Some common issues found in fleets of Civilian Armoured Vehicles (CAVs) whilst doing onsite training.
Up-Armoured Vehicles: Understanding Off-Road Capability
Why spend loads of time and effort up-armouring only to produce a vehicle with poor driveability? Some companies do this better than others, so it’s important that the operator has a clear understanding of the positive and negative effects that the up-armouring process produces.
Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT) and Up Armoured Cruisers
The ECT facility is there to be used when the vehicle is loaded or towing. Basically, it lets the transmission stay in gear to a higher RPM than normal, reducing the number of automatic gear changes, cutting wear and tear, and improving performance.
Under Pressure – Armoured Vehicle Tyres
It’s not a good day when you have to drive on a run-flat ring. So, minimise risk by ensuring the tyres fitted are up to the job. Some basic knowledge of reading sidewall markings is important, as this gives the load and pressure limitations of the tyres.
Tyre Max Pressure Ratings for Armoured Vehicles.
Ensure that the tyres fitted to Up Armoured Vehicles have the correct pressure rating. These tyres (photo below) have a max pressured 44 psi where the tyre pressures have to be 55 front and 60 rear.
Up Armoured Vehicle Recovery Consideration: Fitting a Winch
Is it Worth Fitting a Winch to An Up Armoured Vehicle? It’s considered standard that recovery equipment should have a safe working load/working load limit of 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle.
A Few Points about Armoured Glass and Maintenance
I recently visited IAGs new factory in UAE. As I got shown round the unit that produces the armoured glass (amazed to see the process first hand) I got to confirm and get new information. A new set of windows, including front screen, costs anywhere between 10,000 to 20,000 US dollars,
UAV /CPVs: Consider Armour Overlaps
Up Armouring Process: Testing When a vehicle has gone through an up-armouring process, the prototype should be independently tested to ensure zero penetration for its blast and ballistic rating.
Free Wheeling Hubs – Set Screwed to Locked Position
Found this on an up-armoured Toyota Landcruiser. Armouring company had done it. Quite a good demonstration about how free wheeling hubs are a waste of time.
Armoured Vehicle Modifications – Part II
Central locking system in this one failed. Seems that some systems cannot take the rigours of African road conditions. Or they may just be poorly refitted/fitted when the armouring was carried out.
Armoured Vehicle Modifications – Part I
Over the last few years of doing armoured 4wd training I have come across some good modifications, but mostly bad. The bad ones mainly affect the off road capability, and therefore, the ability to pass through the environment that the vehicle is supposed to.