In the past decade, a new wave of commercial ARVs specifically built for law enforcement has hit the market. Few agencies could afford these big-ticket items prior to then, so initially the expense made it slow-going for the police armored vehicle industry. Then 9/11 changed law enforcement's attitude, and the formation of the Department of Homeland Security and its grant programs led to unprecedented funding for local law enforcement equipment, including ARVs. Responding to this increased demand, ARV manufacturers are developing the next generation of ARVs to meet the needs of contemporary tactical officer.
Armored Rescue Vehicles
Supreme produces the Avenger ARV that features seating for 10 to 12, eight gunports, tow hooks, grab bars (all doors), running boards (sides and rear) and ladder roof access. Equipped with four-wheel drive, the Avenger ARV is capable of highway speeds (70 mph) and off-road operation. Innovative features on the Avenger include front driver and passenger doors that swing open to the rear with optional electromagnetic door hold-backs. Also, there is an optional roof hatch with rotating turret and a stowable, height-adjustable turret platform.
The Spiller Group's Rook is a multi-purpose tracked, armored vehicle that resembles a miniature bulldozer. Operators can deploy on the front and rear of the Rook shielded by armor that can stop rifle rounds. Its most interesting feature is an armored deployment and rescue platform, with hydraulic lift. The platform can be raised to a second-floor window, and is shielded by armor that has gunports. There's a sliding door in the armored shield, so officers can deploy forward through the shield. Other features on the Rook include a breaching, penetrating arm with a camera, a vehicle extraction attachment, a grapple bucket for removal of barriers and obstacles, and a tactical video recording system. The Rook is operated by a joy stick.
Lenco produces the B.E.A.R. (Ballistic Engineered Armored Response). The B.E.A.R. is built on a commercial truck chassis, using commercial parts, that makes it mechanic-friendly and brings warranty support from the manufacturer. The vehicle features certified hardened steel armor and ballistic glass that's capable of multiple hits, blast-resistant floors, specially designed gunports, roof hatches and multiple ingress/egress doors. The B.E.A.R.'s larger size allows up to 15 personnel to be transported and 25 to 30 persons to be evacuated. This is an ARV with multiple uses, including emergency/hostage rescue, TEMS, etc. The interior compartment is capable of housing the logistics needs of most SWAT teams.
TacArm's Juggernaut is a rugged, multipurpose, tracked armored vehicle developed by a Washington state SWAT operator. It resembles a tracked backhoe. The Juggernaut's key feature is its telescoping hydraulic arm with a 24-foot reach. Using various attachments on this arm, operators can breach barricaded or fortified doors, windows, roofs and attics; rip new openings in solid walls; and insert chemical agents or communication equipment such as throw phones. Fully armored, the Juggernaut can be used to evacuate hostages and deploy operators. It can carry six operators inside its armored box and five more on a rear platform. The Juggernaut is operated via joystick.