Lightweight RF3 Protection in a 20 mm Multi-Curve Profile
The CASTLE12 RF3 Lightweight Multi-Curve SiC Ballistic Plate combines a silicon carbide ceramic strike face with a UHMWPE composite backing in a stand-alone hard armor configuration.
With an approximate thickness of 20 mm, the plate provides a lower-profile configuration than CASTLE12 RF3 models with an approximately 30 mm construction. Its multi-curve geometry provides a contoured profile for use in compatible plate carriers.
Two metric plate sizes are available—25 × 30 cm and 24 × 32 cm. This product is sold as a pair.
Ballistic Test Information
Test Laboratory: U.S. OBL ballistic laboratory
Test Method: NIJ Standard 0101.07
Threat Condition: NIJ Standard 0123.00 RF3
Test Threat: .30-06 M2 AP / 7.62 × 63 mm
Projectile Weight: Nominal 166 grain
Published Test Velocity: 2,850–2,910 ft/s, approximately 869–887 m/s
Penetration Result: No complete penetration
Published BFD Results: 41 mm and 40 mm
Armor Configuration: Stand-Alone
NIJ Standard 0123.00 defines the RF3 threat as .30-06 M2 AP with a nominal projectile mass of approximately 165.7 grain and a reference velocity of 2,880 ft/s. NIJ Standard 0101.07 provides the applicable body armor performance requirements and test methods.
Materials and Construction
Strike Face: Silicon Carbide Ceramic, SiC
Composite Backing: Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene, UHMWPE
Profile: Multi-Curve
Nominal Thickness: Approximately 20 mm
Armor Configuration: Stand-Alone
The SiC ceramic strike face and UHMWPE composite backing form a hard armor system developed for RF3 rifle-threat applications while maintaining an approximately 20 mm plate profile.
Size and Weight Options
25 × 30 cm
Dimensions: Approximately 25 × 30 × 2 cm
Imperial Dimensions: Approximately 9.8 × 11.8 × 0.8 in
Weight: Approximately 2.5 kg / 5.5 lb per plate
24 × 32 cm
Dimensions: Approximately 24 × 32 × 2 cm
Imperial Dimensions: Approximately 9.4 × 12.6 × 0.8 in
Weight: Approximately 2.7 kg / 6.0 lb per plate
Package Contents
Sales Configuration: Sold as a pair
Package Contents: Two hard armor plates
Available Sizes: 25 × 30 cm and 24 × 32 cm
Profile: Multi-Curve
Armor Configuration: Stand-Alone
Selecting the Correct Plate Size
Before ordering, verify the internal dimensions, opening width, thickness capacity and curvature compatibility of the plate-carrier pockets.
Carrier size designations such as M, L or XL do not by themselves guarantee compatibility with a specific ballistic plate.
RF3 and the Former Level IV Designation
RF3 is the current NIJ rifle protection designation corresponding to the former NIJ Level IV nomenclature.
The product page may use “former Level IV” as a secondary explanatory or search term, but it should not present RF3 and Level IV as two separate protection ratings.
Important Notice
The ballistic performance information applies only to the tested model, plate size, material construction and test configuration.
Actual performance may be affected by projectile construction, impact velocity, angle of incidence, hit location, environmental exposure, product condition and prior damage.
A plate that has sustained ballistic impact, severe blunt impact, ceramic cracking, delamination, fire exposure or chemical contamination should be removed from service and professionally inspected or replaced.
Final specifications are subject to the product label, official test report and order documentation.