Bulletproof Glass — Type 54 Pistol Resistant (GA165 / ≈ EN1063 BR2-3)
Description
Bulletproof glass Level 2 is a multi-layer ballistic composite glass engineered to defeat steel-core handgun rounds, including the Type 54 service pistol, at point-blank to short range. Specifically, the 23 mm composite consists of 8 mm tempered glass + TPU + 8 mm tempered glass + TPU + 5 mm polycarbonate, laminated under controlled heat and pressure. Lumiglas certifies the assembly to GA165-2016 Level 2 — the Chinese national bulletproof glass standard issued by the Ministry of Public Security. Therefore, the glass stops a Type 54 7.62mm steel-core bullet traveling at 420–440 m/s with a kinetic energy of approximately 984 J.
Because the GA165-2016 test cartridge for Level 2 delivers higher kinetic energy than the equivalent European EN1063 BR2 test round, FDCL-2B-23 glass exceeds the kinetic energy threshold of EN1063 BR2 (640 J) by 54%. However, EN1063 uses different cartridge types and verification protocols. As a result, where formal EN1063, UL752 or NIJ certification is required, Lumiglas arranges supplementary testing on customer request using the corresponding standard ammunition.
Level 2 bulletproof glass — quick facts
- Model: FDCL-2B-23-LMX-I
- GA165-2016 level: Level 2 (Chinese national standard)
- Threat defeated: Type 54 7.62mm pistol with steel-core bullet, 5.56–5.69 g at 420–440 m/s (~984 J)
- Kinetic energy rating: ~984 J
- Equivalent EN1063 level (by kinetic energy): BR2 (kinetic energy exceeds BR2 by 54%)
- Nominal thickness: ~23.54 mm
- Weight: 45 kg/m²
- Visible light transmittance: > 78%
- Configuration: 8 mm glass + TPU + 8 mm glass + TPU + 5 mm PC
- Standards: GA165-2016 · ISO 9001:2015 · GJB 9001C:2017 · EJ/T 9001:2014
Composite layer construction
Lumiglas bulletproof composite glass uses a multi-layer lamination of impact-resistant polycarbonate (PC) sheets, TPU interlayers and tempered glass. Specifically, the strike face is glass, which shatters and dissipates the bullet’s initial energy. The TPU interlayer absorbs fragments. The PC layer is the actual ballistic stop — it deforms plastically and captures the bullet. Moreover, the cycle repeats through multiple layers for higher-level protection. The final layer facing the protected side is polycarbonate, which prevents back-face spall (glass fragments flying toward the protected person).
| Layer # | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 — Strike face | 8 mm tempered glass | Initial bullet shatter, primary energy dissipation |
| 2 | 1.27 mm TPU interlayer | Fragment containment |
| 3 | 8 mm tempered glass | Secondary bullet deformation |
| 4 | 1.27 mm TPU interlayer | Spall absorption |
| 5 — Protected face | 5 mm polycarbonate (PC) | Final ballistic stop, spall prevention |
⚠ Installation orientation: The glass face MUST face the threat side (outside / strike face). The polycarbonate face must face the protected side. Reversed installation will fail at the first hit.
Cross-standard performance comparison
Different countries use different ballistic standards. The table below maps the Lumiglas FDCL-2B-23 performance to the major international standards. Levels are calculated by comparing kinetic energy at impact, since this is the dominant physical variable determining glass penetration resistance.
| Standard | Equivalent level | Test cartridge | Kinetic energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| GA165-2016 (China) — certified | Level 2 | Type 54 7.62mm steel-core, 5.56–5.69 g at 420–440 m/s | 984 J |
| EN1063 (Europe) — equivalent | BR2 (kinetic energy exceeds BR2 by 54%) | 9mm Luger FMJ, 8 g at 400 m/s | 640 J |
| UL752 (USA) — equivalent | UL752 Level 1-2 | 9mm FMJ | 512–800 J |
| NIJ 0108.01 — equivalent | NIJ IIA-II | 9mm / .357 Magnum FMJ | 441–700 J |
Equivalent levels are calculated by kinetic energy mapping. Formal EN1063, UL752 and NIJ certification testing using the corresponding standard ammunition is available on customer request — please specify the required standard when ordering.
