![\"Ballistic](\"http:\/\/trade-world-one.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Panzerglas_Ruestung_Militaer-1024x683.png\" "\\"Ballistic")
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Ballistic glazing for special protection vehicles is bullet-resistant glazing that must be matched to the required protection level, the vehicle and the specific installation situation. This article explains the classes defined by DIN EN 1063 and VPAM-BRV, puts the commonly used designations B4, B6 and B7 into context, and explains the key considerations regarding spall protection, system integration, retrofit applications and the procurement of ballistic glazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This does not refer to screen protectors for smartphones. In technical terms, we are talking about ballistic or bullet-resistant glazing \u2013 also referred to as bullet-resistant glass, ballistic glass or transparent armor. Such glazing is used in special protection vehicles, armored vehicles and other security- and defense-related applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ballistic glass is not simply an exceptionally thick single pane, but a composite material. Its protective effect is created by a defined multilayer structure designed to absorb and distribute the energy of an impacting projectile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The outer, harder layers are intended to deform the projectile and absorb energy at an early stage. Subsequent glass and polymer layers distribute the load and retain fragments within the laminate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the design, float glass, chemically strengthened glass or borosilicate glass may be used. Intermediate layers can include polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or ionoplasts. Where specific rear-face spall protection is required, an additional internal polycarbonate layer may also be incorporated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The mechanical coupling between the layers is critical. Temperature fluctuations, moisture, unsuitable storage conditions or defects in lamination and edge sealing can lead to delamination. This may impair optical quality and service life and, in cases of pronounced damage, also becomes relevant when technically assessing the protective performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBulletproof glass\u201d is not a sufficient technical specification. A requirement only becomes technically robust when the applicable test standard, resistance or protection class, defined test ammunition and specific installation situation are clearly specified together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DIN EN 1063<\/strong> covers the testing and classification of bullet resistance for security glazing. At the time of the technical review of this article in September 2026, DIN Media continued to list DIN EN 1063:2000-01 as the current German edition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VPAM-BRV,<\/strong> by contrast, is a testing guideline for special-protection vehicles. VPAM currently lists Version 3, dated March 15, 2021. It is applied together with VPAM-APR Version 3, also dated March 15, 2021<\/strong>. VPAM-APR defines the general principles for ballistic testing of materials, constructions and products, while VPAM-BRV specifies these requirements for special-protection vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about our capabilities under Defense Technology & Military Technology at Trade World One.<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This distinction is crucial for technical procurement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n BR classes according to EN 1063 describe the tested bullet resistance of a glazing system. VR classes according to VPAM-BRV describe a special-protection vehicle as a complete system.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A BR6-class glazing system therefore does not automatically make a vehicle a VR6-class vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a special-protection vehicle, the glass is only one part of the protective system. Doors, pillars, body structure, sills, joints, overlaps, frames and the transitions between transparent and opaque protection zones are also relevant. VPAM-BRV therefore requires testing of the structural areas that determine the vehicle\u2019s overall protective performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A pane classified according to EN 1063 is therefore a qualified component \u2013 it is not yet a classification of the complete vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When applying VPAM guidelines, the printed version alone should not be considered. VPAM-BRV explicitly identifies VPAM resolutions as co-applicable documents, and VPAM-APR also refers to further resolutions and supplementary documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For technical assessment, the relevant basis is therefore the currently applicable combination of guideline, revision status and applicable VPAM resolutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about our capabilities under Defense Technology & Military Technology at Trade World One.<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DIN EN 1063 divides bullet-resistant glazing into different resistance classes. The BR classes range from a defined small-caliber threat through to rifle ammunition with a hard core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EN 1063 also defines the SG1 and SG2 classes for specified shotgun threats. They are not a continuation of the BR scale because they are based on different test ammunition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The table is intended for general orientation. For tendering, procurement and testing, the complete parameters specified by the standard are decisive. These include projectile design, projectile mass, impact velocity, firing distance and shot pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The resistance-class designation is also supplemented by an assessment of rear-face spall. The designations S and NS are explained later in the section on spall protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VPAM-BRV is a key testing guideline for special-protection vehicles. Vehicle classes VR1 to VR10 are linked to the corresponding test levels of VPAM-APR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The complete test conditions are defined in VPAM-APR. Some test levels take multiple threats into account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key point remains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The VR class does not assess the ballistic glass alone; it assesses the protective performance of the special-protection vehicle as a whole.