An Analysis of Cadillac Escalade Armored Vehicle Variants BR4, BR6, and BR7

1. Introduction

Cadillac Escalade Armored Vehicle;  This paper covers an analysis of three different armored vehicle variants based on the Cadillac Escalade. These cars have lots of differences that are picked on the base configuration of the standard car and the advanced level of ballistic and explosion resistance. The main focus of the research will be to obtain figures of maximum speed, prices, and detect differences between the different specifications of cars.

This specification is of an Escalade built with a factory base level of construction with armor resistance against side arm fire only, normally rated at CEN B4 protection level. This is the official last build letter from Cadillac. This is essentially the same build as before, but all letter coding to BR7 and up has been removed. Professional grade launch and production team with very highly skilled and trained technicians and engineers form an entire dedicated team for this product, solely focused on this program. These cars are built to a single consistent standard for all vehicles in order to ensure consistency throughout the entire build process.

Every armored car that rolls off the line must pass one final blast test and one final ballistic test by the Quality Control team to ensure each vehicle meets the extremely high production standards determined by the requirements of the head of state level buyers. As the build schedules are jam-packed and fitting in one of these vehicles is very complicated and time-consuming once the vehicle is close to completion, these tests are sewn at the end of the production process to ensure that the vehicle can be completely reconditioned and reworked.

1.1. Purpose of the Study

The objective of this study was to determine all the possible versions of the armored SUV Cadillac Escalade and analyze all of them in terms of price, quality, and level of protection. To do it, we collected all publicly available information on the existing versions of armored Cadillac Escalade from open sources, i.e., webpages of official dealers of Cadillac and armored cars, and the results of tests performed by the certification body.

The main goal of this analysis is to provide an overview of current versions of a family armored car. Now there are 3 generations of an armored Cadillac Escalade. New generations are released approximately every 10-12 years. To the best of our knowledge, there is no published and verified analytical research regarding the tactical and technical characteristics (TTC) of armored variants of Cadillac Escalade 40-R and Cadillac Escalade 180-R in an official open-source document. To fill this gap, we have used an unofficial catalog of Cadillac Escalade (2022) provided by the manufacturer and the English interpretation of the first national line drawn of vehicles that meets kidney for general and vehicle inspection conditions. Some TTCs that have been released are based on open sources and discussions held with several industry experts. The TTC, diagnostic information, and hydraulic tube dimension are shown in this report. Hereinafter, this version is referred to as the Cadillac Escalade 40-R.

Based on this, the overall objective of this analysis is to study the TTC of the armored vehicles used by the diplomatic service. In particular, the tarpaulin genre was chosen for the earring trolley, which allows the trolley crew to perform the development of the trolley under the cover, that is, in the underground warehouses (barns). Also in the analysis, the characteristics of the conditioned volume of the armored vehicle are given, heavy protective measures are described, and the armored Escalade modifications are briefly described.

2. Specifications

Cen B4 Armored Cadillac Escalade ESC BR4 SUV

Curb Weight (est): 11,024 lbs (5,000 kg) Power: 420 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque: 460 ft-lbs @ 4100 rpm 6-speed automatic heavy duty w/ tow/haul & sport mode Cen B6 Armored Cadillac Escalade ESC BR6 SUV

Curb Weight (est): 13,686 lbs (6,000 kg) Power: 420 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque: 460 ft-lbs @ 4100 rpm 6-speed automatic heavy duty w/ tow/haul & sport mode Cen B7 Armored Cadillac Escalade ESC BR7 SUV

Curb Weight (est): 13,686 lbs (6,000 kg) Power: 420 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque: 460 ft-lbs @ 4100 rpm 6-speed automatic heavy duty w/ tow/haul & sport mode Performance: Please note the decrease in performance at the BR7 level.

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 116 inches Overall Length: 201.2 inches Overall Width: 75.2 inches Overall Height: 74.3 inches Track Width: 64.8 inches Interior Width: 49.4 inches Seating Capacity: 7 persons Exterior

20″ fuel chrome wheels Protection

Body

Cen B4 (BR4): 360° B4 protection against 2 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 mm M80 NATO Ball threats from an AK47/AK-M rifle from 10 meters away with historical and actual attack profiles. The BR-4 protection also encompasses 2 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm FMJ from an AK47/AK-M rifle from 10 meters away with historical and actual attack profiles. Cen B6 (BR6): 360° B6 protection against 5.56 mm x 45mm rounds fired from a SCAR or G36 Assault rifle towards the side Cen B7 (BR7): 360° B7 protection against 7.62 x 39mm FMJ ammunition from a Kalashnikov AK47. Dimensions – caliber: 7.62 x width: 39 x weight: 8.0 g / 123 gr, Speed (muzzle velocity – a distance from which the bullet impacts the target). 695 ± 20 m/s.

