All about “commercial” Armored vehicles
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עברית (Hebrew)
In conflict zones or territories where there is a threat of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) or shooting, travel in armored vehicles is the only natural means of facing these threats. A dilemma usually results when measurements must be made to determine the level of threat and to adapt the capabilities of the vehicle in order to match them. This dilemma requires considerable ingenuity when adjusting the performance of the vehicles and the level of armor.
Over the years specialists have worked to protect ‘civil profile’ types of vehicles. This terminology and jargon is very important since the meaning behind it is the camouflaging of the vehicle in order to protect it by making it look like a perfectly normal vehicle outwardly. Normal vehicles in appearance do not ‘invite’ threats.
The protection parameters of such vehicles are normally divided between passive and active protection. Measures and capabilities may vary widely, starting from a vehicles capability of masking itself with a smoke screen during an attack scenario, through the use of blocking and jamming in order to disrupt frequencies. In addition automatic fire extinguishing systems, speech and public address systems, as well as the use of lighter composite materials as a worthy substitute to heavy steels may also be installed.
To overcome the limitations of weight and to maintain the vehicle’s capabilities, different upgrades may result from changes to the original automotive systems, such as, suspension, brakes, stabilizing rods, and further improvements in the propulsion provided by the vehicles drive train. Armored vehicle floor carpeting may be installed for ballistic protection, carpeting designed from composite materials to provide a good protection level against the penetration of shrapnel through the floor of the vehicle. Armored vehicles are also generally equipped with tires and rims for high weight loads, as well as ‘RUN FLAT’ capability to allow for fast escape in case of a flat tire during an attack.
The clientele who use armored vehicles are varied and interesting ranging from senior government officials such as presidents, ministers, ambassadors and diplomats. Other users of these vehicles can include Special Forces such as different security units, various branches of UN officials, police units, couriers carrying money and diamonds, as well as wealthy international leaders, businessmen, among others.
Over the years, stringent protection standards have been issued mostly of European origin, which require that vehicles be examined under live fire and IEDs blast. Although there is no such thing as 100% protection, the aim of these standards is to get as close to the maximum possible level of protection as possible. The top manufacturers of vehicle protection systems in the world are indeed very close to being there.
By Eyal Avidov, Bastion Vehicles
Armored and modification task vehicles
