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Ballistic Nylon

Diving watch on a 4-ring NATO strap made of ballistic nylon fabric, differentiated by its additional strap as opposed to a Zulu's one-piece design.

Ballistic nylon is a thick, tough, nylon fabric with several uses. Ballistic nylon was developed by the DuPont corporation as a material for flak jackets to be worn by World War II airmen. The term ballistic nylon originates in the fabric's intended function, protecting its wearers from flying debris and fragmentation caused by bullet and artillery-shell impacts.

Origin

Flak Jacket's were originally made out of ballistic nylon in World War II to protect airmen from shrapnel

Ballistic nylon was originally developed by the Dupont corporation for flak jackets for World War II airmen. The name of this nylon speaks to its origin, being that its intent was to protect the airmen from flying debris and fragmentation caused by bullet and artillery-shell impacts. The nylon type was not effective against most pistol and rifle bullets, let alone the heavy 20 mm and 30 mm autocannons that. Axis powers were often armed with. Thus ballistic nylon was replaced by Kevlar and other more bullet resistance fabrics.

Modern Uses

Although Ballistic Nylon was originally created and used in flak jackets to keep those wearing it safe from flying shrapnel or debris in combat. Due to its durability and cutting resistance, it has been introduced into products that are less combat friendly. Ballistic nylon can be found as the main material associated with outdoor backpacks, luggage, belts, and straps. This material has also made its way into different types of shoes, motorcycle jackets, watch bands and even can be found in knife sheaths. Although most things that do use ballistic nylon will be found in either black or other dark colors due to it being difficult to dye.

See Also

• Rip-Stop Nylon
• Cordura
• Nylon