Abstract: A net-shape ballistic panel is formed by a process of arranging a fiber bundle on a substrate to form a layer, the layer following a shape of the ballistic panel, securing the fiber bundle to the substrate with a plurality of stitches to form a preform layer, arranging additional layers of fiber bundles on the preform layer, each layer of the additional layers following the shape of the ballistic panel, and each fiber bundle being secured with a plurality of stitches to each layer of the additional layers to form a plurality of preform layers. A resin is then impregnated into the preform layers and subsequently cured using a process such as compression molding. The resulting ballistic panel is relatively thin while exhibiting an excellent ballistic rating (e.g., V50).

Abstract: A ballistic resistant woven fabric utilized in the construction of ballistic resistant protective items is provided. The ballistic resistant woven fabric has a warp which has at least three adjacent fibers in which one fiber in the warp is constructed of a first material and two other adjacent fibers are constructed of a second material. The ballistic resistant woven fabric has a weft which has at least three other adjacent fibers in which one fiber in the weft is constructed of the first material and the two other fibers adjacent to the one fiber in the weft are constructed of the second material.