ASTM E3062/E3062M-20

Standard Specification for Indoor Ballistic Test Ranges for Small Arms and Fragmentation Testing of Ballistic-resistant Items

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the indoor ballistic test range requirements for small arms and fragmentation testing of the following ballistic-resistant items: soft body armor, hard armor plates, body armor accessories, shields, and helmets. It specifies critical test range parameters in order to achieve consistency/repeatability among test ranges. It does not apply to “contact” shots taken on the test item (that is, the muzzle rests on the strike face of the test item).
SCOPE
1.1 This standard specifies indoor ballistic test range requirements for small arms and fragmentation testing of the following ballistic-resistant items: soft body armor, hard armor plates, body armor accessories, shields, and helmets. The specification includes requirements for range geometry (for example, dimensions, alignment, spacing), range conditions (for example, temperature, humidity, lighting), test equipment (for example, receiver, mounting, test barrels, backing assembly mounting), instrumentation (for example, light screens, high speed cameras, radar), and measurement procedures (for example, projectile velocity, yaw).  
1.2 The purpose of this standard is to specify critical test range parameters in order to achieve consistency/repeatability among test ranges.  
1.3 This specification is not applicable for “contact” shots taken on the test item (that is, the muzzle rests on the strike face of the test item).  
1.4 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.4.1 The user of this standard will identify the system of units to be used, and it is critical to ensure that any cross-referenced standards maintain consistency of units between standards.  
1.5 This standard does not address environmental concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 95.060 - Weapons
• Technical Committee: E54 - Homeland Security Applications
• Drafting Committee: E54.04 - Public Safety Equipment

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E3062/E3062M-19 - Standard Specification for Indoor Ballistic Test Ranges for Small Arms and Fragmentation Testing of Ballistic-resistant Items
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM E3005-24 - Standard Terminology for Body Armor and Ballistic Protection
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM E3005-20 - Standard Terminology for Body Armor
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM E3005-18 - Standard Terminology for Body Armor
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E3005-15 - Standard Terminology for Body Armor
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E3236/E3236M-21 - Standard Specification for Ballistic-resistant Barriers Used in Homeland Security or Public Safety Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM E3368/E3368M-23a - Standard Specification for Ballistic-Resistant Helmets Worn by U.S. Public Safety Officers
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM E3112/E3112M-20 - Standard Test Method for Ballistic-resistant Products and Shoot Packs
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM E3110/E3110M-22 - Standard Test Method for Collection of Ballistic Limit Data for Ballistic-resistant Torso Body Armor and Shoot Packs
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM E2771-11(2019) - Standard Terminology for Homeland Security Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM E3276/E3276M-21 - Standard Test Method for Assessing Impact Energy and Precision of Direct-fire, Single-projectile Less Lethal Impact Rounds Used by Public Safety Officers
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM E3141/E3141M-23 - Standard Test Method for Ballistic Resistant Shields for Law Enforcement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM E3107/E3107M-23 - Standard Test Method for Resistance to Penetration and Backface Deformation for Ballistic-resistant Torso Body Armor and Shoot Packs
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM F3561-23 - Standard Test Method for Forced-Entry-Resistance of Fenestration Systems After Simulated Active Shooter Attack
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020

Overview

ASTM E3062/E3062M-20 is the standard specification developed by ASTM International for indoor ballistic test ranges used in small arms and fragmentation testing of ballistic-resistant items. This standard ensures the consistency and repeatability of protection performance tests conducted on products such as soft body armor, hard armor plates, body armor accessories, shields, and helmets. Implementation of this standard helps both manufacturers and test laboratories adhere to uniform requirements, facilitating reliable results critical to personal protective equipment evaluation.

This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications and is primarily intended for use by those involved in personal protective equipment (PPE) testing, including government and private laboratories, manufacturers, and research organizations.

