Abstract: Ballistic body armor is provided having a ballistic body armor panel disposed in a flexible carrier vest. The panel has a pair of opposing outer walls sealed to each other and defining therebetween a gas-impermeable and water-impermeable interior in which is disposed a plurality of layers of woven or non-woven ballistic material. To reduce degradation of the ballistic material, ambient air is removed from the interior of the panel and is replaced with an inert gas. A sensor is disposed in the panel configured to detect a marker indicative of a risk of ballistic panel degradation. The sensor may provide a visual and/or electronic indication (such as a microchip sensor indication). In particular embodiments the marker indicates a level of oxygen above a certain threshold level. The outer walls of the panel may be opaque to reduce penetration of ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Ballistic body armor is provided having a ballistic body armor panel disposed in a flexible carrier vest. The panel has a pair of opposing outer walls sealed to each other and defining therebetween a gas-impermeable and water-impermeable interior in which is disposed a plurality of layers of woven or non- woven ballistic material. To reduce degradation of the ballistic material, ambient air is removed from the interior of the panel and is replaced with an inert gas. A sensor is disposed in the panel configured to detect a marker indicative of a risk of ballistic panel degradation. The sensor may provide a visual and/or electronic indication (such as a microchip sensor indication). In particular embodiments the marker indicates a level of oxygen above a certain threshold level. The outer walls of the panel may be opaque to reduce penetration of ultraviolet radiation.