2.1. BR4 Variant

The BR4 variant offers protection against 44 Magnum, 9mm submachine gun, and assault rifle attacks, to which Bravado will custom-design both opaque and transparent armor. The transparent armor usually consists of multi-layered glass and polycarbonate laminate. The varying quality of these layers or levels allows for specific ratings, including BR4, BR6, or BR7. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with run-flat tires and a perfect grip suspension system.

The Bravado Armored Cadillac Escalade BR4 is a medium protection vehicle meant to stop burglars using handguns and submachine guns. Modern styling is fused with various upgrades not usually found with production-built vehicles. This includes a luxury-lined passenger cabin that showcases a range of customization options, be it in terms of seating, upholstery, or entertainment systems. Rounding off the list of features are run-flat tires and a backup battery. The rear cargo area can also be accessed by raising the rear window, which is electronically operated. Powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine, the vehicle acts smoothly in urban scenarios and general municipal scenarios as well. Interior accessories increase the comfort of utilizing the car. The front and rear seats are covered by leather. The front seats come with comfort features such as 10-way power adjustment, power adjustable side bolsters, and power-assisted head restraint. The second-row bucket seat comes with a power-folding, power adjustment function and adjustable head restraints. In addition to providing some measure of personal security, the armored Cadillac Escalade is an ideal mode of corporate transport. The BR4 is also available as an ESV (extended wheelbase version) or in a standard configuration.

2.2. BR6 Variant

A thorough analysis of Cadillac Escalade armored vehicles

Continuing on from the earlier BR4 variant of the Cadillac Escalade armored vehicle, a second variant is the BR6. Its 6.2L V8 engine is the same as the one in the BR4 sedan, but instead of providing 200 kW of power, it provides 313 kW: a substantial increase in power. There are further safety adaptations, and additional information in the next chapter will discuss the exact components of this vehicle. The third variant, or BR7, has a more powerful 6.2L V8 Tactical Performance Engine from Cadillac, giving it a whopping 313 kW of power. This vehicle has a greater level of safety certification and can withstand more damage or carry more weight than the BR4 or BR6 variants.

BR6 (Six-door, Short-wheelbase (XL STD) variant): Features

This six-door vehicle has the following features: CEN B6 Armoring, GM 6.2L V8 engine (10-speed automatic transmission, 313 kW @ 5100 rpm), 4X4 (only the 4X4 variant of the Cavalry will be armored and released), Service ESC & Hill Assist (equipped on standard vehicles), and Stabilitrak. Other features include: radar, lane change alert, pedestrian protection, rear cross traffic alert, and lane keep assist, front, and rear park assist, a rear camera with mirror display, vacuum-assisted power brakes, 10-speed automatic, airbags (frontal airbags for driver and front passenger; driver seat-mounted side-impact airbags; front, driver, and right-front passenger airbags; full-length versions on all others), cruise control, ABS with EBD and BA (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and seat belts. General specifications include: 5,654 cc engine, 98 l fuel tank, 3800 mm wheelbase, and 19-inch black alloy wheels.

2.3. BR7 Variant

One of the most suitable Cadillac armored vehicles for the transportation of distinguished guests and VIPs is the BR7 armored Cadillac Escalade. The BR7 is one of the three variants of the armored vehicles that is under the protection level of the B6/B7. The BR7 variant is the best when the question of an upgraded drivetrain and an additional emergency exit is the concern. An analysis of the vehicle description is enumerated below.

The armoring solutions provided in this car are given below. The roof of the car is armored to protect it from ascending fire. The protection is primarily against .50 cal for the required protection levels of BR6/B7. The vehicle offers an undisclosed upgraded 4WD chassis, which gives a very high level of protection, guarantees the flawless functionality of any emergency exit, and the dispersion of acquired energy in case of an incident. Some of the new features exteriorly are the availability of hidden police lights and siren system. A 360-degree recording system is installed in the vehicle. All in all, the vehicle is a force to reckon with in current scenarios. The BR7 variant is a solid workhorse and worthy investment. As John Bull and Co., we offer armored Cadillac Escalade in the three variants, the BR4, the BR6 (GALV), and BR7 (GALV) for those looking for some variety in their Jesko Arming.

