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Blogs and Insights

Dan Diana

**Dan Diana, General Manager**

Dan Diana, General Manager at Alpine Armoring, has nearly two decades of experience in the automotive and armoring industries. Throughout his career, Mr. Diana has worked with a diverse range of high-profile clientele and is known for consistently achieving superior customer satisfaction. His diverse and extensive knowledge of the armoring process has earned him a reputation as a thought leader in the automotive armoring industry.

Mr. Diana graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Management. He has a solid foundation in organizational leadership and strategic planning thanks to his educational background. Mr. Diana's interests extend beyond his professional work and into the world of automobiles, motorcycles, and firearms, where he appreciates both the mechanics and the precision involved. He is also an avid outdoorsman who enjoys activities such as hiking and camping. He is also an avid outdoorsman who enjoys activities such as hiking and camping.


The term ‘armor levels’ is closely related to armored vehicles and it refers to the specific degrees of protection a vehicle offers against various types of threats, such as bullets and explosives.

These levels are defined standards established by government bodies that refer to the thickness of steel armor and ballistic glass, and their ability to protect against various projectiles, guiding manufacturers and buyers when selecting the armor for their needs. Understanding these [armor levels](/ballistic-chart) is crucial for buyers and those seeking personal security, as selecting the right level of protection is paramount and can save lives. 

In this article, we’ll go through the most common standards in the United States and Europe and a short guide on choosing the correct Alpine armored vehicle for yourself.


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## Breakdown of Vehicle Armor Levels
Before we answer any further questions, let’s first go through different standards when it comes to body armor and armored vehicles in the United States and Europe. 

### NIJ Levels (Common Reference in Armored Vehicles)

[The National Institute of Justice](https://nij.ojp.gov/about) (NIJ) is the research, evaluation, and technology agency. It is focused on improving knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues through science and is the agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the United States.

NIJ sets standards for the different protection and communications equipment used by law enforcement agencies, including ballistic armor for vehicles and personal protection. This agency also created standards for body armor.

Here are the levels of protection in ballistic-resistant equipment according to [NIJ standards](https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/equipment-and-technology/specification-nij-ballistic-protection-levels-and-associated-test-threats-nij-standard-012300#table2):
- **HG1** - This level of armor can stop 9mm Luger FMJ/RN and .357 Mag JSP bullets. It doesn’t offer protection from a rifle. 
- **HG2**- The armor level can stop 9mm Luger FMJ/RN and .44 Magnum JHP bullets. Same as level HG1, it doesn’t offer rifle protection. 
- **RF1** - The level of armor can stop 7.62x51mm M80 Ball NATO, 5.56mm M193, and 7.62x39mm MSC Ball Ammunition. This level offers the highest handgun-only protection.
- **RF2**- Unlike the previous models, this one can stop 7.62x51mm M80 Ball and 7.62x39mm MSC Ball Ammunition. Also, it stops the 5.56mm M193 and M855. Some Level III plates include ceramic/metallic face plates, but not all
- **RF3** - This is the highest armor protection level that can stop 30.06 M2 AP.

_Notes on 5.56mm/.223 Ammunition:_
1. Lead Core Rounds (JHP - Jacketed Hollow Point) - This type of ammunition is used for hunting and target shooting, and it can be stopped by Level III armor.
2. Steel/Partial Steel Core Rounds (Green Tip/M855) - This is military-grade ammunition that requires Level IV armor for reliable protection.


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### European and International Armoring Standards
In the following sections, we’ll go through the international standards and the ones that are applied in Europe.

#### CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation)

EN 1063, also known as [CEN 1063](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EN_1063), is a security glazing standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization to assess the [ballistic strength of bullet-resistant glass](/ballistic-testing). The strength of glazed shielding is rated based on the type of munitions, velocity, or threat levels it can withstand.

