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Parked in a heavily cordoned-off area near Munich is a brown BMW X5 Protection VR6. The vehicle already shows numerous pockmarks: bullet holes in the sheet metal, cracks in the windows. The warning shout “Attention!” echoes across the space, followed by a whistle. Then three gun shots ring though the air. Glass fragments fly. A shell casing clatters on the concrete floor. A cloud of dust rises from the windshield of the armored car. As it drifts away, the all-clear is given.
Daniel Huber takes off his ear protectors, steps out of the steel-clad shelter and walks up to the armored vehicle. An employee of the ballistics test center in Munich is already searching the inside of the car for projectile remains and fragments. Then he inspects a piece of film he placed behind the windshield.
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From the office to the firing range: watch Daniel Huber in action
“This film has the same resistance as human skin,” explains Daniel Huber. If it had been damaged by fragments or parts of the projectile, the occupants of the armored vehicle would have been at risk of injury or even death. The film is intact. “Passed,” says Daniel Huber, satisfied. The test center employee puts three green stickers on the bullet holes – a sign that the armored BMW X5 has passed this test as well.
Daniel Huber is BMW’s engineer for armored vehicles and bulletproof vehicles. Born in Munich, he is responsible for the complete protection of the passenger cabin – and therefore the safety and lives of those inside.
“In addition to the normal dangers of road traffic, customers who buy an armored car are exposed to special threats, such as attacks with firearms and explosives,” says Huber. “Protecting our customers from these dangers is both the challenge of my job and the motivation behind it.”
After graduating from high school, Huber debated whether to join the police force or to study. In the end he opted for the latter, enrolling in a mechanical engineering course at the TU Munich. He wrote his thesis at BMW on the subject of security and emergency vehicles. “This is how I learned about this exciting department at the company I’d always wanted to work for,” the 35-year-old explains. “After graduating from the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Hamburg, I was able to combine my interests in mechanical engineering and security here.”
Customers who buy an armored car are exposed to special threats, such as attacks with firearms and explosives.
1 / 10 The BMW X5 Protection VR6 during its certification as an armored vehicle. The platform can be tilted so the car can be shot at from above.
BMW’s new armored car
Daniel Huber has been working at BMW since 2011. His latest product is the BMW X5 Protection VR6. “Vehicle Resistance 6” is its ballistic protection rating (the maximum level is VR10). For BMW, this is tested by the Ballistics Testing Office in Munich, a department of the Bavarian Calibration Office, and, if successful, awarded a certificate recognized worldwide. A bulletproof vehicle with a VR6 ballistic protection rating must be able to withstand fire from an AK-47 assault rifle (also known as a Kalashnikov). In addition, armored vehicles by BMW provide protection from explosives.
CO2 emissions 298 g/km (combined)
Fuel consumption 13,0 l/100 km (combined)
For Huber, the certification by the ballistics test center and the final explosives test are the most exciting yet tense part of the development of a BMW armored vehicle. “If a projectile or fragment enters the vehicle during firing, we call this penetration,” he explains. If this happens, the armored car he has developed will fail the official certification.
Huber observes the test center shooter intently as he sets up his rifle. Iron-core ammunition, 7.62 x 39 mm caliber. The auditors focus above all on the supposed weak points of the armored car: seams between the armored components such as window joints and door frames.
This time, three projectiles strike the car around the door lock. These are the last of a total of 306 shots. The official inspects the interior and the film again, neither of which show any signs of penetration. The BMW X5 Protection VR6 has passed the official ballistics certification. But Huber is not ready to celebrate just yet. The explosives certification is due to take place next week.
Bulletproof glass meets ballistics: testing materials on the shooting range
Daniel Huber begins testing the materials used to protect the passenger compartment long before the vehicles are fired at. “Many suppliers have their steel or ballistic glass officially certified,” he explains. “At BMW, however, we are committed to having all materials for armored vehicles retested and certified ourselves.” This is done on the shooting range at the ballistics test center in Munich. There Huber regularly arranges for plates of armored steel, safety glass or synthetic fiber such as aramid to be shot at. Here, too, the decisive factor is penetration.
The tests on the shooting range tend to speak for themselves, says Huber, remembering with a grin one manufacturer who gave him a supposedly bulletproof space flight material. “When we fired at it just a medium caliber rifle, the $20,000 test piece shattered into a thousand pieces.”