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Designations such as B4, B4+, B6 or B7 are still commonly encountered for special-protection vehicles, in older quotation documents and on the used-vehicle market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One point is particularly important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These B designations are not vehicle resistance classes defined by a standard.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rudolf Frie\u00df, then head of the Ulm Proof House, explicitly states in his technical article \u201cTesting of Ballistic Material for Special-Protection Vehicles\u201d that the widely used designations B4, B4+, B6 and B7 as resistance classes are not based on any standard or guideline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is relevant to procurement because B designations are often used in the market as though they could be directly converted into today\u2019s BR or VR classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Such a 1:1 conversion is not technically reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Test methods, test ammunition, projectile velocity, shot pattern, angle of attack, tested vehicle areas and other test conditions may differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a reliable assessment of a specific special-protection vehicle, the underlying test report, the test guideline actually applied, the test ammunition and the tested vehicle configuration are therefore always decisive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In short: B4, B6 and B7 may be used in the market as shorthand for an assumed threat level, but they are no substitute for a clearly documented BR or VR classification.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the application, vehicle and target market, standards and test systems other than DIN EN 1063 and VPAM may also be relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These systems should not be treated as equivalent using simplified conversion tables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Different standards and test systems may specify different test ammunition, velocities, shot patterns, angles of attack and assessment methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An international inquiry should therefore first be reduced to a clearly defined threat and test profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2019, a revision draft was published as prEN 1063:2019 and DIN EN 1063:2019-10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compared with DIN EN 1063:2000-01, the draft included, among other changes, new test ammunition for BR3, an additional rifle class KS and more clearly defined extension rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important for current tenders:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2019 draft has not yet replaced DIN EN 1063:2000-01. In September 2026, DIN Media continued to list DIN EN 1063:2000-01 as the current standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A ballistic test is not an unrestricted practical test. The applicable standard or guideline defines, among other things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the BR classes under EN 1063, three test specimens are tested. Each specimen receives three controlled shots arranged in an equilateral triangle with a side length of 120 mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This defined test arrangement is important: a resistance class is not based on a pane having \u201csomehow survived three shots.\u201d Ammunition, velocity, distance, shot location and other test conditions are specified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a special-protection vehicle, an additional level of assessment is involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VPAM-BRV defines the angle of attack by the inclination of the weapon from 0\u00b0 to 90\u00b0 and by the vehicle\u2019s position relative to the line of fire from 0\u00b0 to 360\u00b0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This illustrates why not only large surface areas, but also transitions, joints and structurally critical areas are decisive for protective performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Multi-Hit<\/strong> describes the loading of a protection system by several impacts occurring close to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first impact has already altered the material and laminate locally. Subsequent impacts therefore act on an area that has already been damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VPAM-BRV defines both the standard triangular shot pattern and the Multi-Hit test using three impacts whose shot pattern forms an equilateral triangle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In ballistic glass, the layer structure, pane geometry, distance from the edge, frame stiffness and installation conditions also influence behavior under multiple impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ballistic protection systems are tested by appropriately qualified test laboratories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the applicable standard and test scope, these may include state proof houses as well as other accredited or recognized institutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For technical procurement, this means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Claims such as \u201cbullet-resistant\u201d or \u201cbulletproof\u201d should be supported by a traceable test report, a classification or another clearly defined form of evidence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Trade World One is a technical procurement and solutions partner \u2013 not a proof house or an independent test laboratory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A projectile does not have to fully penetrate a glazing system for a hazard to arise on the protected side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On impact, fragments of glass or other material may detach from the rear face of the laminate. This rear-face fragmentation is commonly referred to as spall or rear-face fragment release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This effect is particularly relevant in vehicles because occupants may be located directly behind the glazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DIN EN 1063 therefore distinguishes between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n NS \u2013 no corresponding spall: The specified spall indicator is not perforated accordingly during the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n S \u2013 spall: Corresponding rear-face spall is detected during the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A complete classification may therefore be stated, for example, as BR6 NS rather than simply BR6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Older documents and parts of industry practice also use the abbreviations SF for \u201cspall-free\u201d and SA for \u201cspall.