There are seven main standard threat levels - BR1 to BR7 (or B1 to B7), each corresponding to a different type of small firearm. The testing procedure involves firing three shots in a 120mm triangular pattern.
- **FB/BR4**: This level of protection is designed to stop handguns such as the 9mm Luger, .357 Magnum, and .44 Remington Magnum.
- **FB/BR4+**: This unofficial protection level is used for armored cars and protects against AK-style rifles. It falls between the B4 and B5 levels but is not an official EN standard.
- **FB/BR5**: This level is intended for armoring cars and provides protection against AR-style rifles.
- **FB/BR6**: The B6 protection level, commonly used by law enforcement agencies, defends against battle rifles.
- **FB/BR7**: This highest level of protection, also used by law enforcement agencies, is capable of stopping piercing machine gun fire.



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#### VPAM Armor Standard in Europe (Association of Test Centers for Bullet & Blast Resistant Materials)

VPAM armor standards offer a BRV (Ballistic Resistant Vehicle) & ERV (Explosive Resistant Vehicle) Test in a much more thorough and hardened testing cycle than the NIJ or CEN 
Material Testing VPAM offers VR (Vehicle Resistant) Levels from a scale from 1 to 14. 14 [VPAM standards](https://www.vpam.eu/pruefrichtlinien/aktuell/vpam-brv/) apply, but only in some countries in Europe (France and Britain):
- **VPAM BRV VR1** - It offers protection against .22 long rifle
- **VPAM BRV VR2** - It offers protection against a 9mm Luger handgun
- **VPAM BRV VR3** - It can withstand the 9mm Luger submachine gun
- **VPAM BRV VR4** - Offers protection against .357 Magnum & .44 Rem. Magnum revolvers
- **VPAM BRV VR5** - This level of protection can withstand the .357 Magnum
- **VPAM BRV VR6** - It offers protection against 7.62x39 rifle
- **VPAM BRV VR7** - The minimum required steel thickness for this level of protection is 7.5mm. It offers protection against .223 Rem & .308 Win rifles
- **VPAM BRV VR8** - The minimum required steel thickness for this level of protection is 12.5mm. It can withstand weapons of 7.62x39 caliber.
- **VPAM BRV VR9** -  The minimum required steel thickness for this level of protection is 14.5mm. This level of protection can protect against .308 Win of 7.62x51 caliber.
- **VPAM BRV VR10** -  The minimum required steel thickness for this level of protection is 18mm. This level of protection is good for weapons of 7.62x54 R caliber.

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## Why Is Understanding Armor Levels Important?

In order to better understand the importance of armor levels, here are some points to think about:

- **Matching the Threat to Protection** — First, you have to think about the type of threats you may encounter and what type of weapons may be used.  
- **Cost vs. Necessity** — After you think about what kind of threats you may face, you should start thinking about what materials you need and what exactly you need from the equipment. Most importantly, you should consider the cost of the equipment you really need. For example, if you aren’t facing highly risky situations, you don’t need the largest vehicle with the highest level of protection in an armored vehicle.
- **Weight and Mobility Considerations** — Another important factor that you should consider is the weight of the equipment and how it affects the overall performance. For example, a lower level [armored Sedan](/vehicles-we-armor/type/armored-sedans) provides a better balance between protection and maintaining vehicle mobility and speed, while higher level [armored SUVs](/vehicles-we-armor/type/armored-suvs) could be an option if you need more protection and space but are willing to sacrifice some vehicle mobility.


