Soldiers have worn armor to protect themselves in battle throughout history. The goal of all armor, from leather to plate, is to protect the wearer from being hurt by weapons like swords, axes, and arrows. But the issue of armor’s ability to deflect arrows persists.
The sort of armor being worn and the kind of arrow being fired will determine the answer. For instance, medieval armor frequently used chainmail as a type of protection. It was constructed of rings that fit into one other and could be woven together to form a flexible cloth. Chainmail could stop swords and axes, but it sometimes failed to stop arrows.
Chainmail has been reported to be penetrated by arrows, especially those shot from a longbow. This was because arrowheads often had a pointed tip with sharp edges that could be used to readily penetrate chainmail rings. Aside from that, an arrow’s velocity and force could easily propel it through the chainmail rings and into the soldier’s torso.
Conversely, arrows were more able to be stopped by plate armor. Plate armor was far more resistant to arrow penetration since it was made of solid metal plates that encased the body. Even plate armor, though, had its limitations. A strong longbow’s arrows may still pierce plate armor at close range, especially at weaker areas like the joints.
Modern body armor is made to be quite effective in deflecting projectiles like bullets. It’s crucial to remember that not all body armor is created equal. Body armor’s level of protection is based on the materials it is made of and the degree of certification it has acquired.
In conclusion, the kind of armor and arrow employed determine whether or not armor can stop an arrow. Plate armor was more successful at deflecting arrows than chainmail, which was not always successful. Modern body armor is made to protect against a wide range of projectiles, but it’s crucial to select the appropriate amount of protection for the given circumstance.