Independent test report
FDCL-2B-23 has been independently tested and certified to GA165-2016 Level 2. The complete test report — issued under the Chinese national bulletproof glass standard — documents the cartridge type, velocity at impact, witness panel results and pass/fail determination per ballistic event. Therefore, customers can verify the certification with full forensic detail.
📄 Test report (Chinese, original): Download GA165-2016 Level 2 test certificate (PDF)
English summary translation available on request. Original Chinese certificate carries the issuing authority’s seal and is the legal record.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model designation | FDCL-2B-23-LMX-I |
| Executive standard | GA165-2016 Level 2 |
| Threat defeated | Type 54 7.62mm pistol with steel-core bullet, 5.56–5.69 g at 420–440 m/s (~984 J) |
| Test cartridge mass | 5.56–5.69 g |
| Test impact velocity | 420–440 m/s |
| Kinetic energy at impact | 984 J |
| Nominal thickness | 23.54 mm |
| Areal density (weight) | 45 kg/m² |
| Visible light transmittance | > 78% |
| Configuration | 8 mm glass + TPU + 8 mm glass + TPU + 5 mm PC |
| Strike face material | Tempered float glass |
| Protected face material | Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Interlayer material | Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), 1.27 mm per layer |
| Standard sizes | Up to 2400 × 1600 mm — custom sizes available |
Typical applications
Level 2 bulletproof glass suits applications where the credible threat is steel-core pistol rounds typical of military and police service handguns. Specifically, the most common installations include:
- Bank Vaults
- Police Stations
- Court Buildings
- Government Offices
- Police Riot Vehicles
- VIP Residences
- Bank vault and high-security teller stations — Level 2 is the standard for premium banking applications where the credible threat includes service-issue police and military pistols.
- Police station counter and interview rooms — Front-line police facilities specify Level 2 minimum for officer protection during public interaction.
- Court buildings and judicial facilities — Witness boxes, judge benches and prisoner holding areas typically use Level 2 or higher.
- Government and embassy lobby glazing — Public-access entrances of diplomatic and government buildings against pistol-armed intrusion threats.
- VIP residence and executive office glazing — Private high-security residences and executive offices where the threat profile includes targeted handgun assault.
Engineering and specification notes
Why kinetic energy matters more than caliber
Two cartridges of the same caliber can have very different penetration capability — what matters is kinetic energy at impact, calculated as E = ½ × m × v². For example, a 7.62 mm pistol round and a 7.62 mm rifle round share the same diameter but the rifle round delivers approximately 4 times the kinetic energy because the velocity is higher. Therefore, specification by caliber alone is insufficient. Lumiglas product levels are matched to specific cartridge + velocity combinations as defined by GA165-2016.
Frame and mounting considerations
Bulletproof glass performance depends on proper frame mounting as much as on the glass itself. The frame must hold the glass on all four edges with adequate bite depth (typically 25 mm minimum for Level 2). Moreover, the frame material must transfer impact load to the surrounding structure without flexing. Lumiglas provides frame specification recommendations on request — submit your installation drawing for project-specific engineering review.
Weight and structural load
At 45 kg/m², a 1 m² panel of FDCL-2B-23 weighs approximately 45 kg. Therefore, structural support — including frame, anchor bolts and the surrounding wall or vehicle body — must be designed for this load. For window retrofits, confirm the supporting structure capacity before specification.
About Lumiglas — bulletproof glass manufacturer
Lumistar Special Glass Technology Co., Ltd. (Lumiglas® brand) manufactures the complete GA165-2016 bulletproof composite glass range from Level 1 through Level 6, plus blast-resistant glass to GA667-2020. Our portfolio also covers industrial sight glass, glass-ceramic IGUs, sapphire and quartz viewports. Furthermore, we hold ISO 9001:2015 (Bureau Veritas), GJB 9001C:2017 (Chinese military quality system) and EJ/T 9001:2014 (Chinese nuclear quality system) certifications — therefore meeting the documentation requirements of defence, police, government and high-security private clients worldwide. See our certifications page for current third-party records.
Frequently asked questions
Standard and certification
What is GA165-2016 Level 2?
GA165-2016 is the Chinese national bulletproof glass standard, issued by the Ministry of Public Security. Level 2 specifies resistance to Type 54 7.62mm pistol with steel-core bullet, 5.56–5.69 g at 420–440 m/s (~984 J kinetic energy). To pass certification, the glass must stop the bullet with no penetration and no back-face spall fragments.
