Kevlar KM2

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Kevlar KM2 is a synthetic para-aramid fiber produced by DuPont. The fiber is an evolution of the original Kevlar fiber, that first became available between 1992-1998.[1] Kevlar KM2 (705) has been replaced with Kevlar KM2+ (775), a slightly lighter and thinner material with improved strength. Their applications are otherwise the same.[2]

The following quotes summarize Kevlar KM2's properties:

"DuPont created Kevlar KM2 to achieve the performance goals defined by casualty reduction testing for the United States Department of Defense. Today it is used extensively for fragmentation protection in the U.S. military. Helmets and vests made with Kevlar KM2 provide enhanced bullet and fragmentation resistance while remaining comfortable and breathable in inhospitable climates.

Excellent thermal stability at temperature extremes, water repellency, chemical stability and resistance to petroleum products have made Kevlar KM2 an indispensable asset to the military personnel who use it every day."[3]

Various information on fabric products is available from DuPont's website with the Kevlar type used listed.[4] The website formerly had a PDF available detailing tests that proved that KM2 was "drier", "cooler", and "more flexible" than the Kevlar used in "PASGT" (Kevlar 29).[5]

Kevlar KM2 is described as being for "Bullets/Fragments" and is marketed towards military use, while Kevlar Protera is for "Bullets / Blunt Trauma" and law enforcement use.[6] This indicates that KM2 is about as advanced as Protera, but has different mechanical properties.[improper synthesis?]

Dupont reports that testing shows that KM2 can provide the same protection as earlier systems for 35% less weight.[6]

Applications / Usage

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According to Dupont, the Ranger Vest first produced in 1992 used KM2 fiber.[7] The Interceptor Vest, also used KM2.[8]

In a V50 test using a "0.22 caliber, Type 2, 17-grain fragment-simulating projectile; MIL-STD-662E", the PASGT Vest has a rating of 1650 feet per second, but the Ranger Vest has a rating of 2100 feet per second. This is extremely close to the "25%' improvement reported on the Dupont website.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "History of Kevlar". Archived from the original on 31 December 2002. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
  2. ^ Miller, Joshua E.; Davis, Bruce (Alan); McCandless, Robert J. (September 2021). "Hypervelocity Impact Study for Migration from Kevlar® KM2® 705 to KM2® Plus 775 Material property measurement and evaluation as a ballistic enhancement in Whipple shields" (PDF). ntrs.nasa.gov. Houston, TX, USA: NASA, Johnson Space Center. p. 1. NASA/TM–20210020869. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  3. ^ "Kevlar® KM2®". www2.dupont.com. Archived from the original on 2008-01-08.
  4. ^ "Military Apparel by DuPont | Military Protective Gear". www.dupont.com. DuPont. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  5. ^ "KEVLAR KM2®, Data Sheet" (PDF). www.dupont.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2003-05-14. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
  6. ^ a b "Vision and Kevlar, 341-101 position brochure" (PDF). www.dupont.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2003-08-24. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
  7. ^ a b "Life Protection, Ranger Vest". www.dupont.com. Archived from the original on 2003-10-15. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
  8. ^ "Interceptor Vest". www.dupont.com. Archived from the original on 2004-04-06. Retrieved 2025-07-23.