He also describes the “constant stream of innovations” when it comes to materials. When a new steel alloy becomes even just one millimeter thinner while providing the same protection, this translates into 18 pounds less weight per square meter. Besides safety, weight reduction is the most important goal in Daniel Huber’s development work. Bulletproof vehicles should be as light as possible, not least to allow them to exit dangerous situations quickly. The BMW Driving Experience also offers special driver training courses for such maneuvers.
One supplier offered us a supposedly bulletproof space flight material. But during the ballistics test, the $20,000 plate shattered into a thousand pieces.
Daniel Huber
Engineer for BMW armored vehicles
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Five things to know about BMW armored vehicles
- What is the name of BMW’s new armored SUV?
It’s called the BMW X5 Protection VR6, successor to the BMW X5 Security and BMW X5 Security Plus. It was unveiled at the IAA 2019. How much does a bulletproof BMW weigh?
The additional weight depends on how much of the car is armored and what equipment is included. The armor for the VR6 class weighs around 1,760 pounds.Do armored vehicles have a special engine?
No. BMW’s bulletproof vehicles are equipped with the most powerful production engines for their class. The BMW X5 Protection VR6 has the 530 hp engine from the BMW X5 M50i.Where are BMW armored vehicles built?
The base vehicle for the BMW X5 Protection VR6 is built at the BMW factory in Spartanburg (➜ Visit South Carolina), while the retrofitting for the armored vehicle is done at the BMW factory in Mexico.- How much does a BMW bulletproof vehicle cost?
There are no general prices for these cars. All prices are available upon request.
The basic security concept: inconspicuous and light
The chassis and the electronics such as DSC stability controls are adapted to the greater weight of BMW’s armored vehicles, as are the relevant parts. This includes stronger motors to roll the heavy bulletproof glass windows up and down. According to Huber, the driving experience is also different. What is especially impressive is that “because of the protective panels, there is virtually no outside noise or noise from the engine audible. This makes the engine sound much deeper than in a standard vehicle.”
Another key aim in developing armored cars is inconspicuousness. “Passengers should not notice that they’re riding in an armored vehicle, but rather enjoy the same comfort as in a standard vehicle,” says Huber. Most customers also want the exterior to be as discreet as possible – such as embassy employees in dangerous regions and countries. “The less noticeable an armored vehicle is, the less likely it is to be targeted,” explains Huber. This seems to be a successful strategy. BMW has been making bulletproof cars for 40 years, and Huber is only aware of a few actual attacks.
1 / 7 Daniel Huber carries out material tests on the shooting range of the ballistics test center in Munich – here he is with an armored steel plate.
New threat scenarios require new security concepts
Daniel Huber’s customers are primarily security agencies from around the world. The armored BMW X5 is often used as a tactical escort vehicle for personal protection or if the terrain is not suitable for an armored limousine. Huber is in regular contact with his customers, for example about new threat situations. Drone attacks with explosive devices are one such case, having increased in recent years. For this reason, the BMW X5 Protection VR6 has an optional special protective roof.
Shooting at and blowing up cars – it sounds like the dream job for a gun lover or a pyromaniac. But Huber is neither. What interests him is working on a car from start to finish. “When you’re developing standard cars, you have a clearly defined area that you’re responsible for, which is often just one piece of the car. I, on the other hand, am responsible for the entire vehicle: from front to back, from bottom to top – and from the initial idea to the final test.”
What are armored vehicles?
Armored vehicles are passenger cars or commercial vehicles with special armor to protect the passengers or cargo from outside attacks with firearms or explosives. The materials used are armored steel, ballistic glass and synthetic fibers such as aramid.
The final test for BMW’s armored vehicles: the equivalent of 33 pounds of TNT
Last but not least, every BMW armored vehicle has to prove itself in so-called blast tests. This involves exploding various hand grenades above, below and, finally, to the sides of the vehicle. 13 feet away from the car, the equivalent of 33 pounds of TNT are set off. Inside the armored car are dummies with pressure sensors that measure the impact the explosions have on the human body.
The explosion tests for the BMW X5 Protection VR6 take place a few days after the ballistics certification. But not even our team from BMW.com are allowed to watch. With all due discretion, Huber tells us why: the customer is present and does not want reporters or photographers on site. Huber’s job is definitely not a run-of-the-mill engineering job.
