they may very well succeed in the near future. This will give us a new fiber that will be used, among many other uses, for body armor at TL 8+..

   Spider Silk Armored Overcoat (TL 8): A long overcoat that protects anything but the head, the hands and the feet. PD 1, DR 12, 5 lbs., $2,500.

   Spider Silk Flexible Armor (TL 8): This is far better than Monocrys armor and more expensive. But it has the same drawbacks: Reduced effectiveness against impaling attacks (PD 1, DR 2) and its flexibility lets some blunt damage through (see p. COII57). 
   

Light spider silk armor is PD 2, DR 20. $2,000, 1.5 lbs. for a vest; $5,000, 3.5 lbs. for a full suit. Medium spider silk armor is PD 2, DR 40. $3,000, 2.5 lbs. for a vest; $7,500, 6 lbs. for a full suit. Heavy spider silk armor is PD 2, DR 60. $4,000, 3.5 lbs. for a vest; $10,000, 8 lbs. for a full suit.

A Footnote about Monocrys

The strange thing about monocrys armor (TL 8) is that while it is not significantly better than Kevlar (first commercial Kevlar body armor appeared in 1972) and even inferior to Spectra armor (late TL 7, 1988+), it is still more fashionable to wear a “two-phase, single crystal metallic fiber”. Either good marketing sells anything or monocrys is more flexible, trading protection for freedom of movement.

Look at the old Second Chance Standard (Kevlar) vest from p. B211: It gives DR 14 at 2.5 lbs. A vest of medium monocrys (COII44) gives you DR 16 but weighs twice as much as the Kevlar vest (5 lbs.) and costs three times as much. The Second Chance Hardcorps system (without inserts) has also DR 16 and weighs, including pockets for inserts and attachment points for other equipment, only one pound more than the monocrys vest but is 30% cheaper.