Armored Vehicles
Body Closures
Body Protection
WARNING: The weight of the armored components fitted to the vehicle are far in excess of those fitted to the standard vehicle. As an example, the windshield weighs approximately 100 Kg (220 lb). Therefore, always be aware of the weight of components and have suitable lifting equipment available before attempting to remove any component from the vehicle.
Body Shell
armored cell
The vehicle passengers are protected by a steel armored cell assembled inside the vehicle's bodywork. The cell provides armored protection to the following areas of the vehicle:
- Bulkhead
- Roof
- Rear three-quarter panels
- 'A' posts
- 'B/C' posts
- 'D' posts
- Sills
- Floor pan
In addition to the floor pan armor, floor protection is also provided by a woven Kevlar blanket, available as an optional fit.
armored cell in position
Doors and Tailgate
The vehicle's doors are reinforced with steel armor, with the exception of the tailgate which remains standard. The armored cell offers rear-end protection to the vehicle's occupants with the option of either:
- a solid armored rear end with armored window; or
- an armored rear access with armored window.
armored cell rear-access
* For additional information, refer to Glass, Frames and Mechanisms
The armored access option replicates the vehicle's tailgate by having upper and lower access panels. The access panels can be opened manually both internally and externally if the dead-locks are in the unlocked position. Gas struts fitted to the access panels aid their opening and reduce involuntary shutting.
Tailgate interior release button
A release button fitted to the interior of the vehicle's upper standard tailgate provides access to the tailgate from inside the vehicle. The release button is a momentary type switch, wired in parallel to the standard release switch on the exterior tailgate handle.
The door hinges, spindles and door stop mechanisms, on the driver and passenger doors are reinforced to support the additional weight of the armor. Gas struts have been fitted to aid door opening and reduce involuntary shutting.
CAUTION: It is recommended that the driver and passenger doors are not opened until the vehicle has come to a complete stop. The combined effect of the vehicle's residual speed and the weight of the door could overcome the door stop mechanism.