One thing we can tell you: The BMW X5 Protection VR6 passed the explosion tests as well.
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Safety on board: highlights of the BMW X5 Protection VR6
“Pay attention, 007” – the list of equipment of armored vehicles is a little reminiscent of a Bond film. The BMW X5 Protection VR6 comes with:
Safety glass that is up to 30 millimeters thick and armored steel that is over four millimeters thick on all sides of the passenger cabin.
In an attack, the vehicle locks the doors and windows, accompanied by a visual and audio signal.
An intercom system allows passengers to maintain contact with the outside world without having to open the doors or windows.
Tires specifically made for emergencies make it possible to continue driving at a speed of up to 50 mph even after losing pressure.
- Emergency lights on the radiator grill and as an attachment for the roof.
Photos: Andre Kirsch; Author: Ingo Wilhelm; Video: Monacoframe
PROTECTION VEHICLES.
Ready for the unexpectable.
FAQs
Are armored cars safer in a crash? ›
A heavily armored vehicle with proper reinforcement, armor plating, and perfect welding procedure has more chances of surviving an accident. Armored vehicles are safer at low speed during accidents because of not having crumple zone to absorb energy at high speed.
What is the most heavily armored vehicle? ›...
| Namer | |
|---|---|
| No. built | Up to 120 are currently operational 531 in total planned to be produced by 2027 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 63.5 tonnes |
| Crew | 3 (commander, driver, RCWS operator) + 9 troops |
Summary. The cost of bulletproof car windows varies depending on where you live. The price can range from $3,000 to $20,000. The price of the car window will depend on the size of the car, the style of the window, the material of the window, and the level of insurance coverage you have.
What is the price of bulletproof BMW X7? ›BMW X7 Latest Update
Price: The new X7 is priced from Rs 1.22 crore to Rs 1.25 crore (ex-showroom).
According to the FBI, about 25 to 35 armored trucks and drivers are robbed each year, compared with about 4,000 banks. Banks are hit more often because criminals know that armored car robberies are far more dangerous: Unarmed bank tellers are trained to fork over the cash with no questions asked.
Can bullets go through armored cars? ›Are armored cars bulletproof? You'll be pleased to know that TAG armored cars are bullet-resistant. The windows are made with ballistic no-spall glass.
Can a civilian drive an armored car? ›Yes – we have thousands of vehicles in the United States and being used around the world. It is legal to own and drive the bulletproof vehicles we upgrade.
How many bullets can an armored car take? ›How many bullets can an armored car take? For instance, if you were to get level 1 protection, it would be able to protect you from a minimum of 3 shots from a 9 mm handgun. That's regardless of the material you choose. On the other hand, level 2 protection means that the glass is able to withstand at least three .
How fast can armored vehicles go? ›...
| M1117 Armored Security Vehicle | |
|---|---|
| Suspension | 4×4 wheeled, fully independent |
| Operational range | 475 miles at 50 mph |
| Maximum speed | 63 mph (101 km/h) |
The bombproof car is also known as an armored vehicle. An armored vehicle has a reinforced structure that is typically made with a variety of defensive materials. Material includes bullet-resistant glass and different layers of armor plating.
Do bulletproof windows roll down? ›
Yes – see also, can armored car windows go up and down? Can my bulletproof car have operable windows? We have several specialized motors depending on your vehicle where we can get our ballistic glass to go up and do in your armored vehicle.
Is it legal to bulletproof glass? ›Yes, the installation of bulletproof glass in private cars is entirely legal, and anyone can install bulletproof glass for protection in their vehicle (we recommend professionals who can properly seal and install the Armormax® materials).
Is there a bulletproof Lamborghini? ›Alpine's armored Lamborghini Urus is built using latest technology to provide clients with highest levels of protection. Typically armored to Level A9/B6+, this bulletproof Lamborghini Urus is protected against 7.62mm lead core, 5.56x45 and M80 ball rounds, as well as 2 DM51 hand grenades.
Can I get bulletproof tires? ›Technically there is nothing like bulletproof tire, but there are tires resistant with rubber or metal band inside. There are some other tires having an insert around the inside of the rim to provide control and degree of traction when the tire is shredded.
Are bulletproof cars fast? ›What is the fastest bulletproof Audi? The Audi RS7 is the world's fastest bulletproof car. It can go from 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds.
