Protection levels B1-B7 vs VPAM

A lot of confusion exists because of the introduction of the new standards. The point is that the most popular protection class for civil vehicles – B6 became VPAM 7 and another widespread protection class – B7 became VPAM 9.

Class B1 and B2 are rarely used in armoring a security vehicle. Class B2 can withstand a 9 mm, .38 of special and lesser rounds which will lead to slowing down bullets from weapons of larger calibers. Class B3 can withstand .357 Magnum rounds or lesser threats, and Class B4 can withstand a .44 Magnum rounds or lesser threats. The scale starts separating at this point. B5 is capable of withstanding a .357 Magnum at 5 meters and B6 7.62 × 39 rounds from Kalashnikov rifle.

Starting from B6 which is a relatively high level of security and above the armor is designed to stop some serious threats such as threats ranging from 7.62×51 (.308) up to 30.06 AP (Armor Piercing) and Penetrator rounds. Some sedans are rated at B4 or B5 protection level which can provide adequate protection against certain threats. Usually security vehicles such as SUV’s are armored for different reasons like being a police car or ambulance and can provide a B5, B6 or B7 level of protection. For example, police type trucks are often designed to defeat .50 caliber rounds. Concerning vehicles with B5, B6, B7 level of protection – they are very resistant to explosions, for example our Aurum Security vehicles which are designed to defeat such threats as road side and suicide bombs.