## Common Applications of Armor Levels

Here is the list of common applications of armored vehicles in real situations:

1. **Law Enforcement Agencies** — Police and law enforcement agencies use [armored personnel carriers](/vehicles-we-armor/type/armored-law-enforcement) for tactical operations, controlling riots, and transporting units in high-risk situations.
2. **Diplomats** — Diplomatic missions, government officials including embassies and consulates, often use armored vehicles to transport diplomats and officials in high-risk areas.
3. **Cash-in-Transit Services** — Armored vehicles are often utilized for transporting cash and other valuables, specifically for [armored cash-in-transit](/vehicles-we-armor/type/armored-cash-in-transit-cit) services provided by banks, security firms, or government agencies.
4. **Celebrities, Public Figures and Company Executives** — Some public figures, company executives, and celebrities choose to buy armored vehicles for their personal security, particularly if facing potential security threats.
5. **Humanitarian Organizations** — Organizations in humanitarian work in conflict zones could use [armored vans](/vehicles-we-armor/type/armored-vans-and-buses) or [armored specialty vehicles](/vehicles-we-armor/type/armored-specialty-vehicles) to transport people, supplies, and aid.
6. **Individuals in High-Risk Situations** — Individuals who may be in high-risk situations, conflict zones, or those working in dangerous environments, may decide to get an armored vehicle for personal safeguard.


## How to Choose the Right Armor Level for Your Needs

Selecting the right protection level involves considering various factors:

**Threat Level**
When assessing the threat level, several things should be considered, such as individual circumstances and geography. For example, celebrities traveling in urban areas may only need protection against smaller firearms would require a lower level of armoring like Alpine Level A4 (CEN BR4 / NIJ HG2), while government officials in high-risk areas may require protection against machine guns and other military-grade weapons and benefit from higher levels, such as Alpine Level A9 (CEN BR6+ / NIJ RF2) .

**Budget**
After establishing the situations you may encounter, the most crucial aspect is how much you can afford to spend on an armored vehicle. The cost of an armored vehicle is heavily dependent on the specific base vehicle used, level of protection, and additional features, easily doubling or tripling the actual price of the vehicle. . While it is a significant investment, the protection and security it offers can be invaluable.

**Vehicle Type**
Knowing how much you can afford and for what type of situations you need an armored vehicle, you will be presented with some choices. Keep in mind that a higher protection level vehicle weighs more, affecting the vehicle's performance. So, think about what is necessary from the equipment for you regarding the overall performance.

**Consulting with Experts** 
In case you aren’t sure what armor level is right for you, our team of experienced experts can assist you with identifying the right protection level and customize the right armored vehicle to meet your specific needs. 


## Vehicle Armor Levels: Final Words

Understanding the different armor standards and levels is important when selecting the appropriate protection level in armored vehicles. 

The crucial aspects to consider when choosing armor for a vehicle include matching the protection to the specific threats you may face, balancing cost with necessity, and factoring in the impact of weight on mobility. Some examples of armored vehicles include those used by law enforcement agencies, diplomats, cash-in-transit services, and high-risk individuals.

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards in the U.S. and the CEN standards in Europe offer material certifications, while  the VPAM standards provide the highest certified levels of protection for Blast & Ballistic standards.  Alpine Armoring is is the only high-quality custom-manufacturer of armored vehicles whose tested vehicles not only passed by VPAM VR7 (BRV & ERV Certified Testing), but also by the US Army (Aberdeen Proving Ground - APG/ATC) Testing requirements for Armored Vehicles (Blast & Ballistic Testing).  

Choosing the right armor level requires an assessment of threat levels, budget, and vehicle performance. [Contact the experts @ Alpine Armoring ](/contact)about tailoring solutions to your specific needs. 


No, armor levels aren’t the same for vehicles and body armor.

Q1: Are armor levels the same for vehicles and body armor?

“VR6” stands for vehicle resistance, meaning the protection level provides certified ballistic & blast capabilities,  typically used for government and diplomatic officials for use in the highest threat levels. 

Q2: What is VR6 armor, and how does it compare to other levels? 

The armor used in these vehicles is designed to be a permanent part of the vehicle and doesn’t require to be upgraded or changed periodically. However, armored vehicles need to be serviced and maintained more often throughout the lifecycle, due to the added weight, for longevity.

Q3: How long does armored vehicle protection last?

Yes, armor levels can be customized depending on the threats you may face.

