Armored Cars vs Armor-Piercing Rounds: A Detailed Analysis

Apr 17
19:16

2024

Scott Van Der Veer

Scott Van Der Veer

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In the high-stakes world of security, armored vehicles play a pivotal role in safeguarding lives against severe threats, including armor-piercing rounds. The process of transforming a standard vehicle into a fortified fortress is both an art and a science, involving meticulous craftsmanship, advanced engineering, and substantial financial investment.

The Art of Armoring: More Than Just Metal

Armored vehicles,Armored Cars vs Armor-Piercing Rounds: A Detailed Analysis Articles often associated with presidential fleets or high-security personnel, require extensive modification to withstand attacks. The transformation process begins by stripping the vehicle down to its frame. This is essential to integrate advanced armor in critical areas such as the floor, which is reinforced to protect against grenades and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the roof, designed to shield against rooftop attacks.

Key Modifications Include:

  • Reinforcement of Side Pillars and Door Hinges: To support the additional weight from steel plating and bullet-resistant glass.
  • Installation of Bullet-Resistant Glass: Typically around 68 to 70 mm thick, nearly 3 inches, to provide robust protection against gunfire.
  • Upgraded Suspension Systems: Including heavy-duty springs, shocks, and brakes to handle the increased load.

The technicians responsible for these modifications are highly skilled mechanics who meticulously reassemble the vehicle to factory standards, ensuring that the armored car retains the appearance and functionality of a standard model while offering maximum protection.

Understanding Ballistic Standards and Protection Levels

When selecting the appropriate level of armoring, one must consider the potential threats. The armoring standards are primarily divided into two categories: American and European.

Ballistic Protection Levels:

  • American Standards: Range from Level I to IV+, with Level IV necessary for stopping armor-piercing rounds like the 7.62 X 51 AP rounds from rifles such as the AK-47 or SKS.
  • European Standards: Classified from B2 to B7+, with B7 required for equivalent threats.

The choice between B6 and B7 levels, for instance, involves upgrading the steel thickness from about a quarter of an inch to half an inch. This seemingly minor increase significantly impacts the vehicle's weight and necessitates further modifications to the vehicle's handling capabilities.

Additional Protective Measures

Beyond ballistic threats, armored vehicles can also be equipped to handle other forms of attacks, such as chemical threats. Vehicles can be fitted with positive pressure systems to create a higher pressure inside than outside, effectively preventing the ingress of contaminants like mustard gas.

Customization Options:

Armored vehicles can be customized with various security features seen in films like James Bond, catering to the specific needs and preferences of the user. The only limit is budget, as these enhancements come at a significant cost.

In Conclusion

The creation of an armored vehicle capable of withstanding armor-piercing rounds is a complex, costly, and highly specialized process. It involves not only the integration of advanced materials and technologies but also a deep understanding of the threats the vehicle's occupants might face. For those at the highest risk, the investment in such a vehicle is not just a matter of security but of necessity.

For further reading on the standards of ballistic protection, visit the National Institute of Justice or the European Committee for Standardization.

This detailed exploration into the world of armored vehicles reveals the intricate balance between robust protection and practical vehicular design, ensuring safety without compromising on mobility or aesthetics.