South African armoured products manufacturer SVI Engineering has announced 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 says its 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.

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 says it set about safely increasing these figures, ultimately paving the way for the B6 armour.

In the end, the company explains that 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, SVI says 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, which the company says opens the door to full B6 armour.

B6 PACKAGE

SVI notes that the concealed B6 package for the Ranger Raptor represents the highest grade of civilian armour allowed in South Africa without a special permit.

The company says this 360° solution affords occupants of the V6-powered bakkie comprehensive protection against assault rifles, including AK47s, R1s and R5s.

Materials used include 38 mm armoured glass curved to original-equipment manufacturer 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.

SVI says 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 l V6 petrol engine, which churns out a whopping 292 kW and 583 Nm,” the company says.

This project was made possible because SVI is approved under the Ford Pro Convertor (FPC) programme, previously known as the Qualified Vehicle Modifier initiative.

SVI explains that its long-standing relationship with Ford dates back to an armouring collaboration that centred on the previous-generation Ranger.

The 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 sports-utility vehicle.

As is the case with these products, SVI says its 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 through Ford Credit through any Blue Oval dealership in South Africa.

The 360° B6 discreet armouring solution for the Ford Ranger Raptor is priced from R891 735 – excluding value-added tax (VAT).

SVI notes that it still offers the previously available B4 discreet package, which protects against handguns – up to a .44 Magnum – and is priced from R588 730 excluding VAT, as well as the innovative new ‘SVI LITE’ B2 partial armouring solution priced at R64 950 excluding VAT per closure.

The project build time for both the B4 discreet kit and the new B6 discreet package is set at about three months, with the list of options including items such as roof armour, a public address system and imported heavy-duty runflat rings for the tyres.

Meanwhile, installation of the ‘SVI LITE’ partial armouring solution takes just two weeks.