Key Topics

• Covered Products: The standard applies to soft body armor, hard armor plates, body armor accessories, shields, and helmets.
• Test Range Geometry: Specifies requirements for range dimensions, equipment spacing, and alignment for safe and unobstructed testing.
• Environmental Conditions: Defines mandatory indoor environmental parameters, such as controlled temperature and humidity ranges, ensuring consistent test conditions.
• Test Equipment Requirements: Details on projectile firing systems (universal receiver, test barrels, mounting), measurement systems for projectile velocity and yaw, and test item mounting systems.
• Instrumentation: Outlines the use of instrumentation including light screens, high-speed cameras, and radar devices for accurate ballistic measurements.
• Measurement Procedures: Addresses procedures for projectile velocity and yaw measurement, along with methods for verifying data accuracy.
• Safety and Consistency: Emphasizes the importance of mounting all system components to prevent accidental movement and maintain test accuracy. Does not apply to “contact” shots where the firearm muzzle contacts the test item.
• Units of Measurement: Permits use of SI or inch-pound units, but requires their independent application and prohibits mixing.

Applications

The practical application of ASTM E3062/E3062M-20 is essential for organizations involved in the ballistic resistance testing of personal protective equipment. Consistent and repeatable testing environments are vital for:

• Manufacturers: Supporting product development and ensuring that ballistic-resistant items meet industry and regulatory performance criteria.
• Testing Laboratories: Providing accredited, standardized testing services to assess compliance with national and international ballistic protection standards.
• Research and Development: Enabling researchers to generate reliable, comparable data that informs advances in material science and protective design.
• Regulatory and Defense Agencies: Offering repeatable and valid test methods for procurement, certification, and quality assurance of body armor and ballistic shields.
• Quality Assurance Programs: Ensuring ongoing product conformity and surveillance post-certification.

By adopting this standard, stakeholders ensure the highest levels of integrity, reproducibility, and safety in indoor ballistic range operations.

Related Standards

ASTM E3062/E3062M-20 references several key standards and guidelines, including:

• ASTM E3005 - Terminology for Body Armor: Standardized terminology definitions relevant to PPE testing.
• SAAMI Glossary of Industry Terms: Reference for industry-specific ammunition and testing terminology.
• Other Relevant Ballistic Testing Standards: Such as those for specific test methodologies, product certification, and performance requirements.

For the latest standards and document updates, users should reference the official ASTM International website.

