This protective component integrates the upper torso and neck regions, typically found as part of a modular personal protective system. It offers enhanced coverage to vulnerable areas often left exposed by standard body armor configurations, such as the shoulders, upper chest, and the back of the neck. The numerical designation may refer to a specific model, standard, or manufacturing specification.
The importance of this type of supplemental armor lies in its ability to mitigate the risk of injury from ballistic threats and fragmentation. Historically, neck and shoulder protection has evolved from simple metal plates to advanced composite materials, driven by the need to counter increasingly lethal weaponry and battlefield conditions. The use of such protective elements can significantly improve survivability rates in combat or high-risk environments.
