For many motorists, going on the road poses very few threats other than the occasional road rage or reckless driver. However, for a select few, there is a far more significant risk on the road: that of an armed attack.
For individuals that worry about that threat regularly, thankfully there is a solution in the form of vehicle armoring. Armoring vehicles protects its occupants against aggressive threats, allowing them to survive the attack and escape to safety.
This kind of modification for a vehicle is not cheap, however it significantly improves one’s chances of survival as opposed to an unarmed vehicle.
We were fortunate enough to get a closer look at what goes into armoring a vehicle thanks to once such company, Hi-Protect Armored Cars.
Hi-Protect Armored Cars can take any vehicle bought from any showroom in the Philippines and equip it with the proper protection to survive an armed attack. They currently offer Level B4 and Level B6 protection as these are typically the most requested.
The vehicle in particular is a Level B6 bulletproof Ford Ranger pickup. The level denotes the amount of armoring it is fitted with, according to European standards. These range from Level 1 to as high as Level 8.
We’ll jump straight to Levels B4 and B6 as these offer the most significant protection to survive an attack.
Level B4 protection can withstand bullets fired from handguns. These can range from a 9 mm round to something as powerful as a bullet from a 44 Magnum.
Level B6 protection can withstand bullets from handguns as well as from larger assault rifles. These can range from .45 rounds, to 5.56, to as large as a 7.62 round from an AK47 or a .308 bullet from a sniper rifle.
As one can surmise, Level 6 is quite high on the ladder. Aside from protection for the occupants, it also includes protection for the vehicle’s vital components, run-flat tires, as well as protection from grenades and possible Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
“Normally, our clients are those who are facing a threat. They're worried they may be attacked or their kids may be kidnapped,” said Miko S. Yap, a consultant for the company.
**
*Standard windows are replaced with thicker, protective glass, while still retaining the power window functions.*
To keep the armoring discreet, it is added in between the body panels and the interior fittings. This involves removing significant parts of the vehicle, fitting the armoring, and reinstalling the external panels and interior. At Hi-Protect’s request, we won’t go into the details of the thickness of the armor or what kind of materials used. Suffice to say, it’s serious stuff that is capable of withstanding a sustained attack.
The modifications can go from 800-kg to as much as two-metric tons depending on the armoring requested. As such, Hi-Protect also installs upgrades to the suspension system and brakes in order to cope with the added weight.
**
*Vital engine components are also protected.*
Higher armor levels even add protection around vital engine components like the battery, radiator, ECU, portions of the engine, and even the fuel tank.
Even the tires aren’t spared. They’re fitted with run-flat systems inside the tire itself, to allow the vehicle to still roll even after the tire has been shot at and blown out.
All these are intended to allow the vehicle and its occupants to escape a potentially threatening situation and avoid serious injury or even death.
Despite the addition of armor, the only difference customers will notice are the thicker glass panels and reinforced frames around the windows. This is to protect passengers from weak spots around the window frames.
And of course, the vehicle will feel heavier than before. Not to worry as the beefed-up suspension and brakes are also upgraded to handle it.
**
*Despite the armoring, the Ford Ranger's spacious interior is still retained.*
Hi-Protect already has a lengthy list of repeat customers. Most of these customers come back with a newer model of their favorite armored SUV or van. They’re only too happy that the armoring was there to protect them when they needed it most. Toyota Land Cruisers and HiAces are the most frequent request, however Hi-Protect will be glad to examine and quote your vehicle if it is out of the ordinary. They’ve outfitted everything from a Mini SUV to vehicles as large as a Mini-Bus.
It might sound expensive, but isn’t your life and that of your loved ones priceless?
For more information, visit [http://www.hiprotectarmoredcars.com/](http://www.hiprotectarmoredcars.com/) or find them on Facebook.
Protection Levels


Understated Modifications
How does it work?



How much?
Is it worth it?
