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SVI Engineering, specialist manufacturer of armoured products, has recognised the need for a cost-effective vehicle solution to protect the occupants from both ballistic and general riot threats. Meet the latest version of the MAX 3 – the entry into the MAX family of specialized bullet-resistant vehicles.
Application
MAX 3 is designed as a multi-role vehicle. As a civilian version (no NCACC permits needed), it has application in the following roles: Mining security, riot control, civil security, anti-poaching and convoy protection (valuables in transit).
MAX 3 in its military configuration is designed to be air transportable in a C130 and is fitted with weapon mounts for .50 calibre pintle mountings, remote weapon systems and the Scorpion 60 mm and 81mm mortar systems. The vehicle can be fitted with customer furnished equipment such as communication systems.
Design and conversion details
MAX 3 is an evolution of the previous version with a focus on improved ergonomics, added interior space and bolder styling. The armoured steel shell is designed and manufactured in-house by SVI employing the lasted CAD software and manufacturing techniques.
The conversion process entails removing the soft-skin body of the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 and replacing it with a new all-steel body manufactured from armour plate. The armoured construction of the vehicle provides a minimum protection of EN1063 BR6 (assault rifles) with additional protection against anti-personnel mines. The vehicle has been designed from the start to be upgradeable to BR7.
The vehicle is available as a single cab, double cab and armoured personnel carrier for up to eight people. Although mostly standard, the drivetrain is upgraded with the fitment of rims and tyres with a higher load rating, upgraded suspension and fitment of an additional rear anti-roll bar.
The modular design of the vehicle allows short delivery times of three months for batches of up to 20 units and the vehicle is available in either left- or right-hand drive.
Maintenance
Servicing of MAX 3 is simplified because of its standard Toyota powertrain and drivetrain. Spare parts and service items are available at any Toyota dealership world-wide. A service interval of 5 000 km is recommended owing to the intended usage profile and off-road application.
Cost and warranty
MAX 3 procurement cost depends on configurations as well as the powertrain specification of the new Land Cruiser 79 used as the donor vehicle. Prices start from R1,6m ex VAT and the standard SVI warranty of 1-year/50 000km applies for road use.
The company
SVI was formed in 2004 as an innovative mechanical engineering and rapid-product development firm with capabilities in product design, finite element analysis, development, product evaluation and manufacturing of armoured products. SVI is BEE level 2 and its quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015 by TÜV Rheinland.
Specifications
Engine: 4,5-litre, 8-cyl, turbodiesel
Power: 151 kW @ 3 400 r/min
Torque: 430 Nm @ 1 200-3 200 r/min
Top speed: >140 km/h
