South African armouring firm SVI Engineering has unveiled its newest bulletproof creation, the Max Swat.
The Max Swat is billed as a multi-role vehicle that has been developed to perform a wide range of jobs including border patrol, public-order maintenance, command & control, tactical surveillance, as well as special weapons & tactics and mobile assault & reconnaissance system operations.
It can carry up to 12 passengers at a time and provides a minimum protection level of EN1063 BR6 which is classified as assault rifles such as the AK47, R1, and R5.
Customers wishing to own a Max Swat can expect to pay R4,378,987, excluding VAT and any selected extras, of which there are a wide variety.
Multi-purpose behemoth
The SVI Max Swat employs a custom-fabricated armoured monocoque hull bolted to a ladder-frame chassis in addition to armoured glass windows, with the latter strategically positioned to maximise situational awareness.
It was purposely engineered with substantial side doors to allow for rapid ingress and egress, thus providing a distinct tactical advantage during high-risk operations compared to its rivals, said SVI.
Inside, the armoured personnel carrier features a configurable seating arrangement and highly customisable storage solutions – and it can be fitted with an optional auxiliary power unit capable of independently running the airconditioning system as well as any specialised tools that a client may wish to include.
It also boasts a payload capacity of over two tonnes and generous utility space to facilitate the transport of essential equipment.
SVI’s anti-riot scraper, as well as anti-riot screen guards, are standard equipment, and buyers can fit options such as heavy-duty runflat rings, shot-detection and -location systems, medical equipment, and even a high-powered camera mounted on a telescopic mast for long-range observation and surveillance when stationary.
Propelling the behemoth is a 7.8-litre, inline six-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine sourced from Isuzu’s range of medium-duty trucks.
The power unit generates 176kW and 706Nm, the latter of which is already available from 1,450rpm for good tractability, which is directed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.
“The use of this field-proven Isuzu 4×4 powertrain, along with tough Isuzu axles and suspension components, plus various commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, serves to not only ensure reliability and simplify maintenance but also to boost operational efficiency and thus reduce total lifecycle costs,” said SVI.
“In fact, routine servicing can be performed at any Isuzu dealership across South Africa or in neighbouring African countries.”
The approximate build time for the new SVI Max Swat is set at three months.
SVI Max Swat
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