Q4: Can armor levels be customized for specific threats? 

FAQs About Armor Levels

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Understanding Armor Levels in Vehicles: NIJ, CEN, and VPAM Standards Explained

Laila Asbergs

**Laila Asbergs, Project Manager**

Laila Asbergs, Project Manager at Alpine Armoring, is a seasoned marketing and communications specialist with 30 years of varied experience in a range of industries, including the public sector, IT, telecommunications, and automotive. She is passionate about assisting businesses to achieve their objectives and goals through strategic marketing and project management, sales operations, internal culture development, and corporate communications.

Ms. Asbergs graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Management. While at Georgia Tech, she was a scholarship athlete and pitcher on the softball team. In addition to her professional work, Ms. Asbergs has been involved in pageants and modeling events for several years as a producer, media manager, and judge. She is a board member for the Miss Commonwealth Scholarship Organization and a volunteer with Miss Virginia’s Little Sisters Program, where she supports young talent and empowers girls to become future leaders.


## Why an increasing number of individuals are turning to bulletproof cars as a premier choice for personal safety.


### Understanding Bulletproof Cars

Bulletproof cars, also known as armored vehicles, are designed to protect passengers from ballistic threats and physical attacks. Constructed with reinforced materials such as Kevlar, ballistic steel, and composite fibers, these vehicles can withstand a range of violent assaults. The windows are typically made from polycarbonate and leaded glass, which can absorb energy from bullets, preventing penetration. The car's body is fortified to protect vital components, such as the engine and fuel tank, while the interior may feature secure communication systems for added safety.


The technology behind bulletproof cars has evolved significantly. Modern armoring techniques ensure that the protective materials are integrated seamlessly into the vehicle's design, maintaining a standard appearance while providing the utmost security. This discretion is crucial for individuals who require protection without drawing unwanted attention.


### The Benefits of Owning an Alpine Armoring Bulletproof Vehicle

Owning an Alpine Armoring bulletproof vehicle offers several advantages for individuals prioritizing personal security. The most apparent benefit is the level of safety and peace of mind it provides in the face of potential threats. Whether navigating through high-risk areas or being a target of specific threats, Alpine Armoring’s bulletproof cars offer a mobile safe haven. Additionally, these vehicles often come equipped with other security features like GPS tracking, run-flat inserts, and smoke screen systems, further enhancing passenger protection.


Bulletproof cars can also serve as a deterrent to potential attackers. The knowledge that a vehicle is armored may discourage assailants from attempting an attack, thus preemptively securing the occupants. Furthermore, in an emergency, Alpine Armoring’s bulletproof vehicles can navigate out of danger, thanks to their reinforced structure and advanced security and communication systems.




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### Key Features to Look for When Choosing a Bulletproof Car

When selecting a bulletproof car, it is essential to consider various features to ensure maximum protection. The level of armoring, indicated by [Alpine Armoring’s rating system](/ballistic-chart) that ranges from A4 to A12 (B4 to B7+), determines the type of ammunition the vehicle can withstand. A higher rating, such as A9, offers defense against high-caliber rounds including AR15 and other high-powered weapons including 7.62 x 39, 7.62 x 51, 5.56 x 45, and is recommended for those at significant risk.


It's also important to evaluate the vehicle's performance capabilities, such as acceleration and handling, especially when quick maneuverability is necessary to escape threats. Alpine Armoring upgrades the vehicles with a heavy-duty braking system and heavy-duty suspension to handle the additional weight from the armoring and adds run-flat tire inserts.


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### Maintaining Your Bulletproof Vehicle: Tips and Best Practices

Proper maintenance is vital to ensuring that your bulletproof vehicle remains operational and effective. Regular maintenance should include checking the integrity of the armor plating and ballistic glass, as damage or wear can compromise the vehicle's protective capabilities. It's also important to maintain the vehicle's mechanical components, such as the engine and suspension system, which may be under additional stress due to the weight of the armor.

