Nearly any vehicle can be armored. How much armor it can withstand depends on many factors but is typically limited by the suspension, brakes and weight capacity of the vehicle. Most armored vehicles have modified suspensions and brakes to accommodate the added weight. Some need little to no modification such as a Ford F-550 or other heavy duty trucks as they are designed to carry heavy weight. All armored vehicles at the time they are manufactured are equipped with run flat tires.
Classes of Armored Vehicles
In the US, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) rates all armor (including body armor) in 8 levels of protection known as threat levels which are Class I, IIA, II, IIIA, III, IV, V & VI. In Europe as well as many other parts of the world they are typically rated as levels B1-B7 using the Euronorm Standard EN1063 scale. Both scales are similar in how they rate protection. Armor is typically tested at ranges from 5 meters to 15 meters, depending upon the class/rating and weapon.
Class NIJ I/B1and NIJ IIA/B2 are rarely ever used in vehicle armoring. Class NIJ IIA/B2 will defeat 9mm, .38 Special and lesser rounds but will only slow down bullets from larger caliber weapons. Class NIJ II/B3 will defeat .357 Magnum rounds or lesser threats and Class NIJ IIIA/B4 will defeat .44 Magnum rounds or lesser threats. The scales start to separate at this point. Class NIJ III is capable of defeating 7.62X39 rounds from a Kalishnikov rifle at 5 meters and B5 level armor is similar. B6, B7 and NIJ IV, V, VI has similar gaps. There are charts available that are searchable on Google for more definitive ratings.
At the B6/NIJ IV level and above the armor is designed to stop some serious threats. The threats range from 7.62X51 (.308) up to 30.06 AP (Armor Piercing) and Penetrator rounds. Most sedans are rated at Level NIJ III/B4 or NIJ IV/B5 which gives adequate protection against many threats. SUV’s, trucks and Police specific Vehicles are typically armored at B6/NIJ V or better. Police/SWAT type trucks are often designed to defeat .50 caliber rounds. Vehicles with B5, B6, B7/NIJ IV, V, VI vehicles are also very resistant to explosions from road side and suicide bombs and are typically designed to defeat such threats. Environmental systems that can filter out NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) agents can also be installed on many armored vehicles.
How much does an armored vehicle weigh?
Once a vehicle has been armored its driving characteristics may change dramatically. Armor plate can weigh 1500-2500 pounds or more depending on the level of protection. In a sedan, light SUV, or light truck, the vehicle may be more prone to roll over, acceleration is greatly reduced and braking power is severely affected. In SUVs and light trucks, 2500 pounds of armor plate can meet or exceed the manufacturer’s cargo capacity.
A typical full size, four door sedan has a carrying capacity of 1000-1200 pounds. Without heavy modification to the vehicle, armor choices are limited. As a result of these changes Body Guards, Police Officers and Military personnel who operate armored vehicles are typically sent to a driving school specifically for the operation of armored vehicles.
The cost for armor plating a vehicle can be as much as the vehicle itself or even more for heavily armored vehicles. Fuel costs will be greatly increased due to the added weight as well.
Who can buy armored vehicles?
In the US, the average person typically cannot purchase an armored vehicle. You need to have a business or personal justification for an armored vehicle as well as any required permits and certifications.
In the US and Europe, companies that offer Executive protection (Body Guard) services will usually have at least one heavily armored B6/NIJ V vehicle in their fleet and may have several vehicles with lighter armor such as B4/NIJ III as well as non-armored vehicles. These vehicles are often the same model and same color. The untrained eye will not be able to tell which vehicles have armor and which do not. It is impossible to tell what level armor has been installed from outside of the vehicle and even an interior glimpse may reveal little as well.
In Africa, The Middle East and parts of South America, B6/NIJ V or better armored vehicles are the standard. The threat levels in these areas are always changing and may escalate within a matter of minutes. Bombs, assault rifles, machine guns, RPG’s and hand grenades are common threats. Many affluent people and businesses own armored vehicles in these regions to thwart kid napping and coup attempts.
It is commonplace to have a crew served weapon such as a machine gun in the rear of the vehicle to defeat assaults from the rear of the vehicle or motorcade. Gun ports can also be installed in doors and windows making it possible to fire weapons from inside of the vehicle without compromising security. Armored glass is the heaviest, strongest and most expensive part of the armor system.
What does an armored vehicle cost?
Prices for new armored vehicles range from $70,000 USD through $135,000 USD for common vehicles such as those made domestically or imported from Japan. Armor plating is typically $20,000 USD through $50,000 USD per vehicle depending on the level of armor, vehicle type and modifications needed to install the armor. High-end vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Maybach armored vehicles will be well above average prices and can exceed $350,000 USD. SWAT and Police armored trucks range from $140,000 USD through $250,000 USD.
