Since the advent of aromatic polymides (aramids), most widely known by the brand name Kevlar^® first produced by DuPont™ in 1965, there has been virtually no change to the ballistic materials used in soft and hard body armor. Plenty of innovative ways to combine materials and make them stronger have been implemented, but the basic ballistic material itself has not changed. These plastic fibers or aramids are 5 times stronger than steel, and in the last 40 years no one has been able to develop a product to replace or work as effectively as an aramid.

However, scientists at BAE Systems have been testing a ‘shear-thickening’ liquid which has been combined with Kevlar fibers to create bullet-resistant materials. Some preliminary tests have shown this liquid armor can in fact stop bullets.

The liquid reacts upon impact creating what the BAE scientists are calling ‘bullet-proof custard’ which could ultimately be used to make much lighter, more flexible and more effective ballistic materials for tomorrow’s soldiers.

From the BAE Systems press release, "The team at BAE Systems is considering applications of the technology beyond the military. Stewart Penney said: “In addition to increasing the ballistic performance of combat body armor there is potential for developing a version that could be of interest to police forces and ambulance crews.” Video of the ball bearing-shaped bullet fired into the bullet-proof materials is available on a related article through the BBC.