Abstract: Bullet Deflection, Fighting Position Body Armor incorporates a novel bullet defeat mechanism approach different than conventional armor's objective of stopping bullets. Many rifle bullets that are used for military assault rifles are designed to turn or tumble on contact allowing maximum energy to be imparted on the target in minimal penetration distance. Exploiting this bullet/rifle design, deflecting bullets becomes a new attractive solution rather than stopping bullets because significantly less weight required to deflect an "unstable" bullet. Fighting position body armor can be mounted on the user's arms, shoulders and helmet. These locations are not normally protected by conventional body armor thereby providing significant protection when the soldier is in firing/fighting positions. Designs can be made to integrate the Bullet Deflection, Fighting Position Body Armor areas of protection with conventional body armors to optimize weight and areas protected.

Abstract: The Multi-Piece, Integrated Body Armor System is a two component system. The first component consists of a small piece of body armor, worn as an undergarment, that can weigh less than 2 pounds (a hard ballistic plate is optional) and covers the human upper torso area (lower neck to below the heart). The second component consists of a vest/jacket that is worn over a normal shirt. This component provides ballistic protection for areas where the first component's protection ends. The significance of this invention is that it offers complete, inconspicuous, ballistic protection while providing the wearer ease and comfort of continuous wear of the undergarment component and ease of removal for the externally worn component.