Feature: building a military vehicle

Civilian and military vehicles are vastly different breeds. We look at what it takes to develop one ready for battle

Forget your modi ed 4x4 bakkie. Compared to the SVI Max 9 armoured personnel carrier (APC) standing in front of me, the pick-up resembles a Dinky toy. Just getting into an APC takes two steps up the side while holding on to the open door that is locked into place.without a catch mechanism, the mass of the door can cause a loss of limb if closed carelessly.

Ergonomics and aesthetics play second ddle to function, although there are luxuries like air-con. Starting the 6,75-litre Cummins turbodiesel engine sends a vibration through the body. Select D on the auto transmission, release the parking brake and lean on the accelerator. I have never experienced such a feeling of invincibility as the 7 500 kg APC powered over every obstacle at Gerotek without breaking a sweat. A stray landmine or assault-ri e attack would be a mere annoyance.

We spoke to SVI CEO and chief design engineer, Jaco de Kock, to nd out what it takes to produce a vehicle ready for combat.