{{Armour Series}}'''Flak armour''' is among the most basic forms of armour in common use by the galaxy[[Imperium]]. It is a relatively primitive form of armour, used most commonly by [[Imperial]] forces.

==Effects and Construction==[[File:GuardsmanArt.jpg|thumb|right|230px|[[Guardsmen]] in Flak Armour{{Fn|2}}]]Flak armour consists of multiple layers of different ablative and impact absorbent materials designed primarily to deflect or absorb the majority of the force from a shot or blow. It is meant to provide defense defence against low-velocity, dispersed damage, such as explosions, shrapnel and ricochet material, rather than to protect against a direct impact, in which case the armour's protection is almost negligiblepoor. The ablative characteristics of the armour provide further defense defence against heat and energy based damage. {{Fn|1}} Some layers commonly used include Carboncarbon-fibre, Plasfibre plasfibre and [[Thermoplasthermoplas]] strips, although a number of specialised materials can be integrated in non-standard suits. The [[Most guardsmen wear flak armour, a cheaply produced, lightweight armour vest provided en-masse to Imperial Guard]]units. A flak vest consists of a skeleton of lightweight, flexible metal. This skeleton is then wrapped in multiple layers of a high-tensile fabric that is the main protective component of the armour. After multiple layers of fabric are affixed to the skeleton, the vest is given its toughened outer shell. The same principle is used in the production of Guardsman helmets and bracers. Guards for example, will occasionally layer flak armour with thermalknees and legs are also produced. Thermal-absorbent materials, applied to reduce the thermal signature of the infantry, helping help with staying invisible during night recon missions. Rarer still, [[Cameleoline]] is incorporated into the outermost layer of some Imperial Guard Regiments' fatigues providing yet more concealment.{{Fn|4}}

Although it Flak Armour is capable of stopping a relatively ineffective armour, it is incredibly cheap and easy to make[[Stub Rifle|large calibre rifle round]] without any penetration, requiring leaving its wearer only with a very low technology basehurtful bruise but otherwise unwounded. The wearer can even be unaware of the hit until later, putting it among when the combat adrenaline wears off and the most popular bruising sets fully in the galaxy with a variety of races.{{Fn|3}}

Although it is a relatively ineffective armour, it is incredibly cheap and easy to make, requiring only a very low technology base, putting it among the most popular in the galaxy with a variety of races.{{Fn|4}} ==Effects and Distribution==Among the fighting forces of the [[Imperium]], flak armour is mainly used by the Imperial Guard, [[PDF]]s and [[Imperial Navy|Navy]], but is also common among other races such as the [[Ork]]s, and up until their demise, the [[Squat]]s. Due to the vast numbers of groups that use flak armour there is no standard appearance for it, and different Imperial Guard regiments often have different styles of armour tailored to their own environments and culture. The [[Cadian Shock Troopers]] for example use the most standard pattern of Imperial Flak Armour, tight fitting jackets or tabards with armoured helmets, whereas the [[Valhallan Ice Warriors]] incorporate it as a large overcoat into their uniform to also protect from the biting cold of their home [[Valhalla|planet]]. Ultimately, they all have the same effect in battle, and the design mainly depends on where the forces will be fighting and the traditions of that army.{{Cite Marker End}} The [[Boarding Armour]] of [[Imperial Navy]] [[Voidsmen]] includes full Flak Armour, with some [[Carapace Armour]] plating to the front and a full faceplate.{{Fn|5}} ==See also==*[[Armour]]

*{{Endn|1}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 : Rogue Trader]], pg. 114*{{Endn|2}}: [[The Art of Warhammer 40,000]], pg. 72*{{Endn|3}}: [[Straight Silver (Novel)]] — [[The Saint (Omnibus)]], Chapter Three*{{Endn|4}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Wargear(2nd Edition)]], pg. 66*{{Endn|5}}: [[Dark Heresy: The Inquisitor's Handbook]], both editionspg. 164

==Related ArticlesUncited=={{Uncited}}*[[ArmourWarhammer 40,000: Wargear (4th Edition)]], {{Cite Marker End}}