ASTM E3111/E3111M-18

5.1 U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Justice standards and specifications may require this test method for assessing the penetration resistance and back face deformation of ballistic-resistant helmets and face shields.

5.2 This test method may be used by private-sector and government laboratories, manufacturers, research and development organizations, and others assessing the ballistic resistance of helmets and face shields or performing research and development of new materials.

5.3 It is intended that this test method be referenced by other standards, specifications, or test methods.

1.1 This test method describes the tests for ballistic-resistant head protection which consists of helmets and face shields. Test methods address back face deformation, resistance to penetration, and ballistic limit. It is anticipated that this test method will be referenced by purchasers or other users in specifications or performance standards for helmets in order to meet the user’s specific needs.

1.2 This test method does not address eye protection other than face shields that are attached to the helmet.

1.3 The test method does not specify performance criteria or usages of the test results.

1.4 This test method addresses conditioning of test items.

1.5 Purchasers and other users will specify and describe the ballistic test threats to be used. Within this test method, the reference will be called the “test threats document.”

1.6 Units—Values stated in either the International System of Units (metric) or U.S. Customary units (inch-pound) are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents. Both units are referenced to facilitate acquisition of materials internationally and minimize fabrication costs. Tests conducted using either system maintain repeatability and reproducibility of the test method and results are comparable.

1.7 If there is a discrepancy between this test method and a user supplied document, the user supplied document takes precedence.

1.8 In this test method, “other standards and specifications” and “unless specified elsewhere” refer to documents (for example, military standards, purchase specifications) that require the use of this test method. Purchasers and other users are responsible for the “other standards and specifications” and for specifying any requirements that supersede those of this test method.

1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.