SCHERM car armour FAQ's

If you like the idea of owning SCHERM detachable car armour and you have a question not answered in the SCHERM Technical Specifications (PDF), we address common questions in the SCHERM FAQ's below. If not covered, please chat to us:

Who is the SCHERM intended for?

The SCHERM was developed with the needs of CPF members in mind where conventional armoured vehicles are not an option. The requirement was for some form of affordable bullet resistant barrier rated for 9 mm Parabellum that could be attached to any vehicle and moved from one vehicle to another, without affecting vehicle warranty. The SCHERM in its current form meets these requirements, but with a higher bullet resistant rating (357 Magnum or 44 Magnum handgun).

The SCHERM solution finds application for any standard vehicle where vehicle occupants may be at risk from firearm attack and there is need for some form of adaptable protection. Amongst others this includes other volunteer crime prevention organisations, the farming community, security industry and emergency service vehicles.

The SCHERM also lends itself to any situation requiring a lightweight bullet resistant barrier to provide protection against firearm attack up to 44 Magnum handgun capability.

Where is the SCHERM fitted?

In its primary application, the SCHERM is designed to be suspended inside the cab of vehicles, resting relatively loosely against door panels, door posts and seat backs.

How is the SCHERM attached to the vehicle?

In the standard configuration, the SCHERM door and door post panels are attached at top and bottom with adhesive Velcro®, but any other option that is preferred by the customer can be specified/employed. It must however have sufficient strength to hold the SCHERM in place under the impact of bullets fired at it. The vehicle seat SCHERM is simply draped over the head rest at the top and tied at the bottom with webbing and Velcro®.

Does the SCHERM afford full protection?

The SCHERM cannot provide protection around an entire vehicle. Windows and other areas without a SCHERM, for example, are unprotected. The intention with the SCHERM is to protect the areas at highest risk when a fully armoured vehicle is not a practical or economic proposition. Generally this is considered to be the door adjacent to the driver's body from window height down to seat level, the door post, the seat back and head rest.

Can I get a SCHERM panel in other sizes for other applications?

Yes – SCHERM panels can be made up in sizes to suit other customer requirements within the certified ballistic ratings.

Can I get a SCHERM with different carrier material?

The ballistic certification has been obtained with a particular carrier material that cannot be changed. However, nothing prevents an additional outer cover being fitted according to preference.

More SCHERM FAQ's

What is the NIJ rating on the SCHERM?

NIJ ratings apply to body armour only. Since the SCHERM is not intended to be used as body armour it does not have an NIJ rating.

What is the SCHERM ballistic rating?

The SCHERM is available in two ratings:

• SCHERM 3000 Series: Up to 9mm Parabellum and 357 Magnum handgun
• SCHERM 4000 Series: Up to 44 Magnum handgun.

Can I raise the ballistic rating with a ballistic backing plate?

No. This will not improve the rating. In fact it may impair performance. On the other hand a supplementary barrier before the SCHERM can be expected to improve the rating.

Can I get a SCHERM with different ballistic rating?

Other ballistic ratings can be considered for development if the volumes justify the R&D and set up costs.

How is the SCHERM tested and certified?

The SCHERM has been tested in a SANAS certified ballistic laboratory and classified according to EN1522 (Bullet Resistant Doors, Windows, Shutters, Blinds and other forms of Bullet Resistant Barrier) as follows:

• Class FB2+FB3 (up to 9mm Parabellum and 357 Magnum handgun, 3 shots each calibre fired at one test sample, all bullets fully stopped)
• Class FB4 (up to 44 Magnum handgun, 3 shots fully stopped).

To pass these tests, multiple bullets fired directly at the test object must be fully stopped. For this test deformation of the barrier is not a criterion. To see the actual testing parameters employed, please refer to the SCHERM Technical Specifications (PDF)

What is the warranty on the SCHERM?

The carrier has a two year warranty and the ballistic core five years. The ballistic core warranty is extendable to 10 years subject to inspection after the initial 5 year period. The SCHERM manufacturer's warranty covers any defect in materials or workmanship from the date of purchase by the original purchaser. The usual T&C's apply (not subject to abuse, etc.) and are detailed in the SCHERM Warranty statement