The need for protection should never be overlooked. However, we understand purchasing an armored car can be a drastic change from your regular life. Depending on where you live, where you work, or what your job entails, you may feel safer with an armored vehicle. If your work or lifestyle is such that these precautions do seem necessary, your first task will be figuring out where to start. And so, for those not yet ready to invest in purpose-built armored vehicles, this should give you a good impression of what is on offer with 3 alternative protection options. Each option provides excellent all-around protection, though are most effective under certain circumstances which are outlined.
Not All Protection is Created Equal
1. Armormax Lightweight Protection
Armormax lightweight protection is the latest technology development in vehicle armoring. First developed in 1993 and improved upon since in strength and weight. Armormax panels are attached to the inside shell of a car. They prevent fragments of the outer shell from endangering those inside after an impact. Spall liners drastically increase the survival rate in the event of an attack or kidnapping through gunfire and explosions; they also have self-extinguishing properties should the threat of fire be present.
Armormax liners are ideal for heavy impact attacks such as artillery or explosives. Especially when used in combination with other protective materials (metals or ceramics), they are a wise choice for general protection.
2. Curved Resistant Vehicle Glass
The curved resistant glass is composed of incredibly tough composite sheets. They are designed to be interchangeable with most vehicles’ original glass panels and are made to be bullet resistant through the use of polycarbonate and glass, layered using polyurethane high adhesion bonding interlayers. These interlayers allow for the contraction and constriction of the component layers.
Naturally, these glass panels offer most effective protection from visible, targeted fire and blasts, while leaving the outer shell of the vehicle vulnerable.
3. RunFlat Tire Inserts i.e. Runflats
A vehicle fitted with flat tire inserts is able to travel at least as far as 50 miles at 60+ mph (depending on terrain), even with all four tires flat. The inserts work by reducing friction and heat build-up inside the tire and maintaining the structural integrity of the wheel. These inserts too offer bullet resistant protection from rifles and handguns.
Unlike the first two options, flat tire inserts are most useful in escape situations where a flat tire would otherwise be hugely detrimental.
Options:
The three options above are the most effective and viable for anyone looking to enhance the protection of their vehicle. There are, however, several other less extensive features that do warrant mention.
The first of these are electric door handles. As expected, these function as a purely defensive mechanism to prevent unwelcome entry into a vehicle. Though for a more niche purpose, they are certainly effective at what they do with the capability of feeding 120 volts directly to the handles.
The final mention, and arguably the most iconic, is the smoke screen system. Such systems adopt one of two mechanisms: they either heat oil based substances which are cooled by external air after evaporation, causing mist or simply inject diesel fuel (or appropriate alternatives) onto a hot exhaust. The result is a thick smog of smoke left in your wake to confuse your pursuers.
One piece of advice is important to remember regardless of the options you may choose to adopt: even the minimal armoring modifications to a vehicle will drastically increase its mass. The increased weight can often subsequently necessitate a new or converted chassis. However, if safety is something you want to make absolute, these options may hold your answer.