\u201d DIN EN 1063 uses the designations S and NS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the system design, internal polycarbonate layers may be used, for example, to reduce the risk of rear-face spall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no universally applicable thickness in millimeters for a specific BR class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DIN EN 1063 defines the required protective performance and test conditions, not a mandatory glass construction. Different material combinations can therefore achieve the same resistance class with significantly different thicknesses and areal weights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Publicly documented manufacturer products illustrate this range:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Hammerglass construction stated as BR6-NS is specified at 39 mm thickness and 90 kg\/m\u00b2. By contrast, sedak specifies 71 mm and 171 kg\/m\u00b2 for a construction likewise classified as BR6-NS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For BR7-NS, SILATEC lists 60 mm and 130 kg\/m\u00b2 for a published construction, while sedak specifies 82 mm and 196 kg\/m\u00b2 for BR7-NS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These values are neither normative requirements nor product specifications of Trade World One. They merely use publicly documented manufacturer examples to illustrate how differently technically tested constructions within the same resistance class may be designed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, glazing constructions developed for buildings or standard products cannot automatically be transferred to vehicle glazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The actual thickness depends, among other things, on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For procurement, the decisive factor is therefore not a generic thickness value in millimeters, but the specific construction for which the required protective performance has been demonstrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trade World One procures and supplies ballistic glazing on a project-specific basis in accordance with the customer\u2019s technical requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weight likewise cannot be derived generically from a BR or VR class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In special-protection vehicles, areal weight becomes a key integration parameter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A heavier pane can affect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the customer specifies a maximum areal weight or maximum pane thickness, this requirement can form part of the procurement specification and technical design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For weight-sensitive special applications, alternative material concepts using transparent ceramics such as spinel or ALON may also be relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From a design perspective, ballistic glass does not end at its outer edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a real threat scenario, a projectile will not necessarily strike only the center of the pane. Edge areas, joints and transitions between transparent and opaque armor are therefore essential elements of the overall system design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Glass, frame, rebate, seal and fastening must be considered as one integrated system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unsuitable adhesives or elastomers can also affect the edge seal and, over time, promote delamination or other forms of material damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where required, Trade World One therefore considers not only the glazing itself, but also suitable seals, mounting components and any necessary modifications in the context of the specific installation situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Protective performance is not the only safety-relevant property of vehicle glazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The driver must be able to see reliably under varying lighting and weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In complex and thick laminated glazing systems, the following factors may become relevant, among others:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Je nach Anforderung kann Low-Iron- beziehungsweise Wei\u00dfglas eingesetzt werden, um die Eigenf\u00e4rbung des Verbundes zu reduzieren und die Lichttransmission zu verbessern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frontscheiben ben\u00f6tigen in vielen Anwendungen elektrische Heizungen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Die erforderlichen Leitstrukturen m\u00fcssen so in den Verbund integriert werden, dass sie den Herstellungsprozess und die thermischen sowie mechanischen Belastungen im sp\u00e4teren Betrieb dauerhaft \u00fcberstehen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Je nach Anwendung k\u00f6nnen dar\u00fcber hinaus segmentierte Heizfelder, Sensorfunktionen oder EMV-relevante Funktionsschichten erforderlich sein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Delamination geh\u00f6rt zu den typischen Schadensbildern komplexer Verbundverglasungen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dabei l\u00f6sen sich einzelne Schichten lokal voneinander. Einflussfaktoren k\u00f6nnen Feuchtigkeit, Temperaturwechsel, Materialunvertr\u00e4glichkeiten, Randbesch\u00e4digungen oder ungeeignete Lager- und Einsatzbedingungen sein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bei einer ballistischen Verglasung ist Delamination nicht ausschlie\u00dflich eine optische Frage. Die definierte mechanische Kopplung der einzelnen Schichten ist Bestandteil des Verbundsystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eine deutlich delaminierte Scheibe in einem Sonderschutzfahrzeug sollte deshalb fachlich bewertet werden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ballistische Verglasung ist keine beliebige Lagerware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zwischenlagen, Randverb\u00fcnde und Verklebungen k\u00f6nnen auf Feuchtigkeit, UV-Strahlung und ungeeignete Lagerbedingungen reagieren. Gleichzeitig k\u00f6nnen die Wiederbeschaffungszeiten spezieller Verglasungen erheblich sein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trade World One verf\u00fcgt \u00fcber rund 1.500 m\u00b2 kontrolliertes Lagerumfeld mit definierten Prozessen zur