3. Advantages

The Cadillac Escalade comes with protection at a BR7 level in some variants, which is a huge leap from most BR4 and BR6 armored vehicles. In addition to being large, the vehicle also provides safety, comfort, and luxury features. The factory-protected body can reach a thickness of 10 mm, which is less resistant to shots when choosing a vehicle. This requires additional internal protection plates that can withstand higher levels of sniper protection or up to 7.62×39 (MSC) rifles. The vehicle is high up and can be used in many applications such as civilian or security. Despite the large size of the car, it has some advantages that can be used especially in the city. Since many spares are of civilian character, the service and spare parts are obviously easy to provide for long distances. A powerful V8 engine and an unarmored chassis provide excellent performance for heavily armored vehicles. V8 engines are more efficient in the power-to-weight ratio than V6 engines, so the vehicle can carry more armory without any loss of performance. The Cadillac Escalade has often been preferred by security companies, royal families, ambassadors, and others.

One of the most important features that make the vehicle different from others is that the vehicle is bullet-resistant at a very high level compared to vehicles of the same class. Cadillac Escalade armored vehicle, which has passed the ballistics tests conducted by independent accredited laboratories according to international standards, provides protection against attacks carried out by different techniques, with its armor at Ballistic Level BR7 in parallel with the requests of our customers. The vehicle offers the option of a drive system, as standard, which absorbs the impacts of a very high level of ammunition such as AK 47, M 16, 9×19 mm Parabellum MG 3, inside and outside of the car. In addition, the vehicle, with its fuel-cut ignition system, which will be activated in case of an attack, securely transports its passengers away from the area of attack, which poses a threat to their lives. With its engineered revolutionary protection system, the vehicle offers superior security for its users. It also increases security with the smokes that cut off the environment and the listening, recording, and camera systems inside the vehicle.

3.1. Enhanced Protection

Extended Protection Modes

This category looks at the enhanced protection features that can be found on each of the Cadillac Armored Escalades. The vehicles come in three variants in terms of protection, which can be deployed through an adapted version of the B4LVR System. The BR6 vehicle offers protection through fire from 7.62 mm rifle bullets, 183gr, 930m/s with an added 6kg of stand-off mine protection. The BR4 offers protection from a 7.62mm rifle up to 125gr molecules, 818m/s with a 6kg stand-off mine protection infantry protection level for the overall car. Lastly, the BR7 model offers the highest protection level, securing its occupants from .308 Winchester rounds fired at 880m/s, including a mine blast through G65/6b.

BR4 – Common Choice The Cadillac armored Escalade BR4 offers a reliable and balanced mix between security and performance. The inhabitants of the car will be protected against 7.62 x 39 ball ammunition. As a bonus, the added 6kg stand-off mine threat of STANAG level 2A is integrated into the protective design. It is ideal for low and mid-risk areas and is suitable for many types of applications.

BR6 – Extra Protection The BR6 gives an extra significant protection level against 7.62 x 51 FMJ ammunition, up to 147 grains, and 930 m/s, with the added mine threat portion of being 6kg STANAG level 2B. It is suitable for operations where stopping fire from high powered rifles is a must.

BR7 – Highest Threat Level The BR7 is the top of protective vehicle we offered. It can withstand a .308 Winchester FMJ ammunition with a bullet weight of up to 10.7 grams, and a velocity of 880 m/s. This means it can resist fire from a high powered hunting rifle – a significantly serious threat this Escalade can withstand that the others can’t. Like the BR7, the BR6 also has an added STANAG level 2B mine protection built into it, whereby a DG 65/6b blast is deployed.

These protective design and buffer mechanisms provide the vehicle with resistance and protection from threats originating from landmines, road-side improvised explosive devices and handheld explosives. Each section will be detailed specifically in the future sections.

3.2. Comfort and Luxury Features

The tables below provide a good idea of the numerous elegant elements and the opulence inherent in the opulent and luxurious cabins of the vehicle. Beige, brown, and black leather, suede, and microfiber line the inside of the vehicle. Along with heavily cushioned seats with “High Flow” front headrests facing a 65/35 split bench chair in the third row, the standard vehicle comes with 6-seat trim seating, 10-way power front seats, 8-way power second-row bucket seating, and heating/cooling between the first two rows. Moreover, they are available with heating and ventilation features, as well as a heated steering wheel. For the maximum comfort of the passengers, the tinted windows do not impair the HVAC system. The 3rd row principle flat seat is power-replaceable and supports a fifth-row seat that smoothly and easily meets BR4 norms.

