Body armor
A Human wearing a recreation of Roman Legionary Armor
Body armor is a type of clothing designed to protect the wearer from injury, particularly in combat. Body armor has existed since the dawn of civilization, rising and falling in popularity depending upon the effectiveness of wearable armor materials against the weapons of the same time period.
Types of Body Armor
Helmets
- Corinthian Helmet (ancient Greece)
- Galea (Roman Empire)
- Burgonet (Medieval Europe)
- Morion (Spain)
- Kabuto (Feudal Japan)
- Adrian Helmet (France)
- Stahlhelm (Germany, Great War to Second World War)
- Brody Helmet (United Kingdom and British Commonwealth, Great War to Second World War, United States Great War)
- M1 Helmet (United States)
- PASGT Helmet (United States)
Body Armor
- Lorica Segmenta
- Scale Mail
- Chainmail
- Brigandine
- Coat of Plate
- Kozane
- Breastplate
- Suit of Plate
- Flak Jacket
Armor for extremities
- Grieves
- Spaulders
- Gauntlets
Shields
- Kite shield
- Round shield
- Scutum
- Parma
- Riot shield
Body Armor in Science Fiction
- In the Star Wars universe, most soldiers wear some sort of body armor. Notable among them being Stormtroopers and Mandalorians.
- In the Warhammer 40,000 universe, there are many varieties of body armor in use, including wraithbone Eldar combat armor, Imperial flak and carapace armor, and Tau combat armor.
- In Stargate, SGC has managed to design body armor inserts offering protection against energy weapons.
- In Star Trek, certain races like the Klingons and Hirogen wear body armor of varying effectiveness. Body armor hasn't been seen in use by the Federation since the 23rd century, and even then it was a rare occurrence.
- Soldiers in Mass Effect typically wear body armor that incorporates kinetic barriers and a military grade medi-gel dispenser. Body armor is also usually sealable and equipped with a modest oxygen supply. Suits can have additional features, including power assistance, stealth technology, jet propulsion, and built-in weaponry.