Author: Dave Applegate

    27 Aug

    Armoring Levels

    Level
    Level of Protection
    Weapon
    Ballistic Standard
    BD4
    Handgun Protection
    .9mm, .357, .44 Magnum Handguns and lesser threats
    NIJ Level I,II,IIIA, U.L. Level 1, 2, 3, B1, B2, CEN B1 B3,B4
    BD6+
    Assault Rifle Protection NIJ Level III CEN B-6
    .30 Cal SP, 7.62×51 NATO, 5.56 [.223] FMJ, 7.62×39[AK-47], .30-06 Sp and lesser threats
    NIJ Level I, II, IIIA.III, U.L. Level 1, 2, 3, 6, CEN B1, B2, B3, B4, B6
    BD7
    Armor Piercing Protection Single shot NIJ Level IV CEN B7
    5.56x[.223] AP, 7.62×51 NATO AP, .30-06 AP 7.62×39 AP and lesser threats
    NIJ Level I, II, IIIA..III, V U.L. Level 1, 2, 3 ,6.8, CEN B1, B2, B3, B4, B6, B-7, SG1
    BD7+
    Armor Piercing Protection Multi- shot NIJ Level IV CEN B7
    5.56x[.223] AP, 7.62×51 NATO AP, .30-06 AP 7.62×39 AP and lesser threats
    NIJ Level I, II, IIIA..III, V U.L.Level 1, 2, 3, 6.8, CEN B1, B2, B3, B4, B6, B-7, SG1

    Ballistic Charts.

    27 Aug

    Design and Engineering

    Design and EngineeringNEW Armored Vehicle Design and Engineering Services: for companies wishing to get into the armored vehicle manufacturing business, we now offer a complete design, engineering, and manufacturing Service, based at our manufacturing facilities. We offer a program that allows your company to send its staff to our location for hands-on training in the art of vehicle armoring. We start with a standard vehicle and take you through all the steps necessary to armor it, from cutting and fitting the opaque armor to installing the Bullet Resistant Glass. We also offer solutions for vehicle engineering, brakes, suspension upgrades, frame modifications, and ballistic designing for custom applications. We can also cut steel armor plate and other composites for most vehicles. We also provide you with a complete installation manual on the installation process as part of our armoring contract.

    Bulldog Direct has partnered with one of the world’s leading vehicle ballistic engineers who has retired from a special U.S. government agency responsible for the transportation of leading dignitaries.

    We can also offer onsite consultation of his services on an hourly basis. Please contact us for more information.

    27 Aug

    Armored Vehicle FAQ

    Some questions you might have are:
    What is the best vehicle to armor? 
    What armoring protection level do I need? 
    [IE: What weapons or rounds do I need protection from?]
    How will the vehicle handle after it is armored? 
    Are there any modifications to the brakes and suspension?
    Will the vehicle look the same after it is armored?
    Do I shop by the lowest price? 
    Do you ship worldwide?

    The list goes on and on. We are here to take the confusion and frustration out of the armoring process. Because each customer has very specific needs concerning their personal safety and comfort we like to personally work with each client from initial contact to delivery. Please feel free to give us a phone call at 513-281-6700 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. M-F EST / USA. We will happy to answer your questions and assist you choosing the best base vehicle to armor and what options you may wish to add to the vehicle. Do you require a two wheel drive or 4×4? SUV or luxury sedan, with left or right hand drive? We can assist you in what weapons or rounds you need protection from and what armoring special systems you may need. Our aim is to educate and inform you on every step in the armoring process. Please, give us a phone call or fill out a price request today. Quotation Request.

    What is the best vehicle to armor?

    This is a very good question. The choice of vehicle you wish to have armored is probably the most important decision you will make in the armoring process. With an armored vehicle, stealth is the most important safety consideration; you need a vehicle that is a common for your country or area of the world. If everyone is driving a pickup truck and you choose a Mercedes Benz S500 you immediately draw unwanted attention yourself and your vehicle. You also need to consider the vehicle itself. Some vehicles are not well suited to be armored, for example very small compact cars, vehicles with convertible tops, etc. We will be more than happy to assist you in making your base vehicle decision.

    What armoring protection level do I need?

    Another good question, in some areas of the world the only attack you would likely face might be small handguns from a .38 up to a 9mm. In other areas of the world, the weapon of choice could be the AK-47, 7.62×39 or other assault rifle rounds. If you are a dignitary or VIP you may need a vehicle armored for protection from armor piercing rounds. Choosing the correct level of protection not only saves your life but may also save you from purchasing a vehicle that adds unnecessary cost and weight. We can help you make the right choice. Click here to see the different vehicle armoring levels.

    How will the vehicle handle after it is armored?

    Armoring a car, truck or SUV adds added weight to the vehicle. The added weight can be as little as 800-900 lbs to over 3,000 lbs. In the armoring process we carefully evaluate the added weight and make the proper modifications to the brakes and suspension, providing you with the same handling characteristics as an unarmored vehicle.

