a b s t r a c tThis study investigates the performance of three-dimensional (3-D) woven interlock composite plates subjected to impact loading. Low velocity (lower than 10 mÁs À1 ) impacts with highly deformable rubber impactor are addressed. Response variability is investigated by conducting several impact tests in the same conditions. The effect of mass and velocity on damage tolerance is studied by varying the impact conditions. Force-time, displacement-time and force-displacement curves are first analyzed in such various impact conditions. Secondly, damage mechanisms are highlighted through microscopic observations. The large geometrical deformation of the rubber impactor during impact leads to a loading less localized than for a hard impactor which induces a wide spread damage distribution. Comments on the relations between damage states and mass-velocity conditions are proposed.Crown