Special target groups have special requirements to an armoured vehicle. The highest technical standards were also paramount for Brabus Automotive when it came to developing the new armoured vehicle based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Right from the very start, the overall ballistic concept was designed for a maximum protective effect corresponding to the level of OEM factory armour plating.
It is inserted into the body shell in a disassembled state and then constructed. One of the structural features of the shelter cell is the zero-joints design which means that there is absolutely no entry narrowing — similar to a vehicle armour plated in an OEM factory. The armour components are mounted to the shelter cell without any gaps. Unavoidable weld seams, on the doors for example, are achieved with material overlapping and so-called labyrinths. The design of the upper windscreen frame is also innovative.
It was only once the individual elements of the shelter cell proved their protective effect that the entire cell was tested in the vehicle. Every single material pairing and screw connection was tested by being shot at from several angles and at projectile speeds which are well beyond the standard speed of the calibre being protected against.
Each kit consists of two BRABUS special turbochargers with larger compressor unit and modified core assemblies with reinforced axial bearings. The plug-and-play control unit is adapted to the production electronics.
The added weight of the overall vehicle due to the armour plating is comparatively low at around 1, kilograms, but the load-bearing capacity of the chassis must be modified to meet the high requirements of Brabus Automotive when it comes to driving dynamics and life span.