Armored Personnel Carriers, Armored Fighting Vehicles and Main Battle Tanks used by Military and peacekeeping forces world have considerable more armor capable of defeating all small arms as well as most crew served and vehicle mounted weapons. Bombs and other incendiaries pose little to no threat to many of these vehicles.
These vehicles are only for sale to Governments, Police Agencies or Government Contractors licensed and authorized to purchase them. Many of these vehicles are amphibious, have NBC systems and night vision installed from the factory enabling the vehicles to operate in total darkness, in almost any terrain or environment. Prices for used or re-manufactured vehicles typically start in the $250,000 range and can reach in to the millions of dollars.
If you are the market for an armored vehicle I hope this has given you some idea of what you might need. If you are not in the market for an armored vehicle I hope this was informative and entertaining.
14 comments
Xii) Not reporting the exact details of the last known location of the vehicle before theft. Vehicle
Which i could have a armored camper. To expensive.
In South Africa its much needed by most of the population.
Individuals in the US can purchase and own tanks and armored vehicles. A friend of my parents owns over 80 tanks and APCs in his collection of military vehicles from WWI to present. All but a couple being restored run. The tank guns are all demilitarized. However, his APCs are all intact.
Demilled is the operative word. You will also need an import license to bring it in the country if it is not here already and permits as needed. There are collector licenses available from what I understand, but this is not your average Joes game as these things are big bucks, to buy, restore and import. The APC’s may be intact but it is against federal law for a civilian to operate a vehicle on US highways and streets with a functioning gun fixed to it regardless of ammo supply or lack of.
All military vehicles classified as weapons (tanks, APC’s) require US State Department approval unless it is demilled (with proof) and classified as a collectible vehicle. Demilled renders the vehicles useless as a weapon but may retain armored properties. Demilled usually requires the destruction of all weapons systems, electronics, radios, etc. Check your state, local and of course federal law for armored vehicles as each state is different.
Civililians can not buy Law Enforcement only armored vehicles. The manufacturers will not sell them to anyone but Police Agencies. Unless you really need one, they are too expensive to purchase/operate to drive daily. Wheres that guy live? What exactly does he have? I would love to check out his stuff. These things make me smile. 🙂
I have a good deal on remanufactured Casspirs if you can get an EUC. 🙂 955,000R/$136,000 USDish. There in Capetown too. You have to buy minimum of 5 though.
Angry, I may have a contract locked up to purchase vehicles locally, install armor kits, and ship to West Africa. Would you have any idea what permits I would need for that. I would guess an export permit???
Class NIJ II/B3 will defeat .357 Magnum rounds or lesser threats and Class NIJ IIIA/B4 will defeat .44 Magnum rounds or lesser threats. The scales start to separate at this point. Class NIJ III is capable of defeating 7.62X39 rounds from a Kalishnikov rifle at 5 meters and B5 level armor is similar.
I found your article as a very useful for me, because I just began to work for AGP only a week ago. I have wide experience about vehicle safety glazing but not in armored glass. So I hop to be writting you in the near future.
Thanks and regards
HV
2004 Ford excursion White Eddie Bauer 3000 miles ($95,000)
6.0 Turbocharged Diesel Engine
-Fully Armored/Bulletproof-B6+ Protection Level by Streit Manufacturing
-Rodgard Run Flat Tires (High Speed)
-Underbelly Armored Plated Against IED & M80 Grenade
-operable front windows
-radiator protection-
-2 gel batteries
5 new E rated tires with runflats.
Hi Mike,
Any pictures, data or contct on this 2004 Ford?
I would like to know how to go about selling an armored suburban. It’s a 2003 with about 60k miles and the front cab is entirely armored. I am in US. I just want to sell it and am looking for someone who is legally capable of purchasing the vehicle. I am not sure where or how to go about this. Would appreciate any feedback.
I want to know where to get these permits for armored cars. and why i need to ask my government for permission to buy a armored car. finding out i can not own one i found pretty upsetting. I own body armor and carry it around in my car under the back seat. i dont even drive much but i honestly think things are going to go bad soon and if not ill still be happy to own one.
It is amazing that the military has such impressive advancements like armored cars. I know that the presidents all use armored cars when traveling place to place to avoid any possible problems. I also know that the use of armored cars has helped to ensure the safety of many military lives. With these advances, it is important to make sure that they are used to protect the lives of the people.
There’s a big difference between military vehicles and civilian cars with full B7 armor: https://www.armormax.com/blog/10-myths-about-armored-cars/