Thanks to the added mass that comes with comprehensive 360-degree B6 (assault-rifle) armouring solutions, operating a bullet-resistant vehicle requires a degree of recalibration on the part of the driver. As such, SVI believes driver training is critical, particularly for those who lack experience with armoured vehicles.

“Since more and more new customers are joining the SVI family, we’re now including a full-day driver-training course with the purchase of every B6 discreet armouring package. This initiative will help new owners to better understand the capabilities of their armoured vehicles, equipping them with the skills to handle – and ultimately escape – potentially hostile situations,” says SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.

“We believe that offering a complimentary full-day driver-training course with every B6 discreet sale is an important first for the local armouring industry. It’s also yet another example – along with many others under our broader #WhySVI? campaign – of how SVI strives to cover all the needs of its clients,” adds Louw. 

BOTH THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL TRAINING

Held at SVI’s impressive Bashewa headquarters outside Pretoria, the complimentary single-day course – which is valued at R3,500 – includes a theoretical component designed chiefly to educate participants on armoured-vehicle dynamics. Thereafter, these learnings are put into practice, with drivers taking to SVI’s newly revamped test track.

Practical training is carried out in the client’s own freshly armoured vehicle, allowing them to become familiar with its dynamics in a controlled environment (including on SVI’s dedicated off-road track, should the vehicle in question be fitted with 4×4). The central theme of the programme is to help owners to first understand and then experience the impact of the extra mass on their vehicles.

“Adding somewhere in the region of 600 kg of B6 armouring components to a double-cab bakkie, for example, results in a change to the vehicle’s centre of gravity. This, in turn, has an effect on various aspects of the vehicle’s dynamic performance, each necessitating specific adjustments to driving styles,” explains Louw.

FACTORY TOUR (AND LUNCH) ALSO INCLUDED

In addition to the theoretical and practical instruction, the single-day programme includes a tour of SVI’s extensive manufacturing facility, allowing clients to witness the company’s factory processes first-hand (and indeed see the armouring components that were earlier applied to their own vehicles). Since the programme runs from 8am to 4pm, lunch is also served.

Each training group will be limited to between 3 and 9 customers, affording participants the benefit of individualised attention from SVI’s team of expert instructors, which boasts vast experience coaching private clients, security crew and even military personnel.

It’s also worth noting that SVI separately offers a comprehensive 5-day driver-training programme that comprises as many as 5 distinct modules (including a practical-training module fully accredited by SASSETA). This all-encompassing course is pitched primarily at the broader security industry, with a particular focus on the valuables-in-transit, law enforcement and mining sectors.

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The brief was for a patrol and intercept vehicle that is capable of withstanding fire from assault rifles from multiple assailants in non-permissible terrain. The vehicle had to be able to handle difficult off-road situations, cope with additional weight of equipment and be equipped to provide operators with maximum visibility for night operations. The vehicle must also be as discreet as possible and not illustrate that it is a patrol/security/armoured vehicle in anyway, while remaining robust and capable of long-term reliability.

The requirement for a discreet armoured vehicle usually requires that the vehicle is not visibly armoured from the outside. The Armormax approach though means that it must not be intrusive to any of the vehicle functions, dynamics or aesthetics as far as is reasonably practical, both on the exterior and interior. This involves the use of lightweight armouring solutions, OEM-fit ballistic glass and the retention of all original OEM panels and surfaces. The requirement for a robust vehicle capable of permanently operating in non-permissible terrain while ensuring long-term reliability often contradicts the design of a discreet armoured vehicle. The challenge with this bespoke design was to integrate both approaches to vehicle armour, whilst not diluting the strengths or nature of either approach. Our dedication to lightweight solutions has meant that the total weight of the conversion and all accessories comes in at a minimal 519 kg.

Armour specifications:

For the opaque armour fitted to the vehicle, a combination of Ramor and Armox ballistic steel sourced internationally was used for all internal areas and surfaces including the doors, pillars, firewalls, front fenders, headers and full-side overlaps. These provide B6 level protection. Importantly, no structural mounting points or load-bearing chassis elements are altered or moved in the armouring process. Floor and roof armour are made up of lightweight composite materials in line with B6 EN 1036 levels of defeat. The fuel tank is coated and sealed with Armorcote, which allows for self-sealing in the instance of penetration or damage. The battery and ECU are protected with lightweight composite material.

The B6 ballistic windscreen from Optima is an OEM-fit screen that does not appear cosmetically different to a standard windscreen. Side windows are a custom design fitted with Phoenix B6 ballistic glass integrated into a bolt-on/bolt-off frame made of ballistic steel. This option was chosen so that any maintenance required to the door internals can be carried out with ease. The standard OEM windows are retained, but are inoperable, to maintain the standard OEM appearance of the vehicle. The rear window is a custom design fitted with Phoenix B6 ballistic glass, bolted to a ballistic steel frame on a quick-release system that can be used as an escape hatch in the event of an emergency. This was chosen over the use of a roof-based escape system in the case of vehicle rollover, as the rear hatch can be used no matter the position of the rested vehicle.