What city has the most armored truck robberies? ›“The Armored Truck Robbery Capital of the United States.” Now that's a nickname and a conversation starter. According to the FBI's crime data from 2018, roughly half of all armored vehicle robberies in the entire nation took place in the Houston region.
How much money is usually in an armored truck? ›Most of the armored trucks carry around $2 million based on the insurance. They are not allowed to carry maximum money because of the liability.
What is the most stolen truck? ›2020 is the second year in a row that Ford's full-size pickup truck tops the list as the most stolen car in America.
What are the disadvantages of armored vehicle? ›The disadvantages of an armoured vehicle
Increased mass impacting performance and fuel economy. Armoured side windows cannot fully open. Windscreen thickness can result in slight double vision (especially at night).
As armored truck drivers are typically classified as armed guards, they usually wear bullet proof vests and carry firearms.
Which country has the most bulletproof cars? ›
| Country | Number |
|---|---|
| China | 174,300 |
| Russia | 151,641 |
| South Korea | 133,738 |
| Turkiye | 112,476 |
Armored truck drivers, also known as armored car drivers, armored guards, or armored messengers, are trained security personnel who guard and transport money, jewelry, and/or other valuables from one location to another in armored trucks, vans, or cars.
How much is armored Tesla? ›Well, according to Armormax prices vary depending on individual specification, although their website states the average package costs around $60,000 on top of the price of the vehicle. Therefore the Plaid in the video is probably worth at least $200,000. Get upfront price offers on local inventory.
Do armored cars have bulletproof tires? ›While car manufacturers and armored car specialty companies offer several levels of protection from a variety of arms, all of them equip their vehicles with bulletproof tires.
Can a 50 cal go through bulletproof glass? ›Bullet Resistant Glass would withstand up to a . 50 Caliber round from a high powered rifle. A . 50 Caliber round is most closely associated with military usage, and is not typically or commonly in widespread usage amongst most civilian products.
What can stop a 50 cal bullet? ›Hard armor systems including a ceramic faceplate, CMF core, and aluminum backing plate can be the perfect armor against calibers up to 50 caliber ball and armor-piercing rounds.
How thick of armor can a 50 cal penetrate? ›This gun was later developed into the M2HB Browning which with its .50 caliber armor-piercing cartridges went on to function as an anti-aircraft and anti-vehicular machine gun, capable of penetrating 0.9 inches (23 mm) of face-hardened armor steel plate at 200 meters (220 yd), 1 inch (25 mm) of rolled homogeneous armor ...
Can a Stryker destroy a tank? ›Strykers in the Open
Since the Stryker is lightly armored and does not have a mounted gun capable of destroying tanks and BMPs (boyevaya mashina pekhotys — infantry fighting vehicles), it has a significant disadvantage against enemy armor.
What car can outrun a bullet? The current world record is held by this car, the Thrust SSC, which obtained it in 1997. Andy Green, who broke the sound barrier while driving the SS Thrust in 1997, is hoping to set a new record, reaching a speed of 1,000mph.
Can a car survive a nuke? ›Cars do not provide adequate protection from radiation from a nuclear detonation (cars have a PF of 3 or less). But it Page 2 is still better than being directly exposed outside; any protection, however temporary, is better than none at all (FEMA, 2011). If you must remain in a car, keep the windows and vents closed.
What is the most theft proof car? ›
...
15 Cars That Are Almost Impossible To Steal
- 1 Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster.
- 2 Google Self-driving Car. ...
- 3 Lexus HS 250H. ...
- 4 The Knight XV. ...
- 5 Hyundai Tucson. ...
- 6 Volkswagen Tiguan. ...
Cars do not provide good protection from radioactive material. If you can get to a brick or concrete multi-story building or basement within a few minutes, go there. But being inside any building is safer than being outside. Once inside, go to the basement or the middle of the building.
What destroys bulletproof glass? ›Shoot an explosive round to break multiple layers of thick bulletproof glass. As their name suggests, military-grade explosive rounds detonate on impact and will shatter the object they're fired into. This type of super high-power ammunition will break through even the thickest 5-pane bulletproof glass.
What happens to a bullet when it hits bulletproof glass? ›Bullet-resistant glass is between 7 millimeters and 75 millimeters in thickness. A bullet fired at a sheet of bullet-resistant glass will pierce the outside layer of the glass, but the layered polycarbonate-glass material is able to absorb the bullet's energy and stop it before it exits the final layer.
