Which Armor Plate is Used for Bulletproof Vehicles? – Understanding Ballistic Steel Options for Vehicle Armoring Projects

When it comes to protecting military, police, VIP, and civilian armored vehicles, the choice of armor plate material plays a critical role in determining safety, weight, and cost-efficiency.

The most widely used material for bulletproof vehicles is High Hardness Armor Steel Plates (HHA) like MIL-DTL-46100, STANAG 4569 levels, and EN 1522 standards, along with proprietary Indian alternatives like HIND ARMOR 500 and HSC 500T supplied by Hindustan Steel Corporation.

What Type of Steel is Commonly Used for Bulletproof Vehicles?

Bulletproof vehicles typically use quenched and tempered high-hardness steel plates with hardness ranging from 470 to 540 BHN.

This steel is engineered for multi-hit ballistic protection, blast resistance, and structural integrity, making it ideal for:

• Military Tactical Vehicles (MTVs)
• Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs)
• Cash-in-Transit Vehicles
• SWAT and Police Response Vehicles
• VIP and Executive Armored Cars

Applications of Armor Plates in Vehicle Armoring

Where are armor plates installed in bulletproof vehicles?

Each vehicle project requires a customized thickness and size, depending on the threat level (handgun, rifle, AP, blast).

Mechanical Properties Required for Vehicle Armor Steel

Key mechanical performance criteria for vehicle armor plates:

Property	Typical Range
Hardness	470 – 540 BHN
Yield Strength	1200 – 1500 MPa
Tensile Strength	1400 – 1800 MPa
Elongation	8 – 12%
Multi-Hit Capability	✅ Yes
Thickness Range	6 mm to 25 mm (typical for vehicles)

Higher thickness used for underbody blast protection and Level IV rifle threat areas.

Ballistic Standards for Vehicle Armor Steel

Armor steel plates for vehicles are generally selected based on the following global ballistic protection standards:

Standard	Description
MIL-DTL-46100	U.S. Army high hardness armor plate
STANAG 4569 Level 2 / 3 / 4	NATO standards for armored vehicle protection
EN 1522 FB6 / FB7	European ballistic protection for vehicles and buildings
NIJ Level III / IV (Material-Level Equivalent)	Used for police and SWAT vehicle projects

Thickness Range and Plate Sizes

We supply armor plates for bulletproof vehicles in customizable thicknesses and sizes suitable for OEMs, retrofitters, and fabricators.

Parameter	Range
Thickness	6 mm to 25 mm for most vehicle zones
Width	Up to 2500 mm
Length	Up to 12000 mm
Cut-to-Size	✅ Yes
Drilling, Profiling	✅ CNC available

We can also deliver ready-to-install door kits, floor panels, and modular armor kits.

Heat Treatment and Toughness for Vehicle Use

All our armor steel plates for vehicles are supplied in a quenched and tempered condition, ensuring:

• High hardness for ballistic stopping power
• Excellent toughness to prevent cracking under impact
• Blast energy absorption capacity for underbody zones
• Low-temperature performance for diverse deployment areas

Machining and Fabrication Tips for Vehicle Armor Steel

Fabrication methods for vehicle armor plates include:

Cutting:

• Use waterjet, plasma, or laser cutting
• Minimize heat input on ballistic zones

Drilling:

• Use carbide drills with coolant
• Optimize feed rate and RPM for clean holes

Welding:

• Preheat recommended (150–250°C)
• Use low hydrogen electrodes (E7018 / E10018)

Consider post-weld stress relief for larger assemblies

Why Buy Armor Plates for Vehicles from Hindustan Steel Corporation?

• Indian Manufacturer of HIND ARMOR 500 and HSC 500T
• Fast Delivery from Mumbai Stockyard
• Custom Cut and Pre-Drilled Panels for Vehicle OEMs
• Ballistic Test Support for Defense Tenders
• Export-Ready Packaging and Compliance Documents
• Competitive Pricing vs Imported Armor Steel

We supply armor plates for military fleets, police vehicles, VIP protection units, and international up-armoring companies.

Popular Grades Used for Bulletproof Vehicles

Common grades buyers choose for vehicle armor projects:

• MIL-DTL-46100 Plates
• HIND ARMOR 500
• HSC 500T Tactical Grade
• STANAG 4569 Level 2/3 Compliant Steel
• EN 1522 FB6/FB7 Ballistic Steel

Need help choosing the right grade?
Our technical team can assist.

Export Destinations and Packaging

We export vehicle armor plates to:

• UAE – Tactical and police vehicle OEMs
• Saudi Arabia – Military vehicle up-armoring projects
• South Africa – Riot control and peacekeeping fleets
• Germany and UK – Armor testing labs and vehicle fabricators
• Nigeria and Kenya – UN and peacekeeping forces

Export Packaging Includes:

Seaworthy pallets/crates
VCI anti-corrosion protection
Heat number labeling and thickness marking
Full export documentation

How to Select the Right Armor Plate for Vehicles

Know your threat level:

• Handgun, Rifle, AP, Blast, or Combination

Select the right thickness:

• From 6 mm for light protection to 25 mm for AP or underbody zones

Share your CAD drawings:
For CNC profiling and drilling

Consider weight vs protection balance:

• Minimize vehicle weight without compromising safety

Do you need ballistic testing or certification?
We offer sample plates and third-party ballistic testing support.

Certifications, Testing, and Approvals

For every order, we provide:

• Mill Test Certificates (MTC)
• Ballistic Test Reports (on request, chargeable)
• Third-Party Inspection Certificates
• Ballistic Compliance Declarations
• Heat Number Traceability

We also assist with sample submissions for government tenders and defense OEM trials.

FAQs for Bulletproof Vehicle Armor Plates