Bestandsrotation und dokumentierter \u00dcberwachung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gerade bei obsoleten Fahrzeugplattformen kann die gezielte Bevorratung kritischer Ersatzverglasungen sinnvoll sein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Viele Sonderschutz- und Spezialfahrzeuge bleiben l\u00e4nger im Einsatz als die urspr\u00fcnglichen Ersatzteilprogramme ihrer Hersteller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dann entsteht ein typisches Beschaffungsproblem: Eine Front-, Seiten- oder Heckscheibe muss ersetzt werden, der urspr\u00fcngliche OEM liefert das Bauteil jedoch nicht mehr oder eine belastbare Zeichnung ist nicht vorhanden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In solchen F\u00e4llen kann die vorhandene Scheibe als Referenzbauteil dienen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trade World One arbeitet daf\u00fcr nach Bemusterung. Die Geometrie des Bauteils wird digital erfasst und kann mittels 3D-Scan in CAD rekonstruiert werden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ein typischer Projektablauf:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Messstrategie, Projektlaufzeit und Pr\u00fcfaufwand werden projektspezifisch festgelegt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eine h\u00f6here Schutzanforderung kann technisch gepr\u00fcft werden. Sie darf jedoch nicht allein auf die Verglasung reduziert werden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eine leistungsf\u00e4higere Scheibe kann mehr Bauraum ben\u00f6tigen, ein h\u00f6heres Gewicht besitzen oder andere Anforderungen an Rahmen, \u00dcberdeckungen, Dichtungen, Befestigungen und T\u00fcrmechanik stellen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eine h\u00f6her klassifizierte Verglasung f\u00fchrt deshalb nicht automatisch zu einer h\u00f6heren VR-Klassifizierung des gesamten Fahrzeugs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bei sicherheitskritischen Komponenten endet die Beschaffung nicht mit der physischen Lieferung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Materialnachweise, Pr\u00fcfberichte, Erstmusterunterlagen, R\u00fcckverfolgbarkeit und eindeutig definierte Bauteilst\u00e4nde k\u00f6nnen f\u00fcr Betreiber und Integratoren genauso relevant sein wie die Verglasung selbst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trade World One unterst\u00fctzt unter anderem mit Dokumentation nach EN 10204, Erstmusterpr\u00fcfberichten und bauteilbezogener R\u00fcckverfolgbarkeit entlang der vereinbarten Qualit\u00e4ts- und Lieferprozesse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ein pauschaler Quadratmeterpreis ist bei Panzerglas f\u00fcr Sonderschutzfahrzeuge selten belastbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBR Is Not the Same as VR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With VPAM, the Guideline Version Is Not the Only Factor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
BR1 to BR7 according to DIN EN 1063<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Class<\/th> Test threat<\/th> Classification<\/th><\/tr> BR1<\/strong><\/td> .22 Long Rifle<\/td> Small-caliber threat<\/td><\/tr> BR2<\/strong><\/td> 9 \u00d7 19 mm<\/td> Handgun threat<\/td><\/tr> BR3<\/strong><\/td> .357 Magnum<\/td> Increased handgun threat<\/td><\/tr> BR4<\/strong><\/td> .44 Remington Magnum<\/td> High handgun threat<\/td><\/tr> BR5<\/strong><\/td> 5,56 \u00d7 45 mm<\/td> Rifle threat<\/td><\/tr> BR6<\/strong><\/td> 7.62 \u00d7 51 mm, soft core<\/td> Increased rifle threat<\/td><\/tr> BR7<\/strong><\/td> 7.62 \u00d7 51 mm, hard core<\/td> Hard-core threat<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n VR1 to VR10 according to VPAM-BRV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Vehicle class<\/th> Test level<\/th> Test threat \u2013 simplified<\/th><\/tr> VR1<\/strong><\/td> 1<\/td> .22 Long Rifle<\/td><\/tr> VR2<\/strong><\/td> 2<\/td> 9 mm Luger<\/td><\/tr> VR3<\/strong><\/td> 3<\/td> 9 mm Luger, higher test velocity<\/td><\/tr> VR4<\/strong><\/td> 4<\/td> .357 Magnum und .44 Remington Magnum<\/td><\/tr> VR5<\/strong><\/td> 5<\/td> Defined .357 Magnum test threat<\/td><\/tr> VR6<\/strong><\/td> 6<\/td> 7.62 \u00d7 39 mm, iron core<\/td><\/tr> VR7<\/strong><\/td> 7<\/td> 5.56 \u00d7 45 mm and 7.62 \u00d7 51 mm<\/td><\/tr> VR8<\/strong><\/td> 8<\/td> 7.62 \u00d7 39 mm, hard core<\/td><\/tr> VR9<\/strong><\/td> 9<\/td> 7.62 \u00d7 51 mm, hard core<\/td><\/tr> VR10<\/strong><\/td> 10<\/td> 7.62 \u00d7 54 R, hard core<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Correctly Classifying B4, B6 and B7<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Other Relevant Standards and Regulations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Standard \/ system<\/th> Typical area of application<\/th><\/tr> EN 1522 \/ EN 1523<\/strong><\/td> Bullet resistance of windows, doors, shutters and comparable constructions<\/td><\/tr> STANAG 4569<\/strong><\/td> Protection requirements for military or armored vehicles<\/td><\/tr> NIJ<\/strong><\/td> U.S. testing and classification approaches<\/td><\/tr> UL 752<\/strong><\/td> U.S. classification of bullet-resistant components<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Is DIN EN 1063 Being Revised?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Ballistic Glass Is Tested<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Three Shots in a Defined Triangle According to EN 1063<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Angle of Attack in Vehicle Testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Does Multi-Hit Mean?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Role Do Proof Houses and Test Laboratories Play?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Spall protection in ballistic glazing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Thickness and weight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Thick Is Ballistic Glass?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How Heavy Is Ballistic Glass?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Glass, frame and seal as a system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Optical Quality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Heizung, Sensorik und EMV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Delamination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lagerung und Versorgungssicherheit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reproduction without drawings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Kann beim Retrofit eine h\u00f6here Schutzklasse realisiert werden?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dokumentation und R\u00fcckverfolgbarkeit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What ballistic glazing costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n