How thick is bulletproof glass for cars? ›The index of refraction for all of the glasses used in the bulletproof layers must be almost the same to keep the glass transparent and allow a clear, undistorted view through the glass. Bulletproof glass varies in thickness from 3⁄4 to 31⁄2 inches (19 to 89 mm).
Is bullet proof glass tornado proof? ›Bullet Proof Glass Has Its Limits
While some polycarbonate products carry UL-verified ratings for forced entry, blasts, and even gale-force winds, these are forces an order of magnitude milder than a tornado.
This custom Rolls-Royce Phantom has a Level-9 (B7) ballistic protection rating, meaning it will protect occupants against just about any gunfire they`re likely to encounter - assuming the occupants are the sort that routinely attract gunfire - as well as small explosions.
Are police windows bulletproof? ›Are windows on modern police cars bulletproof? No. The windows in police cars are made of the same safety glass that is found in other cars. Bullet-resistant windows are usually made of polycarbonate.
What is the safest vehicle in a car crash? ›- Honda Accord.
- Honda Civic.
- Honda Insight.
- Acura TLX.
- Lexus ES.
- Lexus IS.
- Toyota Camry.
- Toyota Corolla.
Between 2017-2019, the F-150 alone has the most number of fatal crashes in five states: Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and Utah. No wonder it tops the list of the most dangerous cars.
Are Bulletproof Cars crash Proof? ›
Are bulletproof cars crash proof? No, because the passengers will still experience all the deceleration of the crash, even if the car's structure remains intact. That's what causes a lot of the injuries. In fact, ALL modern cars contain a safety cell around the passengers which is designed to stay fairly rigid.
What is the most crash resistant car? ›- Acura MDX.
- Acura RDX.
- Acura TLX.
- Audi A6 and A6 Allroad.
- Audi A7.
- Audi E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback.
- Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback.
- Cadillac XT6.
The nine models with zero deaths were: Audi A4 four-wheel drive, a midsized luxury car; Honda Odyssey, a minivan; Kia Sorento two-wheel drive, a mid-sized SUV; the Lexus RX 350 four-wheel drive, a midsized luxury SUV; Mercedes-Benz GL-Class four-wheel drive, a large luxury SUV; Subaru Legacy four-wheel drive, a 4-door ...
What is the #1 safest car? ›1 2022 Honda Civic
The car received impressive safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. These ratings are great, thanks to the excellent top-notch safety features such as Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body Structure, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, and Advanced Airbag Systems, among others.
- 8 Mercedes-Benz GL 550 By TAC.
- 7 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG By Inkas.
- 6 Volkswagen Tiguan.
- 5 Hyundai Tucson.
- 4 The Knight XV.
- 3 Lexus HS 250H.
- 2 Google Self-driving Car.
- 1 Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster.
1. Ford Fiesta. The first of the most dangerous cars to drive on the IIHS's list is the Ford Fiesta mini 4-door car.
What car color gets in the most accidents? ›Black Cars
Some research has revealed that black vehicles are the most dangerous on the road. At least one study found that you're 47 percent more likely to be in a crash if you drive a black vehicle. Other studies also find that black is the most dangerous color, but offer a more reserved projection.
These 2020 statistics highlight what vehicles are the most desirable by thieves. 2020 is the second year in a row that Ford's full-size pickup truck tops the list as the most stolen car in America. Japanese model sedans are the most popular stolen cars, taking six out of 10 slots within the top 10.
Do bullet proof car windows go down? ›Often times we get asked, if I buy an armored car from you can you still make my windows operable? In other words, can you roll down bulletproof windows after the armoring process takes place? The quick answer is yes.
How many bullets can a bulletproof car take? ›For instance, if you were to get level 1 protection, it would be able to protect you from a minimum of 3 shots from a 9 mm handgun. That's regardless of the material you choose. On the other hand, level 2 protection means that the glass is able to withstand at least three . 357 Magnum shots.
How long does it take to bulletproof a car? ›
The armoring process depending on the package selected can take anywhere from 30 – 45 working days on a majority of vehicle models. International Armoring Corporation® is able to accomplish this due to the volume of vehicles being armored and by keeping in stock armor components for most of the popular luxury vehicles.