It's advisable to have the vehicle serviced by technicians who are experienced with armored vehicles, as they are familiar with the specific needs and challenges associated with maintaining such specialized equipment. Owners should also be educated on the proper use and care of their bulletproof vehicle to avoid any practices that could diminish its protective qualities. Following these tips and best practices will ensure that your bulletproof vehicle continues to offer optimal protection for years to come.

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Top Security Measures: Investing in Bulletproof Cars

The market-demand for armored cars among politicians, business owners, military personnel, and even sports players has steadily been increasing over the years. In fact, over the last five years, the Armored Transportation Services industry has grown by 2.8%. But finding a reliable armored SUV for sale takes some research and plenty of patience. Below are the steps to follow in order to identify and purchase the armored vehicle that best fits your requirements.

**Step 1: Consider your protection needs**
Armored vehicles available on the market generally range between protection levels A4/B4 - A11/B7.  These level are partly based on the thickness of the ballistic glass, the make of the ballistic steel applied to retrofit a vehicle into an armored vehicle. The first task at hand is to identify the purpose of your need for an armored car, bet it a SUV or a sedan, which will help you determine the level of protection that would best suit your needs. You need to thoughtfully assess your security needs and determine what kind of weapons and rounds you are expecting to have protection against in order to choose the right armored vehicle. Alpine Armoring has a dedicated team of highly trained technical team and experienced sales associates certified to assist you with identifying the right protection level and make to customize the right armored SUV or sedan to meet your specific needs.

**Step 2: Set a budget**
After identifying the protection level required, you can set a budget in place. Due to the extra ballistic rated materials that are added to the vehicle during the manufacturing of an armored car, it not only adds weight to the vehicle, but also additional cost as compared to regular vehicles. The cost could easily doubles or triples the actual price of a car.  With that in mind, it's essential to finalize a budget before deciding on the type of vehicle and additional customization s one may have in mind. Our sales consultants will gladly help you find the optimal package and price range for the right armored SUVs or armored sedans for you.

Set up an appointment to test drive a similar or exact vehicle:  Alpine Armoring often keeps ample supply of stock and ready to deliver new and nearly new armored SUVs and sedans that one can consider either to purchase or to compare for their own purposes to see what other make or model vehicle they like to purchase and have it armored.

**Step 3 Find a reliable seller**
You can't go to just any car dealership and expect to find SWAT vehicles for sale. You should look into local armored vehicle dealers to determine which one is right for you. The seller you choose should have a wide variety of vehicles to choose from, offer the levels of protection you're looking for, and have references you can look into. Finding the right seller will help you feel comfortable and confident in your purchase.

Buying an armored vehicle is usually not a quick process because of the importance of finding the right vehicle. So follow these few steps and make sure you contact Alpine Armoring. We'll help you find an armored car you can rely on for the protection you need.

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Armored Vehicles: 3 Steps to Help You Find the Right One

These armored vehicles are often used to protect world leaders, celebrities, or political figures owing to their ability to blend in among the regular cars. A great example of an armored vehicle would be the armored Cadillac limousine, called “The Beast,” used by President Obama and President Trump which reportedly has a five-inch thick plate of armor among other reinforcements. Businesses and governmental law enforcement agencies are also known to use armored vehicles to protect not only themselves but their property as well.

However, with the wide variety of armored vehicles now available in the market more and more civilians are looking into the option of personal protection leading to the increase in the Armored Transportation Services sector by 2.8% in the last five years. And because it can cost upwards of $100,000 to convert a car into an armored vehicle, many people prefer to purchase a new one.

The conversion of an armored vehicle includes the addition of a wide range of components based on the level of protection and specification required by the user. The two main and standard steps include replacing all the glass with NIJ tested multi-layered ballistic glass and reinforcing all opaque material surrounding the vehicle with hardened ballistic steel. Some of the other common additions include fuel tank and battery protection, smoke screens, run-flat tires, and an intercom (to help you communicate with people outside of the car). You can even dispense road tacks or have the inside of the vehicle sealed to protect against poisonous gas or tear gas.

