Why Dragon Skin Armor Failed Army Tests: A Comprehensive Analysis
Dragon Skin armor, developed by Pinnacle Armor, encountered several challenges during U.S. Army tests that contributed to its failure to be adopted as standard military body armor. This article delves into the key reasons for its failure, including performance issues, weight and bulk, cost, and reliability concerns.
Performance Issues
Dragon Skin reportedly failed to meet the U.S. Army's performance standards for body armor during testing. Specifically, it had issues with consistency in stopping power and durability when subjected to various ballistic threats. These performance issues were a significant drawback, as even small variations can affect the armor's effectiveness in real combat scenarios.
Weight and Bulk
Although Dragon Skin was designed to be more flexible and comfortable than traditional armor, its weight and bulk were still concerns. The U.S. Army seeks a balance between protection and mobility in its armor. Dragon Skin did not fully meet this criterion in all scenarios, making it less suitable for deployment in various field conditions.
Cost
The cost of producing Dragon Skin armor was higher compared to standard military armor options. This higher cost was a disadvantage, as the Army often considers cost-effectiveness in its procurement decisions. While Pinnacle Armor attempted to address this issue with later versions, introducing an external liner to help with moisture and heat exposure, it did not solve the problem entirely.
Reliability and Longevity
There were concerns about the long-term reliability of Dragon Skin, particularly regarding its performance after exposure to environmental factors such as moisture and temperature changes. The Army needed assurance that the armor would maintain its protective qualities over time. These reliability concerns were significant, as even the best armor is useless if it fails to protect soldiers in the long term.
Testing Protocols
The testing protocols used by the U.S. Army may have favored traditional armor designs over innovative materials like Dragon Skin. This could have influenced the comparative results of the tests, leading to a bias against novel materials.
Controversy and Legal Issues
The development and testing of Dragon Skin were marred by controversy. There were legal disputes between Pinnacle Armor and the U.S. Army, which may have affected the perception and acceptance of the armor. These controversies cast doubt on the integrity and objectivity of the testing process.
Public Perception and Testing Results
Because Dragon Skin armor did not work as well in testing as advertised, many of the issues persisted even with later modifications. Notably, civilians, including news media outlets, tested the armor with small caliber pistol rounds and reported even worse results than those found in the official U.S. Army study. This public perception of the testing results affected the overall trust in Dragon Skin armor.
Competing armor kits, such as those capable of blocking intermediate rifle cartridges, were also a factor. These kits demonstrated superior performance in some tests, further undermining the credibility of Dragon Skin armor.
Conclusion
While Dragon Skin had some innovative features, the combination of performance issues, weight and bulk, cost, reliability concerns, and the testing methods used contributed to its failure to be accepted as standard issue for U.S. military forces. The armor's shortcomings, especially in the critical area of performance, were too significant to overcome.
It is essential to learn from these experiences to improve future iterations of body armor and ensure that innovative technologies meet the stringent requirements of the U.S. Army.