CASTLE12 HG2 / IIIA+ Lightweight UHMWPE Ballistic Plate Pair
Handgun and Special-Threat Protection
The CASTLE12 HG2 / IIIA+ ballistic plate combines UHMWPE construction with a Stand-Alone protection configuration.
Under the specified test conditions, it does not require an additional soft armor backer.
HG2 is the current NIJ handgun-threat designation corresponding to the former Level IIIA terminology.
IIIA+ is a CASTLE12 product designation for additional specified special-threat test data; it is not an official NIJ protection level.
Main Plate Specifications
Single-Curve
Dimensions: 240 × 320 × 22 mm
Weight: approximately 820 g per plate
Multi-Curve
Dimensions: 240 × 320 × 22 mm
Weight: approximately 1000 g per plate
Package Options
Main Plates: one front-and-rear main plate pair.
Main Plates + Side Plates: one main plate pair with one side-plate pair.
Third-Party Ballistic Test Data
Published Element U.S. Space & Defense test data lists:
9×19 mm, 124-grain FMJ
Test velocity: 1,440–1,500 ft/s
No penetration; BFD did not exceed 44 mm.
.44 Magnum, 240-grain SJHP
Test velocity: 1,400–1,460 ft/s
No penetration; BFD did not exceed 44 mm.
5.7×28 mm, 40-grain SS197SR
Test velocity: 1,760–1,820 ft/s
No penetration; BFD did not exceed 44 mm.
7.62×25 mm Tokarev FMJ
Test velocity: 1,670–1,730 ft/s
No penetration; BFD did not exceed 44 mm.
Published six-shot results include an average BFD of 23.1 mm for .44 Magnum and 11.16 mm for SS197SR.
These results apply only to the model, dimensions, construction, sample configuration and conditions documented in the corresponding laboratory report. They must not be assumed to cover every plate profile or configuration offered.
Plate Carrier Compatibility
Before ordering, check the actual internal dimensions, thickness capacity, plate cut and curvature compatibility of the carrier pockets. Carrier size labels such as S, M, L or XL do not by themselves confirm plate compatibility. For side-plate sets, also check the side-pocket dimensions.
Protection Scope
This product is intended for handgun and specified special-threat protection. It is not an RF1, RF2 or RF3 rifle-protection plate. Protection against unlisted projectiles, including 5.56×45 mm and 7.62×51 mm rifle ammunition, must not be assumed.
Performance depends on projectile construction, impact velocity, angle, shot placement, environmental exposure and plate condition. Final specifications and performance limits are subject to the product label, official test report and order documentation.