The two rear doors and front passenger door have been fitted with bespoke sliding gun ports capable of accommodating the muzzle of any assault firearm and have been ergonomically positioned for an operator to comfortably discharge a weapon from inside the vehicle. These were chosen over the traditional glass-mounted round ports to keep the vehicle as discreet as possible.

Visibility:

Considering the nature of the environments these vehicles will likely operate in; due consideration was given to all possible situations that may be encountered by the operators. The following was fitted to the vehicle:

• High-powered LED light bars, mounted to a premium roof rack for the sides and rear of the vehicle, in instances where discretion is not required. This illuminates a large area around the vehicle.
• High-powered rotating spotlight mounted to the front of the roof rack at an elevated position. This spotlight is operated via a portable remote control that can be used inside or outside the vehicle and is capable of 360 degree movement to light up any specific area. It can be moved horizontally and vertically.
• White strobe lights that are hidden in the front grille and in the taillights of the vehicle where situations require a visible warning signal.
• Roof-mounted infra-red camera that can distinguish individuals from surroundings and is linked to a tablet mounted inside the vehicle. This is perfect for situations where the vehicle must not be detected, or where potential threats are not immediately visible or hidden from the rotating spotlight. This camera even allows for low-speed driving visibility in total darkness and can record incidents if required.
• These systems are all powered by a secondary battery with an integrated REDARC in-vehicle battery charger.

Communication:

The vehicle is fitted with a PA system with an integrated siren, as well as a close quarters Push To Talk system for two-way communication inside of the vehicle.

Mobility:

The vehicle is fitted with a top-of-the-range adjustable heavy-duty Old Man Emu suspension upgrade. The adjustable suspension allows for calibration and tuning to suit several specific environments and surfaces and is designed to improve stability and agility in off-road situations with a high vehicle load.

Each wheel has been fitted with a military-grade Duraflat run flat system, to prevent disbanding of the tyre from the wheel when fully deflated and allows the operator to continue driving without the wheel making contact with the road surface.

Marketing Manager Michael Broom remarks: “It is our strong belief that we have met the vehicle requirements and have successfully integrated both approaches to vehicle armour that results in a vehicle that is practical, discreet, functional and durable. This has hence provided our client with a solution that will meet its operational objectives while keeping its operators safe at all times. We do expect that potential clients in the security industry would find this vehicle incredibly versatile and appealing.”

The base vehicle for this project was the 2.0 Turbo Diesel XL 4×4 Automatic model, but the upgrade can be fitted to any Ford Ranger Double Cab, with the exception of the Raptor models due to their lower GVM. The conversion does not hamper or interfere with the standard Manufacturer warranty or service plans, such is the nature of the Ford QVM program. Even the additional fitments and accessories were sourced from other Ford QVM partners. The total cost of the package, including all the extra fitments and accessories is R1 043 478,26 excluding VAT and the base vehicle. A 3 year warranty is provided on the armouring components and workmanship.

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Vehicles require Level B6 ballistic protection against 7.62×39 mm full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds at 10 metres, and 7.62×51 mm rounds. Further, the armour must be upgradeable to STANAG Level I on all vertical sides. Vehicles must retain their standard factory appearance, with armouring concealed and discreet.

Vehicles must be fitted with 360-degree Level B6 protection, including the vehicle floor. The windshield, rear glass and side glass must be armoured to Level B6, with spall mitigation capability, but side windows must be able to slide down halfway into the door. The electrical window system must be able to sustain the weight of protective glass, and a heavy-duty window mechanism must be installed to open the windows.

All doors must be lockable to prevent outside access, with reinforced hinges to handle the weight of the armoured doors. The vehicle pillars and roof must additionally meet Level B6 protection, with the fuel tank, radiator and battery also covered with ballistic protection.

Front and rear suspension must be upgraded with heavy-duty shocks and an adjustable coil spring, with additional leaf springs if the vehicle is designed with such a system. A high-performance custom brake system must be incorporated to accommodate the additional weight, with high-performance brake pads able to sustain high heat and high-speed braking.

Vehicles must be provided with five heavy-duty rims and five heavy-duty tires with run flat capability. Further, a heavy-duty jack for the vehicle must be provided.

All ferrous metal parts must be protected against corrosion in an acceptable and suitable manner. All repairs pertaining to the armouring must be concluded within 30 days.

Several companies on the market offer discreet vehicle armouring to Level B6, notably Armormax and SVI Engineering. Both companies are recognised as a Qualified Vehicle Modifiers (QVM) by the Ford Motor Company.

The QVM programme is a global standards recognition structure that intends to gauge the ability of a final stage manufacturer to produce a consistent quality level throughout the product line, through control over the engineering, fabrication and vehicle delivery processes. The process of assessment is similar in some respects to the ISO 9001 Quality Management programme that Armormax has been certified for in the past.

Armormax has built several Ford Ranger examples in both B4 and B6 guise. Their approach to vehicle armouring of using the lightest, highest grade ballistic materials available globally means that even the B6 package on the Ranger is only fractionally heavier than B4 packages offered.

Bids close on 10 December 2024.

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