SVI Engineering, a South African manufacturer of armoured products, has announced the availability of a Ford-backed B6 discreet armouring package for the Ranger Raptor. This marks the first time the high-performance vehicle, previously approved only for B4 (handgun) protection, will feature assault-rifle protection.
The B6 armouring solution has undergone a rigorous development process to safely increase the Ranger Raptor’s gross vehicle mass (GVM), which is crucial for accommodating the additional weight of full assault-rifle protection. According to SVI’s business development director, Nicol Louw, the Raptor’s unique FOX suspension system initially made it unsuitable for this upgrade.
The standard GVM of the Ranger Raptor is 3,130 kg, with an official payload of 670 kg. Through collaboration with Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and FOX’s suspension experts, SVI successfully increased these figures, allowing for the introduction of the B6 armour.
The upgraded solution retains the Raptor’s defining 2.5-inch FOX live-valve internal bypass shock absorbers, which now work alongside suitably upgraded springs. As a result, the GVM has risen to 3,499 kg, enabling a payload of 1,039 kg while still allowing operation under a standard Code B driver’s licence in South Africa.
B6 Package Details
The concealed B6 armouring package offers the highest grade of civilian armour permitted in South Africa without requiring a special permit. It provides comprehensive protection against assault rifles, including AK47s, R1s, and R5s. Key features include:
- Armoured Glass: 38 mm thick, curved to OEM specifications.
- Armoured Steel Plates: Precisely cut to fit.
- Full Coverage: Protection for the passenger cell, including all pillars, doors, and windows, as well as critical under-bonnet components like the battery and ABS unit.
SVI emphasizes that the additional weight of the B6 components does not hinder the Ranger Raptor’s performance, powered by a robust twin-turbo 3.0 V6 petrol engine producing 292 kW and 583 Nm.
This project is part of SVI’s approval under the Ford Pro Converter (FPC) programme, previously known as the Qualified Vehicle Modifier initiative. SVI’s long-standing collaboration with Ford began with armouring the previous-generation Ranger.
In addition to the B6 package, SVI continues to offer the B4 discreet armouring solution, which protects against handguns (up to a .44 Magnum), starting at R588,730 excluding VAT. They also provide the new ‘SVI LITE’ B2 partial armouring solution priced at R64,950 excluding VAT per closure.
The build time for both the B4 and B6 packages is approximately three months, while the installation of the ‘SVI LITE’ solution takes just two weeks. Customers can finance the entire package, including the base vehicle and armouring costs, through Ford Credit at any Blue Oval dealership in South Africa. The starting price for the 360° B6 armouring solution is R891,735, excluding VAT.