An IBAS unit is designed to provide a protective life jacket that is resistant to bullet and fragmentation attacks to a threat level required by the customer. This level can range from a 38 special to 7.62mm armour piercing rounds.

The life jacket remains fully functional after being hit and will automatically inflate within 3 seconds of total water immersion (but will not be affected by rain or water spray). All units are certified to self-right an unconscious person on to their backs in normal clothing.

The standard Kevlar or Dynema soft armour provides ballistic protection up to the British HG2 or US NIJ Level IIIA (.44 Magnum or equivalent). Armoured plate pockets are incorporated allowing an upgrade of armoured plates to counter 7.62mm NATO ball and / or armour piercing threats (equivalent to AK 47) as well as a flexible anti-stab panel. A variety of plates are available together with varying weight levels to meet customer’s particular requirements, for comfort and protection. Depending upon the degree of ballistic protection, the jacket weighs between 3.5 and 4.5 Kg (7.5 and 10 lbs).

The soft armour is sealed in a high frequency welded bag ensuring the armour remains waterproof. The armour is warranted for 5 years. The jacket can be re-armed within minutes.

Optional features include a choice of materials (flame-retardant or synthetic) and colours, integrated beacon and/or GPS antenna, additional pockets for survival gear, and concealed high visibility spray hood to ward off hypothermia.