The transition between ‘open space’ and solid structures is transparent armour, known simply as ‘ballistic’ or ‘bullet’ glass. This can occupy as much as 90% or more of a ballistic screen or entrance. With this much glass in any screen or entrance it still provides the feeling of ‘open space’ yet provides the security and assurance that we need.

We supply ballistic and bullet resistant entrances as fully tested products. Not simply the glass itself but all elements of the framework and also the entrance door. Incorporating access control, card readers, intrusion detection, it all combines to provide a secure, turnkey ballistic and bullet solution.

Illustrated below are examples of ballistic and bullet tested screens and entrances, showing how both the glass and also the framework itself is tested in independent test centres.

Ballistic glass, sometimes also referred to as ‘bullet glass’, is constructed of several layers of glass, PVB and sometimes with the addition of specialist polycarbonates. These layers gradually erode the penetration of the bullet when it strikes the glass. Shown below are examples of both BR4 and also BR6/7 glazing. BR4 and BR6/7 glazing references are derived from BS EN1522/23 European testing but we also supply ballistic and bullet solutions for NIJ and also UL levels of ballistic protection. UL levels up to UL 752 level 8 and also NIJ IV.

The incorporation of stainless steel finishes and low ion glass also provide that ‘open space’ feeling but still provide the comfort of knowing that everything has been tested to provide the level of protection that is expected.

That will vary upon the protection level that is required. Generally ranging from around 24mm through to as much as 82mm in thickness. Below are images of glass that has been tested under laboratory conditions. Multiple shots within a confined area.

Is there one specific threat that can be used as a general guide when ordering protection ? That can be difficult to answer. There are established practices in different areas, for want of a better description but this then becomes an area where risk versus cost may also become an issue and although ‘planning for the worst’ may be desirable, it may not actually become achievable.

Mitigating the greater element of risk is always better than preparing to do nothing. Handguns are easily concealed and in commercial premises where there is usually a threat in connection with money such as Banks or Shopping premises, then we would often consider ballistic levels up to BS EN1522/23 BR4 or NIJ IIIA (.357, .44 calibre) to be sufficient. However, across the Middle East in general, then the major threat has to be the Kalashnikov AK47 assault weapon. This is almost universal in many areas of this Region. However, within this theatre of conflict there are also other assault rifles which extend beyond this using ammunition such as NATO 5.56 and also 7.62.

Extending that even further we also find .50 calibre weapons in use and again that is another level of threat that we must sometimes consider.

From time to time it may be suggested that the addition of window film would provide ballistic protection to existing glazing. That is extremely unlikely and optimistic. At best it may help to alleviate spall internally but again that would still require the glass to have some initial ballistic resistance. It is better to have certificated glass from the onset and then the way forward is perfectly clear so to speak.

Heat tempered glass is also a consideration when carrying out installations in Middle Eastern regions. Quite often the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the glass can vary dramatically. Direct sunlight externally and air conditioning internally. This can sometimes create a temperature differential of between 20 and 30 degrees.

It is sometimes suggested that bullet or ballistic glass is also a good choice for security and physical attack. This is a misnomer because it may be good at stopping the impact from a bullet but it is not good at resisting sustained physical attack. It is brittle and can be penetrated with hand tools.

A good compromise where bullet and attack resistance is needed is to use a glass-polycarbonate hybrid glazing unit. This will still arrest the bullet and the polycarbonate will resist the physical impacts associated with hand tools and also repetitive and localised areas of attack.