Owing to all the above additions an armored vehicle is much heavier than its regular counterpart. Because of the added size and weight, the engine, brakes, and shock absorbers are often upgraded to compensate for this. With everyday developments in the methods and materials used for armoring cars the goal is to increase the level of protection offered while keeping the size and weight of the vehicle in check. Driving an armored car can feel different and be more difficult for some. Some drivers find that specialized training in tactical driving not only helps them to handle the car better, but it also prepares them in the event they would need to get away from someone or something.

With nearly 4,000,000 crimes occurring in the United States each year, people are looking for new ways to protect themselves and their loved ones. Finding armored vehicles for sale seems to be one way they can do that.

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What You Should Know About Armored Cars

The concept of using an armored vehicle is foreign to a majority of the public worldwide and is limited to seeing them either in movies or on the news. That being said, armored vehicles aren't quite as rare as we'd think. In fact, there were an estimated 100,000 armored vehicles on the road worldwide as of 2018. But why exactly would a person find the need to use a bulletproof vehicle?

In today's post, we will discuss three reasons many citizens may find comfort in the idea of driving an armored SUV or a bulletproof van.

### When should you consider using a Vehicle with Armor?

**1. When you are transporting valuables:** Remember the last bank heist film you watched where you may have observed a standoff involving an armored vehicle? You may be surprised to know that these bulletproof SUVs or armored vans or trucks are regularly used outside of Hollywood, too. Often, banks and jewelry companies will utilize these vehicles, better known as Cash In Transit vehicles (CIT) to ensure the secure transportation of cash and valuables. Armored vehicles are used to ensure the safety of the occupants in addition to the goods being transported. This is made sure of as they are equipped with both armored transparent and armored opaque areas against certain rounds with reinforcement of shells, and material that can withstand extreme temperatures. These armored vehicles can therefore protect against robberies, hijackings, and other threats of violence.

**2. Protection for Government Officials:** Politicians and high level government officials will often rely on armored cars to ensure their safety on the go. Rentals and leasing of armored sedans & SUVs is not uncommon especially around events involving dignitaries and diplomats from around the world. Because the lives of diplomats, government officials, and other VIPs need to be protected at all costs, it's no wonder that armored vehicles are the most preferred means of their transportation.

**3. High Profile Individuals & Citizens from conflict zones:** People, apart from those belonging to the diplomatic community or those who aren't high up in the government, may also consider the need to explore the types of civilian armored vehicles that might be available for sale in the market. If you are currently residing in a conflict zone or are a journalist who often reports the news in dangerous situations, you may find that traveling in an SUV with armor protection, particularly at higher protection level; A9/B6 to protect against 7.62 x 39, 5.56 x45 and 7.52 x 51 rounds can provide plenty of protection. Some high-profile celebrities or even highly successful entrepreneurs have considered renting or buying an armored sedan or armored SUV to ensure their personal safety, particularly during times of unrest or if they've received some sort of threat. An ordinary person might choose to invest in an armored car if they feel their own safety (or that of their family) is in some way compromised and they are unable to obtain protection through law enforcement, as well.

It is evident from the above information that there are several non-military and non-law enforcement situations that might require the use of an armored vehicle. And because these types of cars and SUVs are becoming more prevalent, it's never been a better time to consider this option. For more information, please [contact us today](/contact).

Eight Alpine Armoring SUVs and trucks, in colors ranging from black and gray to white, are parked in front of a beige building with a logo. Green trees surround the Alpine Armoring building under a cloudy sky.

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3 Reasons to Consider Purchasing an Armored Vehicle

Discover our blogs and insights on armored vehicles to discover the latest trends, technologies, and expert opinions.