I am a custom armor builder. I have built armor for all sorts of customers: the general public, members of Congress and VIPs. I use silicon carbide and aluminum oxide ceramics with Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight-Polyethylene (UHMWPE) backing materials designed by a number of providers. We have the internal capability to consolidate our own UHMWPE, especially with complex shapes. I use adhesives that match design and performance goals. Where a ceramic tile array (mosaic) design is used, we utilize an adhesive sheet with high elongation potential that is Made in the USA. For other performance goals and monolithic ceramic forms, we use thermal adhesives from US-friendly nations.
We specialize in custom ceramic armor made to precise measurements. However, we do offer well constructed armor at the very best price points where possible.
I started Gilliam Technical Services (GTS) after discovering that bullet resistant products were out of financial reach for most of the public. I want to make protection affordable for everyone - especially in an increasingly violent society.
In 1996, I joined the Norfolk Police Department in Virginia. I was awarded the Kit Hurst Award, Honor Graduate, several commendations and Lifesaving Medal. I also earned a Master Marksmanship award. My main duty was patrol work, but I also worked the warrant car and vice-narcotics details.
I eventually left the force to start my own aviation business (Chesapeake Bay Helicopters). For twenty years, I flew airplanes and helicopters under contract with large utility companies. During those years I earned various certifications, served as an FAA Designated Airman Examiner and Chief Pilot for 133 and 141 programs. I am an Airline Transport Pilot, Flight Instructor in airplanes and helicopters, an Advanced Ground Instructor, Instrument and have thousands of flight hours in helicopters and airplanes. Most of my time is in Hughes and MD 500D/E, Bell JetRanger 206, Schweizer 300 series and Cessna 207s. I am also a Remote Pilot for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. I have worked on energized power lines (230kV and 500kV).
Our company was the first in the world to operate helicopter based platforms equipped with LiDAR, infra-red, day TV, nadir, oblique imaging and Corona (arcing) technology simultaneously. I was one of the first members of the airborne remote sensing world as it began in the early 2000's following an electrical blackout in New England.
I attended Embry Riddle University and earned a Master's Degree in Aviation Safety. I published a research paper on aviation safety that is a popular download for research papers. The paper was published in the International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics and Aerospace and can be found: Mindspace and Development of Organizational Culture in Aviation Safety Management.
During this journey, we have continued to grow and develop Gilliam Technical Services (GTS). As I developed an eye disease called glaucoma, I chose to leave the flying behind and focus on building GTS. My family has been instrumental in our endeavor and they deserve a lot of the credit.
My interest in body armor is more than superficial. Simultaneous with my aviation years, I have been testing armor for over twenty-five years and actively building custom ceramic armor plates for over ten years. I started by having our designs built overseas with quality materials and noticed that there were potential improvements to increase performance. I have engaged in custom work for all sorts of projects throughout the years: pistol resistant belly bands for concealed handgun carry, high performance enhancements for helmets and neck protection and many other projects. We were one of the first companies to offer a "bulletproof t-shirt" back in 2014. Some of our custom work is detailed in the images below.
Here's our complete mission statement:
Performance saves lives.
Our mission is to bring affordable body armor to the public that is dependable and predictable. We accomplish this by bringing excellent ballistic materials to the most well-informed community in the body armor industry.
We match or beat the performance of the other armor brands, hands down at our price point. That's why we post every single one of our ballistic test reports.
We are now manufacturing hard armor plates in North Carolina, USA - from the best, long-standing, high quality, global materials. The bottom line is this: performance speaks for itself.
We add things others don't: crack arresting plates, adhesive between mosaic tiles to enhance multi-shot performance, wear face trauma reduction plates and other special performance enhancements. These components mean that we work with thermoplastic carbons and aramids, even some graphene. We are constantly stepping up our game and improving our product lines.
At our price points, we offer the strongest and best-performing plates on the market - without a doubt. We are also the most transparent in the industry today. We post all of our testing data related to on market armor products. You don't see this very often. Click NIJ Testing Data for our testing data from NIJ-approved labs. A better way to view the test reports is to click on the links within the product descriptions themselves so that you can view the actual .pdf files.
For more information on our supply chain, please click GTS Supply Chain.
W. Gilliam
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Listen these plates are amazing quality I’ve paid for the more known brands at a way higher price and they are literally not even as well made as these, I have absolutely zero negative things to say the shipping was fast and very well packaged and the plates stop atleast 4 rounds of 30-06 ap what’s not to love. I just hope that this company stays true to its roots the more they become known unlike other companies that raise prices and lower standards the more known they are. Highly recommend.
Ive been messaging Gilliam tactical for awhile about the armor and ive always recieved quick replies and great answers to my questions. The plates i recieved feel excellent they're lighter than ESAPIS and have more coverage. Theres a thick protective lip all the way around the edge od the plates to prevent from shattering which i appreciate because i often find myself being pretty rough with my equipment due to the nature of my job. Shipping was quick and it was well packaged
Many thanks! Your plates are edge to edge SSiC with a 2mm rubber strip along the outside plate perimeter.
I got these for my wife because she didn’t like the weight of some steel ones I got her. They’re nice and light and look great as well. Definitely confidence inspiring at a great price !!!
