High Mobility Shield

[Crecy]

I am working on the idea of a balistic shield designed for high mobility entry/combat. Something different then the static approach of the large SWAT type entry shield and not just a plexy riot type shield, but a truely balistic shield, IIA or III. Because of the weight of these materials (5-7lbs/sf), it will have to be smaller to retain mobility, target or buckler size. I am working towards a design that allows the left hand to weild a large blade or handgun while wearing the shield on the forearm. This would also allow for a pinch grip (ala lever action Indidan fighting) on a long gun over the top of the shield which would cover most of the upper and mid torso. I plan to cut some shapes out of OSB first, do some force on force and then have one done in delrin and try to work out any weight issues. After that purchase a sheet of balistic panel and give it a go.

The final concept is to have a shield that can be carried and deployed that allows for the use of LG/HG/blade for single or double tool useage. Three good men so equipped would be a bad day for anyone trying to resist an entry I'm thinking. Of course this would not be consistent with the goals of civilian police where aerating and hacking up the BG is not the real goal.

Any ideas on shapes, materials, tactics or just a real CDI name would be welcome!

[JJ Kelly]

Hi,

I worked on armor projects going back to 1995, Protect allready made level IIIa shields in different sizes.
The real trick is to have a moble shield to stop rifle fire, Protect made a full level III shield out of "specta-
shield that was 1 1/4" thick, apx 4'x2' and weighed apx. 150lb. it had wheels. I know the owner of First Choice
Armor, Ed Dovner, nice guy, always looks for new products. I know in movies they show the shield guy holding
a gun or doing something with one hand; shield guy should be holding the shield and moving in right direction.
JJK

[Crecy]

Hmm, that's almost 19lbs/sf. What was it made of? There must have been some steel in there eh? NIJ tests on the newest version of Dragon Skin, Pinnacle SOV-2000 armor, is a little under 7lbs/sf. and it stops .30-06 ball ammo. A 12" x 18" target size then would be in the range of 10lbs., cumbersome but perhaps practical.

[JJ Kelly]

It was a solid block of Spectra, had aluminium skin, on steel base with wheels and a small ballistic window
that was level III. You would have to roll it, carrying it was too much. The problem with any ceramic
is that they crack easy, Dragon skin is layers of ceramic discs. To stop a rifle bullet the shield must be
harder than the bullet or able to absorb the bullet. With Spectra if the bullet is real hard, real fast or
even high rpm's it will penetrate.

[EKillian]

I have a soft IIIA shield made by RBR Armor. It has MOLLE and straps to attach it to seats, car doors or over your shoulders. It even has a pocket for a hard plate. it is inherently a little floppy, so I bent some aluminum flat bar and can quickly thread it through the MOLLE so it acts as a hard shield when needed.

[Crecy]

That's cool. What's the ball park size and weight?