    Are there any modifications to the brakes and suspension?

    Yes, as a result of the added weight to the vehicle from the armoring process. We need to carefully evaluate the weight of the vehicle, the added weight of bullet resistant glass and armor, and make the proper modifications to the brakes and suspension. Some large SUV’s such as a Chevrolet Suburban only need minimal modifications.

    Will the vehicle look the same after it is armored?

    For the most part, your vehicle will look stock after armoring. The bullet resistant glass that we install will look stock, as will the rest of the outside. The only difference will be the armor overlaps to the pillar posts, but we carefully retrim the inside interior so that it is only noticeable upon close observation.

    Do I shop by the lowest price?

    Purchasing an armored vehicle can be a confusing and frustrating process. When shopping on the internet for a Personal Armored Vehicle / “Bullet Proof Car,” you will find that the price varies quite a bit, as does the quality of the finished vehicle. The typical adage “you get what you pay for” applies to the purchase of an armored vehicle. The most important consideration to keep in mind is that you are purchasing a vehicle to save your life and possibly those of your family, so the lowest price should never be a consideration. The most important considerations should be how well the armor is installed, the finish, the fit, and how well the vehicle is retrimmed. We encourage a factory visit to see how well our vehicles are armored.

    Do you ship worldwide?

    Yes we do, we are well versed in shipping worldwide by ship or air.

    27 Aug

    CEO Package

    CEO Vehicle PackageArmored Vehicle CEO Package:
    For select vehicles we can provide you with an interior trim upgrade. In keeping with a low profile, this essentially turns the rear of the SUV vehicle into a luxury limousine. It starts with a divider wall between the driver and the rear passengers the divider has an electric 15” flat screen TV that rises up and down with a matching fabric shade. The rear divider has a hardwood center console with matching fold up jump seats on either side of the console. The rear bench set is removed and replaced with two forward facing reclining sets in luxurious leather.

    Other standard appointments are:
    Luxury hardwood window sills on rear doors.
    OEM heat / AC with independent controls.
    Dual battery & alternator system with emergency start option
    Hands free intercom to driver’s compartment
    Driver’s compartment Master control with valet cutoff switch
    Steel reinforced HD storage space behind rear seats for luggage
    All hardwood is hand finished with the finest in scratch, impact and UV coating.
    Lighted flip down vanity mirrored over rear forward facing seats.
    Rear door window controls from R&L pillar posts
    High intensity LED overhead & floor illumination.
    OEM A/C vents temperature sensor in headliner
    Reinforced seat & comfort seat belt attachment point.

    Armored Vehicle CEO Package Optional Equipment:
    26” flat screen TV in divider with HD lift system
    32” flat screen TV in divider with HD lift system
    Mayback style captain’s seating with armrests, recline, slide & electric foot rests.
    Premium aircraft style desks in matching wood.
    KVTV Satellite TV system.
    KVH WiFi system.
    Electronic drink dispenser
    Premium 12.2 speaker Pioneer digital surround sound system
    Full hardwood molded console wood package
    Refrigerated ice chest in left side console
    Heat & Massage in both rear captain’s seats
    Front & rear cameras view from console TV.
    Custom sliding curtains
    Espresso maker

    27 Aug

    Armored Vehicle Options

    We offer a wide verity of options to add to your vehicle during the armoring process. These are in addition to the armor conversion process.

    Options are available only for vehicles that we armor, and at the time of armoring. Some options are not available for all vehicles.

    Ram Bumpers: Concealed behind OEM front / rear bumpers
    Alarm Systems (Custom to your specifications)
    Bomb Scan System (Custom to your specifications)
    *Land Mine / Blast Protection Type Run Flat Tire Inserts
    Power Inverter 12 to 110 v.
    Remote Engine Start / Kill
    Remote Door Locks
    Floor Protection: Fragmentation
    *Under Vehicle Blast Protection
    Race Car Type Full Vehicle: Fire System
    Engine Compartment Only: Fire System
    Electric Roll Down Windows: Front Two Only, 7″ Roll Down
    Race Car Type: Fuel Cell
    Tail Pipe and Gas Tank Screens
    *Concealed Gun Ports (side doors)
    Rear Facing Blinding Light System
    Communication Gear (Custom to your specifications.)
    Hidden Weapon Storage Compartments (Custom to your specifications)
    *Air / Life Support Systems (Custom to your specifications.)
    *Tear Gas Protection System (not for export)
    *Smoke Screen Generator System
    *Door Handle Shock System (not for export
    *Oil-Slick Generator System
    * Barrage Jammer

    *= Restricted Item: Subject to Approval.
    *= Some vehicles and/or options for sale and shipment outside of the USA may also be subject to export restrictions set by the US State Department.

    27 Aug

    Armoring Process

    Armoring Process

    For most people, the process of armoring your family car is a very mysterious process. Let us explain exactly what is involved.