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Keywords: ASTM E3062/E3062M-20, ballistic test range, indoor range requirements, small arms testing, fragmentation testing, ballistic-resistant items, body armor testing, personal protective equipment, ballistic laboratory standards, repeatability in ballistic testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E3062/E3062M −20
Standard Specification for
Indoor Ballistic Test Ranges for Small Arms and
Fragmentation Testing of Ballistic-resistant Items
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE3062/E3062M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.1 This standard specifies indoor ballistic test range re-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
quirements for small arms and fragmentation testing of the
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
following ballistic-resistant items: soft body armor, hard armor
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
plates, body armor accessories, shields, and helmets. The
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
specification includes requirements for range geometry (for
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
example, dimensions, alignment, spacing), range conditions
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
(for example, temperature, humidity, lighting), test equipment
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
(for example, receiver, mounting, test barrels, backing assem-
bly mounting), instrumentation (for example, light screens,
2. Referenced Documents
high speed cameras, radar), and measurement procedures (for
2.1 ASTM Standards:
example, projectile velocity, yaw).
E3005 Terminology for Body Armor
1.2 The purpose of this standard is to specify critical test
2.2 SAAMI Standard:
range parameters in order to achieve consistency/repeatability
SAAMI Glossary of Industry Terms
among test ranges.
1.3 This specification is not applicable for “contact” shots
3. Terminology
taken on the test item (that is, the muzzle rests on the strike
3.1 For terms not defined in this specification, the following
face of the test item).
definitions of Terminology E3005 apply: angle of incidence,
1.4 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
backing assembly, backing material, backing fixture, body
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
armor, hard armor, plates, soft body armor, stop, strike face,
values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equiva-
test item, test item mounting system, test stand, universal
lents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each
receiver, and yaw.
system shall be used independently of the other, and values
from the two systems shall not be combined.
4. Significance and Use
1.4.1 The user of this standard will identify the system of
4.1 U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of
units to be used, and it is critical to ensure that any cross-
Justice standards for assessing the performance of ballistic-
referenced standards maintain consistency of units between
resistant personal protective equipment require the use of
standards.
properly configured indoor test ranges. This specification is
1.5 This standard does not address environmental concerns,
one of several standards that will help to ensure that testing
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user results between test ranges are comparable.
of this standard to establish appropriate practices and deter-
4.2 This specification may be used by private-sector and
mine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
government laboratories, manufacturers, research and develop-
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ment organizations, and others assessing the ballistic resistance
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
of personal protective equipment.
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E54 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Homeland Security Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
E54.04 on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as E3062/E3062M – 19. Available from Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute
DOI: 10.1520/E3062_E3062M-20. (SAAMI), 11 Mile Hill Rd, Newtown, CT 06470, www.saami.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3062/E3062M − 20
4.3 It is intended that this specification be referenced by (2) If the two instrumentation sets do not agree within 3
other standards, specifications, or test methods, or combina- m/s [10 ft/s] and both yield a reading that is within 75 % of the
tions thereof. intended test threat velocity, the test result is considered
invalid, and the test shall be redone. All occurrences of this
5. Minimum Room Dimensions
condition shall be documented.
(3) Ifthereisreasonabledoubtthattheinstrumentationsets
5.1 The test range dimensions should be sufficient to ac-
are reading correctly, the test result may be considered invalid,
commodate the required equipment and spacing between that
and the test shall be redone. All occurrences of this condition
equipment and the room walls and ceiling so personnel can
shall be documented.
safely perform testing without obstruction.
NOTE 4—Appendix X1 provides examples to aid in understanding these
6. Range Environmental Conditions
considerations.
NOTE 5—This standard does not address velocity loss (that is, drag)
6.1 The relative humidity shall be 50 6 20 %.
from the measurement location to the test item. Other standards,
6.2 The controlled ambient temperature shall be 20.0 6 specifications, or test methods can address velocity loss.
5.6°C [68 6 10°F].
8.1.5 Undesirable influences on the velocity measurement
6.3 General lighting on the range should provide adequate system shall be mitigated.
light levels to enable personnel to perform assigned duties.
NOTE6—Undesirableinfluencesinclude,butarenotnecessarilylimited
Locallightingtosupplementgenerallighting,ifneeded,should
to, shock waves, sound waves, light, ejected propellant, sabots, and other
be available to provide better visibility for tasks associated
debris.
with measurements and instrument readings.
8.2 Projectile Yaw Measurement System:
NOTE 1—Local lighting may be a flashlight, headlamp, or other light
8.2.1 The test laboratory shall provide a method for verify-
source that does not emit enough heat to affect the test results.
ing yaw.
7. Projectile Firing System NOTE 7—Yaw requirements (for example, maximum allowable yaw)
and details necessary for making yaw measurements (for example,
7.1 The projectile firing system shall be one of the follow-
