Analysis of the history of creation and improvement of personal protective equipment: from bronze armor to modern bulletproof vests

Abstract

In this article, using real historical examples, the authors tried to trace the evolution of personal protective equipment. This has made it possible to perform a comparative historical analysis of the development of scientific research and industrial technologies, which made it possible to manufacture specific personal protective equipment in a certain historical period. Also in this review article, the authors have analyzed the stages of modern technologies that are currently used in the manufacture of various types of bulletproof vest. And given that the overwhelming majority of authors of publications devoted to the history of the creation of bulletproof vests write that: the bulletproof vest does not have a specific inventor, in this review article the authors also talk about specific, undeservedly forgotten now, the creators of the world's first officially patented prototypes of bulletproof vests for the police and VIP-persons, at the beginning of the 20th century, who stood at the origins of the bulletproof vest industry. With the development of the industrial revolution and technological progress, new materials and production technologies have appeared, allowing the creation of more effective bulletproof vest. Bulletproof vest has become lighter and more effective over time, thanks to the use of new materials such as Kevlar, aramid fibers and ceramics. Thus, the history of the development of bulletproof vest includes the contribution of many scientists, engineers and inventors who have contributed to the improvement of protective armor over the years. In the article, the authors show that modern realities put forward new requirements for quality, weight and functional characteristics for design engineers and manufacturers of bulletproof vest. The authors of the article analyze the main directions in which research work is currently underway to improve bulletproof vests. The authors of the article show that in different countries of the world there are different standards and classifications for bulletproof vest. Each standard usually has its own classification, which determines the level of protection of bulletproof vest against specific types of threats, such as bullets, shrapnel or stab wounds. Therefore, the task of developing a single standard for modern bulletproof vest is important.