    After you have selected the vehicle you wish to have armored, the contract has been signed, the payment deposit received, and we have the vehicle at our production facilities, the process begins. The first step is to completely remove the entire interior of the vehicle; the seats, dash, trim, and carpet. The doors and glass are also removed at this time. We then carefully mask the vehicle body to protect it from any damage from our modifications.

    Now the actual armoring process begins, which includes adding opaque armor (steel armor plate and or light weight composites) to all doors, side walls, rear area, roof and the fire wall. This all must be custom cut, fitted, glued, and/or welded to the interior. We also add fragmentation protection to the floor as a steel armor plate and/or a fragmentation blanket. The pillar posts are then armored with steel armor plate overlaps of approx. 2-3” (see photo) to protect the vehicle from projectiles entering from the upper door frames and door openings. The doors, door hinges and pillar post are also reinforced to handle the added weight of the armor.

    We then move on to armoring the gas tank and computer box. Other armoring options for the vehicle are also installed at this time.

    Glass Appearance - Same as Stock!The next step is installing the bullet resistant vehicle glass, which can be from 1” to over 3” thick. Our glass looks just like the original stock glass. [See photo]

    Now, it’s time to reassemble the vehicle. We start by re-installing the doors and checking for fitness and proper closure. The carpet and roof trim are put back into the vehicle. We then have to do some modifications to the door and sidewall trim due to the added thickness of the armor. It may also be necessary to make some custom trim items to accommodate the armor.

    The vehicle then gets the necessary modifications to the brakes and suspension. A set of Run Flat Tire Inserts is also installed at this time. We then do a thorough inspection and test drive.

    Your vehicle is now ready to ship to your final destination worldwide.

    27 Aug

    Personal Vehicles

    Personal Armored VehiclesPersonal Armored VehiclesBulldog Personal Armored Vehicles – from the moment you open the door of a fine vehicle, excellence embraces you. We understand the feeling. The look, the touch, even the aroma of quality is as important to us as they are to you. Our factory turns the world’s finest vehicles into the world’s safest vehicles. With the rising threat of crime and terrorism worldwide, you seek a vehicle that offers maximum protection, but also a vehicle that performs and feels like it just came out of a dealer’s show room. Our factory designs superb reliability, handling, appearance, and performance into each vehicle that they armor, so you end up with a vehicle that can enhance your lifestyle … and save your life!

    Bulldog Direct Provides Armored Vehicles Armored to U.L. levels 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 & N.I.J. levels IIA, II, IIIA, III, IV European Standards: B1, B2, B3, B4, B6, B7. Click here for ballistic levels.

    Our armoring materials are tested and certified by independent laboratories to insure the security of each passenger. Each of our armored vehicles is designed and engineered to preserve its original appearance. We custom armor each vehicle to our clients needs and protection demands. You need it… we can armor it!

    All of our armored vehicles carry a one year factory warranty on defects and labor on opaque and transparent armor materials within the continental U.S. Exported armored vehicles carry a one year warranty on materials only.

    Armoring pricing starts at around $60,000.00 and up, depending on the level of protection needed and the base vehicle used. Price is plus the cost of the base vehicle. You are welcome to send us your own vehicle or have us purchase one on your behalf.
    Please note: specifications and information listed on this page are subject to change without notice. Price quotations and invoices will list current updated specifications and information, if any.

    27 Aug

    Armored Vehicle Introduction

    Armored VehiclesBulldog Direct Protective Systems Inc. is a leading worldwide supplier of armored vehicles and custom bulletproof cars.

    Since 1998 we have sold thousands of high quality armored cars worldwide. Our goal is to provide you with the safest, most secure bullet resistant vehicle available on the market today while helping you maintain a low profile.

    We specialize in armoring vehicles that are custom designed to fit our customers’ needs, whether it be a high end luxury armored sedan, a standard SUV such as a Toyota Landcruiser or Chevrolet Suburban, a pickup truck or a Mercedes Benz. Whatever you’re in search of, we have your ideal solution. For police and government customers, we offer armored SWAT trucks and police vehicles. Please feel free to contact us with your needs or special applications. We also have a few used armored vehicles available for immediate delivery. Request a quote today.

    27 Aug

    Armored Vehicle Introduction

    Armored VehiclesBulldog Direct Protective Systems Inc. is a leading worldwide supplier of armored vehicles and custom bulletproof cars.

    Since 1998 we have sold thousands of high quality armored cars worldwide. Our goal is to provide you with the safest, most secure bullet resistant vehicle available on the market today while helping you maintain a low profile.

    We specialize in armoring vehicles that are custom designed to fit our customers’ needs, whether it be a high end luxury armored sedan, a standard SUV such as a Toyota Landcruiser or Chevrolet Suburban, a pickup truck or a Mercedes Benz. Whatever you’re in search of, we have your ideal solution. For police and government customers, we offer armored SWAT trucks and police vehicles. Please feel free to contact us with your needs or special applications. We also have a few used armored vehicles available for immediate delivery. Request a quote today.