location of yaw measurement) are specified in other standards,
ing:
specifications, or test methods, or combinations thereof.
7.1.1 Universal receiver and test barrel.
7.1.2 Firearm.
9. Spacing and Set Up of Test Equipment
NOTE 2—Use of a firearm is not the preferred method. 9.1 The test equipment shall be set up as shown in Fig. 1
with spacing and additional requirements
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E3062/E3062M − 19 E3062/E3062M − 20
Standard Specification for
Indoor Ballistic Test Ranges for Small Arms and
Fragmentation Testing of Ballistic-resistant Items
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3062/E3062M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This standard specifies indoor ballistic test range requirements for small arms and fragmentation testing of the following
ballistic-resistant items: soft body armor, hard armor plates, body armor accessories, shields, and helmets. The specification
includes requirements for range geometry (for example, dimensions, alignment, spacing), range conditions (for example,
temperature, humidity, lighting), test equipment (for example, receiver, mounting, test barrels, backing assembly mounting),
instrumentation (for example, light screens, high speed cameras, radar), and measurement procedures (for example, projectile
velocity, yaw).
1.2 The purpose of this standard is to specify critical test range parameters in order to achieve consistency/repeatability among
test ranges.
1.3 This specification is not applicable for “contact” shots taken on the test item (that is, the muzzle rests on the strike face of
the test item).
1.4 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated
in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.4.1 The user of this standard will identify the system of units to be used, and it is critical to ensure that any cross-referenced
standards maintain consistency of units between standards.
1.5 This standard does not address environmental concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to establish appropriate practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E3005 Terminology for Body Armor
2.2 SAAMI Standard:
SAAMI Glossary of Industry Terms
3. Terminology
3.1 For terms not defined in this specification, the following definitions of Terminology E3005 apply: angle of incidence,
backing assembly,backing material,backing fixture,body armor,hard armor,plates,soft body armor,stop,strike face,test item,test
item mounting system,test stand,universal receiver, and yaw.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E54.04 on
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Current edition approved May 1, 2019April 1, 2020. Published May 2019April 2020. Originally approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 20162019 as
ɛ1
E3062 – 16E3062/E3062M – 19. . DOI: 10.1520/E3062_E3062M-19.10.1520/E3062_E3062M-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI), 11 Mile Hill Rd, Newtown, CT 06470, www.saami.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3062/E3062M − 20
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 test item mounting system, n—an assembly consisting of a test stand and the test item fixture, backing assembly, witness
panel, or any combination thereof. The system allows rotation of the test item around one or more axes and allows translation of
the test item.
3.2.2 test stand, n—a rigid or massive component of the test item mounting system that supports other components.
3.2.3 universal receiver, n—a heavy duty mechanical device into which chambered barrels are secured for testing ammunition
(SAAMI).
4. Significance and Use
4.1 U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Justice standards for assessing the performance of ballistic-resistant
personal protective equipment require the use of properly configured indoor test ranges. This specification is one of several
standards that will help to ensure that testing results between test ranges are comparable.
4.2 This specification may be used by private-sector and government laboratories, manufacturers, research and development
organizations, and others assessing the ballistic resistance of personal protective equipment.
4.3 It is intended that this specification be referenced by other standards, specifications, or test methods, or combinations
thereof.
5. Minimum Room Dimensions
5.1 The test range dimensions should be sufficient to accommodate the required equipment and spacing between that equipment
and the room walls and ceiling so personnel can safely perform testing without obstruction.
6. Range Environmental Conditions
6.1 The relative humidity shall be 50 6 20 %.
6.2 The controlled ambient temperature shall be 20.0 6 5.6°C [68 6 10°F].
6.3 General lighting on the range should provide adequate light levels to enable personnel to perform assigned duties. Local
lighting to supplement general lighting, if needed, should be available to provide better visibility for tasks associated with
measurements and instrument readings.
NOTE 1—Local lighting may be a flashlight, headlamp, or other light source that does not emit enough heat to affect the test results.
7. Projectile Firing System
7.1 The projectile firing system shall be one of the following:
7.1.1 Receiver Universal receiver and test barrel.
7.1.2 Firearm.
NOTE 2—Use of a firearm is not the preferred method.
7.2 All components of the projectile firing system shall be mounted.
NOTE 3—The intent of mounting the projectile firing system is to achieve accurate and repeatable performance.
8. Measurement Systems
8.1 Projectile Velocity Measurement System:
8.1.1 The system shall maintain position and alignment during testing.
8.1.2 The system shall be appropriate for the projectile and the velocities being measured.
8.1.3 An independent method for verifying the accuracy of the system shall be available.
8.1.4 The projectile velocity should be determined using at least two electronically independent sets of instrumentation. If two
electronically independent sets of instrumentation are not used, the reason and the type of instrumentation used shall be
documented.
8.1.4.1 For each projectile firing, the two independent sets of instrumentation shall provide individual velocity measurements
within 3 m/s [10 ft/s] of each other, with the following considerations.
(1) If the screen pairs two instrumentation sets do not agree within 3 m/s [10 ft/s] and either screen pair yields a reading that
is not within 75 % of the intended test threat velocity, that value should be discarded, and the other reading s
...