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→Effects and Construction
==Effects and Construction==
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 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 defence against heat and energy based damage.{{Fn|1}} Some layers commonly used include Carbon-fibre, Plasfibre and [[Thermoplas]] strips, although a number of specialised materials can be integrated in non-standard suits. 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 knees and legs are also produced. Thermal-absorbent materials, applied to reduce the thermal signature of the infantry, 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.{{Cite this}}
Flak Armour is capable of stopping a [[Stub Rifle|large calibre rifle round]] without any penetration, leaving its wearer only with a hurtful bruise but otherwise unwounded. The wearer can even be unaware of the hit until later, when the combat adrenaline wears off and the bruising sets fully in.{{Fn|3}}