SVI Engineering, South Africa’s leading armoured vehicle specialist, has unveiled a groundbreaking addition to the Ranger Raptor lineup: the country’s first Ford-approved B6 armour package, offering discreet protection against assault rifles. Until now, the high-performance Raptor was only available with B4 (handgun) protection.
Pushing the Limits of Raptor Capability
The Ranger Raptor’s renowned FOX suspension system, a key differentiator for this halo derivative, has historically limited its payload, making higher-level armour upgrades challenging. SVI Engineering overcame this hurdle by working closely with Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and FOX suspension experts to safely increase the Raptor’s gross vehicle mass (GVM).
“Since the Raptor’s special FOX suspension system results in a lower payload compared to other Ranger derivatives, this model was initially deemed unsuitable to handle the extra mass that comes with full assault-rifle protection. The technical solution, of course, is to increase the Raptor’s GVM, a process we’ve now successfully completed with the full blessing of Ford,” explains Nicol Louw, SVI Business Development Director.
The solution retains the Raptor’s signature 2.5-inch FOX live-valve internal bypass shock absorbers while incorporating uprated springs, increasing the GVM from 3,130 kg to 3,499 kg. The payload correspondingly rises to 1,039 kg—enough to support the full B6 armour system without compromising drivability or requiring a special driver’s licence in South Africa.
The SVI B6 Discreet Armour Package
SVI’s B6 package delivers comprehensive, 360-degree protection against assault rifles, including AK47, R1, and R5 rounds, making it the highest civilian armour level available locally without special permits. Key features include:
- 38 mm curved armoured glass, crafted to OEM specifications.
- High-grade steel plates with full firewall and footwell protection.
- Overlapping materials to minimise ballistic gaps.
- Coverage of all doors, pillars, windows, and critical under-bonnet components such as the battery and ABS unit.
Despite the additional mass, the Raptor’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine—producing 292 kW and 583 Nm—ensures effortless performance, retaining the bakkie’s high-speed, off-road capabilities.
Ford-Protected, Warranty-Backed
SVI’s Ford Pro Convertor (FPC) status ensures the B6 Raptor retains its factory warranty and can be serviced under any Ford maintenance plan. Financing is also seamless: the total package—including vehicle and armour—can be financed through Ford Credit at any South African Blue Oval dealership.
SVI’s relationship with Ford spans multiple generations of the Ranger, offering various Ford-endorsed armouring levels, including the semi-discreet B6 Stopgun V3.0 for security professionals, as well as armoured packages for the Everest SUV.
Pricing and Build Times
The new 360-degree B6 discreet armouring package for the Ranger Raptor starts at R891,735 (excluding VAT). SVI continues to offer its B4 discreet kit from R588,730 (ex VAT) and the innovative “SVI LITE” B2 partial armouring solution at R64,950 (ex VAT) per closure. Build times are approximately three months for the B4 and B6 packages, with optional extras including roof armour, PA systems, and imported heavy-duty runflat tyres. The SVI LITE partial armour can be installed in just two weeks.
SVI Engineering’s new B6 package firmly establishes the Ranger Raptor as South Africa’s first factory-approved, assault-rifle-protected high-performance bakkie, combining the rugged versatility of the Raptor with state-of-the-art ballistic security.