How does GA165 Level 2 compare to EN1063 BR2?
The kinetic energy at impact for GA165 Level 2 is 984 J, which is 54% higher than the EN1063 BR2 reference of 640 J. Therefore, FDCL-2B-23 glass meets or exceeds the EN1063 BR2 kinetic energy threshold. However, EN1063 certification requires testing with EN-specified cartridges. As a result, formal EN1063 certification testing is available on customer request.
Can you provide EN1063 / UL752 / NIJ certification?
Yes. Lumiglas arranges supplementary ballistic testing under EN1063 (Europe), UL752 (USA) or NIJ 0108.01 (USA) standards using the corresponding standard ammunition. The supplementary testing typically takes 4–6 weeks from order and is charged at cost. Submit your project specification and preferred standard when enquiring.
Construction and performance
Why is the bulletproof glass composite, not solid glass?
Solid glass cannot stop high-energy projectiles — it simply shatters and the bullet continues through. Composite bulletproof glass uses alternating layers of tempered glass (which shatters and dissipates initial bullet energy), TPU interlayer (which absorbs glass fragments and slows the bullet) and polycarbonate (which deforms plastically and captures the bullet). Therefore, each material contributes a different physical mechanism. Moreover, the polycarbonate face on the protected side prevents back-face spall — glass fragments flying toward the person being protected.
Which side faces the threat?
The glass face (marked at the factory) must face the threat side — outside, exterior, or strike face. The polycarbonate face must face the protected side — interior, secure room or operator position. Reversed installation will fail at the first impact because the polycarbonate cannot shatter the bullet on initial contact. Confirm orientation with the strike-face label before final mounting.
Does the glass stay transparent after impact?
After a successful stop, the impact zone shows visible damage — typically a cratered, opaque region of approximately 100 mm diameter around the impact point. However, the remaining viewing area stays transparent. Multiple hits in the same general area can compromise structural integrity, so a damaged panel should be replaced after a ballistic event for continued protection.
Sizing and ordering
What sizes can Lumiglas produce?
Standard panel sizes run up to 2400 × 1600 mm. Smaller panels for vehicle windows, control room glazing or vault doors are produced from the same composite stack. Custom shapes — including curved, cut-corner and small viewing apertures — are available on request. Provide a dimensioned drawing with the required frame mounting detail for a project-specific quote.
What is the lead time?
Standard Level 2 panels in stock dimensions ship in 2–3 weeks. Custom sizes or quantities above standard production run typically require 4–6 weeks. For projects requiring supplementary EN1063 / UL752 / NIJ testing, add 4–6 weeks for the testing protocol. Contact us with your project schedule for confirmed delivery dates.
What information do I need to provide for a quote?
Provide: (1) the required protection level — GA165, EN1063, UL752 or NIJ; (2) panel dimensions or full window drawing; (3) installation type — fixed window, vehicle, door, viewing aperture; (4) frame material and mounting detail if known; (5) quantity required; (6) destination country for export documentation. Photos of the installation location help our engineers verify mounting feasibility.
Sources and references
- GA165-2016 — Chinese national bulletproof glass standard, issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.
- EN1063:1999 — European standard for security glazing — testing and classification of resistance against bullet attack.
- UL 752 — Standard for Bullet-Resisting Equipment, Underwriters Laboratories.
- NIJ Standard 0108.01 — Ballistic Resistant Protective Materials, US National Institute of Justice.
- Lumiglas FDCL-2B-23 test certificate (Chinese, original): Download PDF
- Lumiglas bulletproof composite glass catalogue: Download technical brochure (PDF)
Compare other bulletproof glass levels
- Level 1B — Lead-core handgun resistant (GA165 / ≈ BR1)
- Level 3B — Submachine gun resistant (GA165 / ≈ BR3-4)
- Level 4B — AK47 / M16 rifle resistant (GA165 / ≈ BR5-6)
- Level 5B — 7.62 sniper resistant (GA165 / ≈ BR6)
- Level 6B — Armor-piercing sniper resistant (GA165 / ≈ BR7)
- Bulletproof glass guide — Understanding ballistic standards, levels and selection
Downloads & quotation
Download the complete bulletproof composite glass brochure, or send your project specification, dimensions and required protection standard for a direct quotation.
