What are ballistic classes?

The European Standard DIN EN 1522: Safety standards for bullet-resistant systems

The European standard DIN EN 1522 defines the safety standards for bullet-resistant systems. Depending on the type of weapon, calibre, and test methodology, seven different ballistic resistance classes are distinguished. When testing glazing, the test result is complemented by either “S” for splintering or “NS” for non-splintering.

Ballistic resistance classes and their significance

The seven ballistic resistance classes of the European standard DIN EN 1522 are crucial for the classification of security systems. Each class specifies what type of threat the system protects against, ranging from small calibres to high-powered firearms. The classification is determined by rigorous tests in which the materials are examined for their bullet resistance.

Glazing and safety criteria

When testing glazing, not only bullet resistance is relevant but also the type of splintering. Glazing subjected to ballistic tests is categorised as “S” for splintering or “NS” for non-splintering. This distinction is important, as splinters in a threatening situation can pose additional risks of injury.

Secure solutions from SITEC

SITEC offers bullet-resistant systems up to the highest resistance class FB7. In the development of these systems, we ensure that all components are perfectly coordinated. This guarantees that the entire system meets the strict safety requirements of the European standard DIN EN 1522.

Overview of ballistic resistance classes

Ballistic Rating
Type of weapon, calibre
Projectile mass
Test distance (m)
Muzzle velocity (m/s)

FB1

.22 LR rifle

Beschusshemmung FB1 Büchse 22 LR

2.6 ± 0.1

10 +/- 0.5

360 +/- 10

FB2

Handgun,

9 mm Luger

Beschusshemmung FB2 Faustfeuerwaffe, 9 mm Luger

8 +/- 0.1

5 +/- 0.5

400 +/- 10

FB3

Handgun,

.357 Mag.

Beschusshemmung FB3 Faustfeuerwaffe, 357 Mag.

10.2 ± 0.1

5 +/- 0.1

430 +/- 10

FB4

Handgun,

.357 Mag.

.44 Rem. Mag.

Beschusshemmung FB4 Faustfeuerwaffe, 357 Mag. / 44 Rem. Mag.

10.2 ± 0.1

15.6 ± 0.1

5 ± 0.1

5 ± 0.1

430 +/- 10

440 +/- 10

FB5

Rifle 5.56 x 45

Beschusshemmung FB5 Büchse 5,56 x 45

4 +/- 0.1

10 +/- 0.5

950 +/- 10

FB6

Rifle 5.56 x 45 / 7.62 x 51 (soft core)
Beschusshemmung FB6 Büchse 5,56 x 45 / 7,62 x 51 (Weichkern)

4 +/- 0.1

9.5 +/- 0.1

10 +/- 0.5

10 +/- 0.5

950 +/- 10

830 +/- 10

FB7

Rifle 7.62 x 51 (armour-piercing core)
Beschusshemmung FB6 Büchse 5,56 x 45 / 7,62 x 51 (Weichkern)

9.8 ± 0.1

10 +/- 0.5

820 +/- 10

Ballistic Rating
FB1
Type of weapon, calibre
.22 LR Rifle
Beschusshemmung FB1 Büchse 22 LR
Projectile mass
2.6 +/- 0.1
Test distance (m)
10 +/- 0.5
Muzzle velocity (m/s)
360 +/- 10
Ballistic Rating
FB2
Type of weapon, calibre
Handgun,
9 mm Luger
Beschusshemmung FB2 Faustfeuerwaffe, 9 mm Luger
Projectile mass
8 +/- 0.1
Test distance (m)
5 +/- 0.5
Muzzle velocity (m/s)
400 +/- 10
Ballistic Rating
FB3
Type of weapon, calibre
Handgun,
.357 Mag.
Beschusshemmung FB3 Faustfeuerwaffe, 357 Mag.
Projectile mass
10.2 +/- 0.1
Test distance (m)
5 ± 0.1
Muzzle velocity (m/s)
430 +/- 10
Ballistic Rating
FB4
Type of weapon, calibre
Handgun,
.357 Mag.
.44 Rem. Mag.
Beschusshemmung FB4 Faustfeuerwaffe, 357 Mag. / 44 Rem. Mag.
Projectile mass
10.2 +/- 0.1
15.6 +/- 0.1
Test distance (m)
5 +/- 0.1
5 +/- 0.1
Muzzle velocity (m/s)
430 +/- 10
440 +/- 10
Ballistic Rating
FB5
Type of weapon, calibre
Rifle
5.56 x 45
Beschusshemmung FB5 Büchse 5,56 x 45
Projectile mass
4 +/- 0.1
Test distance (m)
10 +/- 0.5
Muzzle velocity (m/s)
950 +/- 10
Ballistic Rating
FB6
Type of weapon, calibre
Case
5.56 x 45 /
7.62 x 51 (soft core)
Beschusshemmung FB6 Büchse 5,56 x 45 / 7,62 x 51 (Weichkern)
Projectile mass
4 +/- 0.1
9.5 +/- 0.1
Test distance (m)
10 +/- 0.5
10 +/- 0.5
Muzzle velocity (m/s)
950 +/- 10
830 +/- 10
Ballistic Rating
FB7
Type of weapon, calibre
Canister
7.62 x 51 (Armour-piercing)
Beschusshemmung FB6 Büchse 5,56 x 45 / 7,62 x 51 (Weichkern)
Projectile mass
9.8 +/- 0.1
Test distance (m)
10 +/- 0.5
Muzzle velocity (m/s)
820 +/- 10