How Armored Cars Are Built

Ever wonder what gives an armored car its defenses? You might not know just how extreme armored vehicles can get. "The Beast," which is the US president's armored transport, is fitted with rocket propelled grenades, on-board oxygen tanks and a couple of liters of blood that matches the president's type, in case he or she needs a supplement. In addition, The Beast is about as indestructible as passenger vehicles get, thanks to all its heavy-duty materials.

While not all armored vehicles are as mean as The Beast, most are the real deal in terms of protection. There are some things that come standard on most armored cars.

Kevlar

Most armored cars are gutted of all their innards, such as wiring, seats and panels. Inside the doors and seats, manufacturers put kevlar. Kevlar is the material that is used in "bullet-proof vests" and other protective clothing. It essentially stops small objects from easily penetrating a surface. New wiring is put in place once the kevlar is in. Often, brand new seats and interior panels are installed.

Steel

Some armored cars are fitted with steel plates for extra protection. Some have modified bumpers that are made for ramming and breaking through barriers. Too much heavy material often necessitates a more rigid suspension and other parts.

Tires

Of course, all the armor and protection wouldn't be effective without tires that also stand up to bullets and other projectiles. Armored vehicles use run-flat tires. Some provide 60 miles of travel after the tires have been punctured.

Transparent Armor

Transparent armor is another way of saying "bullet-proof glass." This armor-grade glass is stronger than shatterproof glass. Even at less than an inch thick, it prevents penetration by most handguns. The thickest transparent armor panels resist the most powerful of commercially-available rounds.

Horsepower

The added weight of all the above parts doesn't improve the handling and speed of the vehicle. It's quite the opposite, of course. That's why the most powerful vehicles are chosen for armoring modification. Typically, you find the higher-powered trims of vehicles like the following examples. Alternatively, a replacement engine would be fitted.

• GMC Yukon
• Maybach 62
• Toyota Tacoma (Hilux)
• Land Rover Range Rover
• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Jeep Grand Cherokee

You may also find armored luxury and sports cars like the following:

• Porsche Panamera
• Aston Martin Vanquish
• Tesla Model S

That is how armored cars are built. What do you think? Is this technology good enough to protect you and yours?

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