You can be as bulletproof as James Bond–at least when you drive. It isn’t just for the cool factor–people in politics, business, entertainment and others located near dangerous areas are seeking greater protection from vehicles. Bulletproofing is a growing market, one car manufacturers and specialized providers are capitalizing on with new applications and materials. What does it entail? Read on.
Bulletproof Materials and Placement: Steel, Fabric, and Glass
The strategy is simple: add reinforcement to surfaces, shield the fuel source and engine and make structural additions, like stronger hinges and bolts, to carry the heavier load. But the process can be intricate, transforming components and essentially gutting and rebuilding the vehicle with reinforced materials that absorb the impact of a bullet, preventing it from traveling further. The materials meet different degrees of bullet resistance, and may include:
- Steel plates, which add more heft to metal components and panels
- Fabric comprising ballistic nylon and Kevlar
- Bullet resistant glass
- Polymer serving as the core of the tire
What may be surprising is just how thoroughly the vehicle can be reinforced. Hollow points are filled with steel or lined with fabric for reinforcement, including:
- Car panels: especially around the gas tank
- Doors: a broad target for shooters
- Bumpers and hood: which protect the engine block
- Floor and ceiling: entry points for bombs and grenades
- Seats: steel can be placed internally for more protection
- Tires: a donut shaped insert takes on vehicle weight when tire pressure shifts
The real showpiece is bulletproof glass used in windows since makes occupants vulnerable by being seen. The most commonly used formulation is one-way bullet resistant glass, which contains an outside layer of glass and interior of polycarbonate. Together they diffuse impact and continually absorb force. It’s a specialized application used most often in armored cars, from protection level ranging from 2 to 8.
You can expect to pay up to $100,000 for a bulletproof vehicle, depending on the degree and extent of reinforcement used. Interested in tricking out your car? We can help you understand the role of bullet resistant glass and how to attain a high degree of protection without compromising visibility. Contact us today!