Common Questions On Armored SUVs
Having an armored SUV probably sounds unnecessary to most people, unless you’re an important public figure. All the same, lots of people are curious as to what, exactly, the benefits of having those extra safety reinforcements are, and how they work. Executive Coach Builders answers some of the most common questions about armored vehicles.
What Kind of Protection Does It Offer?
A lot of armored SUVs and other vehicles these days have an emphasis on subtlety, using innovative designs and inventive application of it to keep security enhancements discreet and low-profile. These enhancements usually include bullet-proof glass, armored plating, and improved suspension. Depending on the design and the purpose of the armor, it can either be lightweight or a heavier-but-sturdier material.
What Is the Armor Made Of?
Bulletproof glass for windshields and windows and the armor plating for the body of the car have been refined over years of making cars, SUVs, and trucks for potentially dangerous situations.
The most commonly used bulletproof glass is made through “controlled de-lamination”, which is basically a process of layering glass and polycarbonate substrates to be strong enough to withstand the impact of a projectile like a bullet. The layering of tougher material between the glass absorbs the impact, stopping the bullet from getting through, along with keeping the glass from shattering.
The body of an armored SUV or car is usually a mounted ballistic steel, applied in a way that specifically doesn’t affect the overall ballistic integrity of the vehicle. To help with the extra weight, the doors will have three hinges added during the process. The suspension we mentioned earlier also helps with this extra weight. Heavier and tougher bumpers provide more safety, and a specific kind of tire—known as “run flat” tires—let the car or SUV drive at high speed even if the tires have blown.
Is It Harder to Drive?
You’d probably assume that, with all the added weight, it’s much harder to drive an armored SUV. This is actually half-true. Depending on the model, and how good a job has been done of enhancing it, overall acceleration and top-speed capabilities aren’t usually affected. For the same reason the armor is designed to be as robust as it is, the vehicle also needs to be able to quickly and reliably get out of a danger zone. However, the handling and cornering can be affected by the weight.
Of course, it’s hard to really determine the effects unless you’re the one behind the wheel. Every driver is different, and the level of experience with handling bigger or armored vehicles will change the way you feel about handling.
Who Needs an Armored SUV?
The most obvious answer to this question is high-powered public officials and the military, but the demand for armored vehicles—whether it’s SUVs, cars, trucks or even tanks—stretches much further. Many government workers will travel in armored vehicles for additional safety at work, high-profile celebrities will often use armored vehicles to give an added level of protection, especially at major events, and many high-powered and wealthy executives and businesspeople and even the Pope ride in armored vehicles.
If you’re looking into investing in a secure armored SUV, Executive Coach Builders has the expertise you need.