The Granit series armor plates represent a cornerstone of modern Russian ballistic protection, evolving from early 2000s designs to support the transition from Soviet-era vests to the Ratnik program. Developed primarily by Russian firms like Techinkom (Saint Petersburg) and NPP KlASS, the series began with Granit-4 around 1999–2002 for the 6B13 "Zabralo" assault vest. This marked Russia's shift toward ceramic-composite hard plates for higher-threat environments, addressing fragmentation and intermediate rifle rounds (e.g., 5.45×39 mm and 7.62×39 mm) in conflicts like Chechnya.
Granit-4 was the foundational model, providing Class 4 protection (GOST standards, roughly NIJ Level III+ equivalent). It used ceramic tiles backed by composite layers (likely aramid or polyethylene) to fracture projectiles while the backing absorbs residual energy. Early versions featured single large plates for the front (and sometimes rear in upgraded configs), with sizes around 7–9 dm² (approximately 250–300 mm wide × 300–350 mm tall, though exact dimensions varied by vest fit). Weight was typically 3–3.5 kg per plate, with a multi-tile mosaic construction for flexibility and multi-hit capability.
The Granit-4M variant (introduced mid-2000s, used in 6B23-2 and similar) improved ergonomics and protection. It featured a single-curve or anatomical shape with rounded edges and upper corner cutouts (e.g., 85×50 mm notches for shoulder comfort). Dimensions commonly approximated 260×335 mm (about 10.2×13.2 inches) × 23 mm thick, with weights around 4.2 ±0.05 kg per plate in standalone configs (alumina ceramic + PE backing). The "M" upgrade enhanced tile layout for better fragmentation resistance and reduced spall. Construction involved alumina ceramic strike face (high-hardness tiles in a mosaic pattern) bonded to a composite substrate, providing multi-hit performance against AP incendiary rounds (e.g., 7.62×54R from 50–100 m).
Later evolutions (Granit-4RS, Granit Br4/Br5, and Ratnik-era Granit-5/6) refined the design further. These often split rear plates into two panels (anatomical division for better torso fit, reducing bulk and improving mobility). Front plates remained single or large, with multicurve shaping in advanced models (e.g., 10.5×12.5 inches equivalents in tests, ~19–20 mm thick). Materials stayed alumina ceramic + PE/aramid backing, with durability ratings of 45–55 hits in game/simulated contexts and penalties for weight (e.g., -1–2.5% movement speed). Side plates emerged as smaller variants (e.g., 1.3 kg, ceramic).
Overall, the Granit family prioritized cost-effective, mass-producible ceramic tech over ultra-light UHMWPE, balancing protection (up to Class 6A in heavy configs) with Russian doctrine's emphasis on frontal threats and infantry mobility. Surplus and in-game depictions (e.g., Escape from Tarkov) keep the series iconic among collectors.
