The following article contains exlusive photos of a Pinnacle Armor SOV-2000/Dragon Skin® ballistic vest (containing a ceramic composite hard armor disc matrix) after taking multiple impacts from 7.62x39mm API (Armor-Piercing Incendiary) rounds (steel core). Click on photos below to view them full-size.
 

DefenseReview recently received a copy of an email communication that was sent to Murray Neal, CEO of Pinnacle Armor, from a PSD (Personal Security Detail, or Personal Security Detachment)/Security Operator about an operational save (his own life) that was made by one of the company's SOV-2000/Dragon Skin® vests against 7.62x39mm API (Armor-Piercing Incendiary) rounds (steel core) fired from an AKM/Kalashnikov-variant rifle. In the accompanying photos, notice the almost complete lack of any impact damage to the impacted ceramic composite armor discs, other than a small burn mark, as well as the relative thinness of the Pinnacle Armor ceramic composite armor discs, compared to traditional SAPI plates. In fact, the wearer apparently didn't even know he had been hit (he didn't feel the rifle rounds' impacts!) until after the skirmish was over, and he took his vest off. The following is a copy of the email communication that was sent to Mr. Neal/Pinnacle Armor (the message/content has been sanitized for the purpose of protecting the PSD/Security Operator's identity, as well as his employer's/organization's identity):...

Hi there,

I work as a contractor for the XXXX XXXX in Iraq. We do PSD (Personal Security Detail) work for our clients.

My employer XXXX XXXX recently issued us with new body armor (Pinnacle), and I was slightly put off by the weight of the armor. It was heavy and slightly uncomfortable to begin with, but I have to admit, it kind of “adapted” to my body after a day or two. The weight distribution is a definite plus.

However, we were involved in a IED (improvised explosive device) attack and small arms fire on the XXX of XXX 2005.

After the contact, when I removed my tactical vest, I saw that I had taken hits in the back of my vest. They were 7.62x39mm (AK-47) and they were inches apart. I was hit in the back (and we checked, if I was wearing any other body armor, I would not be writing this to you), as it were both low hits (below the typical 10”x12” plate coverage). In terms of bruising, nothing whatsoever. I did not even KNOW that I was hit twice until I took off my tactical vest (this was after about 2 hours after the contact) and saw the damage. It was only then that we took a close look at my body armor that we realized I was hit twice by an AK-47. I had another ricochet hit around the top end of my back that may have caused serious injury to my lower neck.

I'm including some pictures of the vest (and the vehicle I was in, I was the vehicle commander, sitting right front.) I have no doubt in my mind that the vest saved my life. I lost three good men in my vehicle in this contact. I have to say that no amount of body armor could have saved them. The fact is, thanks to your product, I walked away from this (and I stress the fact “walked”.)

Thank you for your research and effort, providing a product that stood up to the promise. I would gladly provide you with the SIR (Serious Incident Report) of the day, as well as any other info you may need in order to enhance or better your product.

Once again, I thank you and your team from the bottom of my heart,

Kind regards,

XXXX XXXXXX
XXXX: PSD
XXXX: Iraq"