“Unlike most companies in the civilian vehicle armouring space, SVI boasts a strong background in the military and security industries. Our vast engineering experience in these gruelling fields both informs and inspires our approach in the civilian vehicle market, leading to world-class ballistic protection for private customers, too,” explains SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.

“In short, the engineering DNA from our military and security products, which are proven to withstand the toughest of tests, in the battlefield and beyond, filters down to our armoured civilian vehicles. And that’s exactly what these social media video clips highlight. We call it the ‘Ultimate Technology Transfer’,” he adds.

SVI Max 9 and B6 Ford Ranger Raptor:

As the company’s flagship bespoke military solution, the SVI Max 9 delivers the ultimate level of ballistic protection (STANAG 1 as standard, with an option to upgrade). This menacing armoured personnel carrier (APC) boasts go-anywhere ability thanks to its robust 4x4 system, complete with low range and differential locks. Power comes from a Cummins-sourced 6.7-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers peak outputs of 210 kW and 970 Nm.

Meanwhile, SVI’s B6-armoured Ranger Raptor, fitted with South Africa’s first Ford-approved assault-rifle package for this high-performance bakkie, represents the highest level of protection available to civilians. It includes a GVM upgrade (complete with uprated springs), while the 2.5-inch FOX live-valve internal bypass shock absorbers are retained, meaning the bakkie remains an off-road weapon. This rapid machine’s turbocharged 3-litre V6 engine churns out 292 kW and 583 Nm, easily overcoming the 650 kg of added armouring mass.

SVI Max 3 Troopy and AK47 Golf 8 GTI:

The SVI Max 3 is a highly versatile APC known for its ability to punch well above its weight. Particularly popular in the local mining sector to combat illegal miners (who typically wield AK47s), the Max 3 is considerably nimbler than traditional APCs.

The SVI AK47 Golf 8 GTI offers similar advantages in the rapid-response space as this armoured hot hatch can reach the scene of an in-progress crime far faster than standard armoured security bakkies. Its special B4+ armouring kit offers protection not just against handguns but also rifles up to 7.62x39 mm (including, of course, the AK47).

SVI Max Swat and B4 Mercedes-Benz V-Class:

Providing space to carry up to 12 crew members, the SVI Max Swat is a multi-role armoured vehicle that has already proven extremely popular with South Africa’s security industry. It features a minimum protection level of EN1063 BR6 (assault rifles, including AK47, R1 and R5), with overlaps applied to all apertures. Unusually for this class of vehicle, a full set of luxury-style sport seats is included and strategically arranged to maximise situational awareness.

Like the Max Swat, the SVI-armoured V-Class, which is fully approved by Mercedes-Benz South Africa, provides protection for large groups of passengers (in this case, up to seven). The factory-backed package includes overlaps for the front windows as well as around the windscreen, a practice that is relatively uncommon at B4 level (protecting against handguns, up to .44 Magnum). This armoured luxury people-mover likewise excels across various roles.

SVI Engineering will release more such video clips over the next few weeks, highlighting other instances of technology transfer from military and security products to armoured civilian vehicles. Keep an eye on our various social media channels to see them first!

Watch on SVI’s social media accounts at:

• Facebook: SVI Engineering
• Twitter: SVI_Engineering
• Instagram: svi_engineering_armour
• TikTok: svi_engineering
• YouTube: SVI-Engineering-SA