SVI Engineering, leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, is pleased to announce the availability of a new Ford-backed B6 discreet armouring package for the Ranger Raptor, a derivative previously approved only for B4 (handgun) protection.
Arriving as South Africa’s first Ford-approved assault-rifle protection package for the high-performance Ranger Raptor, SVI’s B6 armouring solution is the result of a rigorous development process that included measures to increase this halo derivative’s gross vehicle mass (GVM).
“Since the Raptor’s special FOX suspension system results in a lower payload compared to other Ranger derivatives, this model was initially deemed unsuitable to handle the extra mass that comes with full assault-rifle protection. The technical solution, of course, is to increase the Raptor’s GVM, a process we’ve now successfully completed with the full blessing of Ford,” explains SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.
GVM UPGRADE OPENS DOOR TO B6 ARMOUR
As standard, the Ranger Raptor’s GVM is 3 130 kg, while its official payload is listed as 670 kg. However, in consultation with both Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and FOX’s suspension experts, SVI set about safely increasing these figures, ultimately paving the way for B6 armour.
In the end, the Ford-ratified solution – backed by official brake testing – sees the Raptor’s all-important, derivative-defining 2.5-inch FOX live-valve internal bypass shock absorbers retained, though these items now operate in conjunction with suitably uprated springs.
Thanks largely to the latter, the Raptor’s GVM rises to 3 499 kg (still allowing drivers to operate the converted vehicle on standard “Code B” driver’s licence in South Africa), which in turn increases the payload to 1 039 kg. And that, of course, opens the door to full B6 armour.
SVI’s B6 DISCREET PACKAGE FOR RAPTOR
The concealed B6 package for the Ranger Raptor represents the highest grade of civilian armour allowed in South Africa without a special permit. This 360-degree solution affords occupants of the V6-powered bakkie comprehensive protection against assault rifles, including AK47, R1 and R5.
Materials used include 38 mm armoured glass curved to OEM specification, along with precisely cut high-grade armoured steel plates. Full firewall and footwell protection are included, while careful overlapping of materials serves to minimise ballistic gaps.
The Raptor’s entire passenger cell thus boasts coverage, including all pillars, all doors and all windows, while critical under-bonnet components (such as the battery and ABS unit) are also protected. The added mass of the B6 armouring components is no match for this flagship Ranger derivative’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, which churns out a whopping 292 kW and 583 Nm.
FULLY BACKED UNDER FPC PROGRAMME
This exciting project was made possible by the fact SVI is approved under the Ford Pro Convertor (FPC) programme, previously known as the Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) initiative. SVI’s long-standing relationship with Ford dates back to an armouring collaboration that centred on the previous-generation Ranger.
Today, the Bashewa-based armouring company offers not only various levels of Ford-endorsed bullet-resistant protection for the Ranger – including a semi-discreet B6 Stopgun V3.0 kit aimed at the security industry – but also several packages for the Everest SUV.
As is the case with these products, SVI’s FPC status means the B6-converted Ranger Raptor’s warranty and any selected service or maintenance plans remain intact. Moreover, the entire package – including the purchase price of the base vehicle and the cost of the armour – can be financed via Ford Credit through any Blue Oval dealership in South Africa.
COST AND BUILD TIME
The 360-degree B6 discreet armouring solution for the Ford Ranger Raptor is priced from R891,735 (excluding VAT). Of course, SVI still offers the previously available B4 discreet package, which protects against handguns (up to .44 Magnum) and is priced from R588,730 (excluding VAT), as well as the innovative new “SVI LITE” B2 partial armouring solution (R64,950 ex VAT per closure).
The project build time for both the B4 discreet kit and the new B6 discreet package is set at approximately three months, with the list of options including items such as roof armour, a PA system and imported heavy-duty runflat rings for the tyres. Meanwhile, installation of the “SVI LITE” partial armouring solution takes just two weeks.
- “SVI LITE” B2 partial armour – R64,950 (ex VAT) per closure
- 360-degree B4 discreet armour – R588,730 (ex VAT)
- 360-degree B6 discreet armour – R891,735 (ex VAT)
*figures exclude VAT and the purchase price of the base vehicle
THE COMPANY
SVI is an original equipment manufacturer that has specialised in armoured vehicles since 2004. The company is a market leader in Africa, serving the private, corporate, security, mining and governmental segments. SVI holds a Level 2 B-BBEE certification and its quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015 by TÜV Rheinland.
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