Bulletproof glass thickness varies from 20mm (c. 0.79”) to 72mm (c. 2.83”), depending on ballistic protection requirements. Alpine Armoring's bulletproof glass thickness ranges from level A1 (CEN B1) to A12 (B7+), corresponding to specific threat ratings. Vehicle bulletproof glass consists of several layers of strong glass and a durable plastic, polycarbonate, bonded together in an autoclave to create multi-layer security glass. The thickness of bullet-resistant glass determines protection against handgun and rifle threats, with thicker constructions offering superior bullet-resistant performance.
A4 (B4) protection uses approximately 21mm (c. 0.83”) glass, stopping handgun rounds like .44 Magnum. A9 (B6+) bulletproof windows are 40mm (c. 1.57“) thick, defending against rifles including AK-47 and 7.62x51mm ammunition. A12 glass protection levels require a 72mm thickness and withstand armor-piercing rounds from high-powered rifles.
The weight of bullet-resistant glass increases dramatically with thickness. Standard windshields weigh 25 pounds, while A9 bulletproof windshields weigh c. 200 pounds. A12 windshields weigh approximately 500 pounds, requiring reinforced door frames, upgraded hinges, and special window motors. This vehicle glass reinforcement ensures proper functionality despite added mass. Alpine's no-spall glass incorporates varying polycarbonate layers for each armored vehicle model, preventing delamination while maximizing optical clarity and ballistic glass performance.
The material composition includes laminated glass with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) interlayers, polycarbonate thermoplastic layers that absorb kinetic energy, and glass-clad polycarbonate hybrid structures. The multi-layer security glass construction, achieved through autoclave bonding, eliminates air pockets, ensuring transparency.
Choosing appropriate armored vehicle bulletproof windows depends on threat assessment, weight considerations, and budget. Alpine Armoring's engineered transparent armor materials deliver a certified Alpine protection rating performance through precision-crafted, high-quality ballistic glass optimized for each platform, ensuring security without compromising handling or visibility.