- New SVI MAX SWAT fully revealed at AAD 2024
- Designed to excel in wide range of critical roles
- EN1063 BR6 protection for 12 crew members
- MAX SWAT employs proven Isuzu powertrain
SVI Engineering, leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, has used the 12th running of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD 2024) expo to showcase the latest addition to its range of highly versatile bullet-resistant vehicles: the new SVI MAX SWAT.
An expertly crafted multi-role vehicle with the ability to carry a 12-person crew, the new SVI MAX SWAT arrives as a menacingly styled sibling to the popular MAX 3 range of armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and the MAX 9 bespoke military solution.
“From the outset of our rigorous design and engineering process, we knew a high level of adaptability was key for the SVI MAX SWAT – and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved. This new APC’s versatility means it’s well suited to various sectors, from police and correctional services to private security and indeed military. Therefore, AAD 2024 was the perfect place for us to reveal it,” said Jaco de Kock, CEO of SVI.
AAD 2024, which runs from 18 to 22 September 2024 at Air Force Base Waterkloof on the outskirts of Pretoria, is the only defence and aviation exhibition on the African continent. Combining a trade exhibition and an air show, this flagship event welcomes delegates from more than 20 countries around the world, with in excess of 300 exhibitors and 30 000 trade visitors expected at the 2024 edition.
SVI MAX SWAT PRIMED FOR VARIOUS ROLES
The new SVI MAX SWAT has been meticulously engineered to excel across a wide range of critical roles, including border patrol, public-order maintenance, command & control, and tactical surveillance, as well as special weapons & tactics (SWAT) and mobile assault & reconnaissance system (MARS) operations.
Providing a minimum protection level of EN1063 BR6 (assault rifles, including AK47, R1 and R5), the MAX SWAT employs a custom-fabricated armoured monocoque hull (bolted to a ladder-frame chassis) and armoured glass windows, with the latter strategically positioned to maximise situational awareness. The substantial side doors, meanwhile, allow for rapid ingress and egress, providing a distinct tactical advantage during high-risk operations.
Endowed with exceptional mobility in both urban and rural environments, the 12-seater MAX SWAT features a generous payload capacity of more than 2 tonnes and expansive utility space to facilitate the transport of essential equipment. Highly customisable weapons- and system-carrying capabilities – along with optimised crew ergonomics – ensure mission readiness in any situation.
In addition, the MAX SWAT – which features a configurable seating arrangement and highly customisable storage solutions – can be fitted with an optional auxiliary power unit (APU) capable of independently running the air-conditioning system as well as any specialised systems (such as ground radars and long-range cameras) that the client may wish to include.
SVI MAX SWAT’S WELL-PROVEN POWERTRAIN
Since reliability and ease of maintenance are particularly crucial factors for vehicles tasked with transporting personnel and equipment in high-risk areas, SVI opted to use a well-proven powertrain from Japanese automotive giant Isuzu. As such, the MAX SWAT employs the 7.8-litre, inline-six turbodiesel engine (6HK1-TCN) familiar from Isuzu’s range of medium-duty trucks.
Generating peak outputs of 176 kW and 706 Nm – with the latter torque figure available from as low as 1 450 r/min, resulting in outstanding tractability – this high-performing six-cylinder motor drives all four wheels as standard. Moreover, SVI has upgraded the drivetrain to include a 6-speed Allison 2500 Series automatic transmission in place of the otherwise-standard manual gearbox.
The use of this field-proven Isuzu 4×4 powertrain, along with tough Isuzu axles and suspension components, plus various commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, serves to not only ensure reliability and simplify maintenance but also to boost operational efficiency and thus reduce total lifecycle costs. In fact, routine servicing can be performed at any Isuzu dealership across South Africa or in neighbouring African countries.
COST AND BUILD TIME
The SVI MAX SWAT has a build time of three months and is priced from R4,378,987 (excluding VAT and any selected extras). SVI’s innovative anti-riot scraper as well as anti-riot screen guards are standard equipment. In addition to the APU mentioned above, available options include heavy-duty runflat rings, shot-detection and -location systems, medical equipment and even a high-powered camera mounted on a telescopic mast (for long-range observation and surveillance when stationary).