The armoring kit mainly affects the vehicles when it comes to comfort and luxury. While the kits do not influence the rear climate control or infotainment system, a three-minute test program was conducted with the HVAC at both the maximum and minimum settings after the armor was installed, and neither the inside nor the outside of the vehicle reached any noticeable change in temperature. The sunroof does not function if the armoring kit utilized the crush zone during the install. If there are side assist steps, they are manually removed to carry out the installation, but foldout steps are installed. With the assist steps in place, the passenger has to exert nearly the same level of effort to enter or exit the vehicle.

4. Applications

The analyzed Cadillac Escalade armored vehicle variants BR4, BR6, and BR7 can be applied in a broad range of diverse contexts. Doing so, the clients enrich the vehicle’s standard production configuration with various additional options. The vehicles can therefore be deployed as commanders’ vehicles or as non-combatant vehicles in the military or police contexts. Both versions can also be used as internal security vehicles to protect valuable and important assets against the blast effects of accidents or terror attacks or as security vehicles with which to protect expensive and/or valuable freight loads against attacks. When desired, they can be built as ambulances for the transport of non-combatant passengers in different conflict regions or as the vehicles of very important persons (VIPs) who are exposed to a particularly high risk of attack. Due to its envelop capabilities, such an armored vehicle does not necessarily have to be used in its entire range of strength.

Moreover, there is the requirement to not only offer protection against the detachable plating of explosive devices up to a 3a power explosion, but also to offer a secure hold and seat for a machine gunner F358, NATO, for use against motorbike or ATV assaults. Due to the current situation in Iraq, Syria, and Libya, the latter vehicle functions offer a way for the vehicle and the personnel to be employed side by side in-house. All the vehicles of the Cadillac Escalade basic series have been manufactured in General Motors’ Arlington plant in Arlington, Texas, USA. The unarmored vehicles are then shipped by sea using ocean bulk carriers to the countries participating in the war. The integrated armor is then transported to the authors’ workshop, where it will be installed, tested, and supplied in accordance with European standard DIN EN 10176.

4.1. Military and Defense

Military and Defense

Although to date there has been no publicly released military application for the Cadillac Escalade armored vehicle, it could easily be envisioned used by high-ranking military officials. The vehicle would most likely be used in both administrative and combat zones within an area of tactical control or forward operating base. The primary difference between the 84-in stretch Escalade and the 130-in stretch is the nose configuration. Since there is no military equipment designed to fit that part of the vehicle, the differences in utility come down to op-trad level needs. Additionally, the Cadillac could find use as a security vehicle supplied by or attached to the unit being protected in controlled areas.

The vehicle would primarily be employed in VIP transport roles, with the key operational performance consideration being maneuverability on small combat outpost base grounds. CBRN counters are operationally available on M1114 ECV elbow plates as well as a rear gunner position. The addition of these unique devices (specifically tied to the M1114 A/A and Cadillac Escalade) provides some measure of operational flexibility. The resulting vehicles can be used in a wide range of scenarios, from the Presidential motorcade to secure transportation in high-threat areas. They can function as Command and Control platforms in urban environments. These same vehicles can be operated by VIP protection services on missions as diverse as transporting foreign or diplomatic personnel across high-threat areas to executive protection in the continental United States and Europe.

4.2. VIP Transport

The Cadillac Escalade armored vehicle variants BR4, BR6, and BR7 are ideally suitable for use in a range of VIP transport situations. The vehicles are manufactured with high-grade materials to deliver significant blast protection and use lightweight materials and effective armoring techniques to retain good performance in all important areas such as handling, braking, steering, and acceleration. An upgraded suspension and braking system add to a lowered weight and high technology engine and drive line, guarantee the Cadillac will be able to deliver prudent, secure, and swift movement. With a luxury interior and electronics package tailored to meet the communication and entertainment requirements of the occupants, the vehicle also holds a key luxury aspect. They also come with a full warranty covering both the armored and non-armored components, contributing to peace of mind.

The vehicles can be extensively customized for bespoke missions, which imparts them significant versatility and a broad range of applications that include embassy work, group VIP transport, military personnel movement, and security agency deployment. As a VIP transport vehicle, with built-in blast resistance, the vehicle is designed to cater to the critical requirements of embassies as an anti-ambush transportation mode. Fire and kill zones are configured to be able to be entered or exited from either end by means of emergency roof provides flexibility in avoiding surveyable routes to gain an extra layer of security by being agile in facing threats (Option is not available in BR7).

5. Conclusion

This study aimed to determine the differences between three Cadillac Escalade armored vehicle variants (BR4, BR6, and BR7) with respect to armor package weight, armor materials used, and the thickness of armored areas. Based on this testing and analysis, the following conclusions were drawn.

Armored levels BR4, BR6, and BR7 consist of glass triangular areas with four additional steel plates in their windows and have chrome moldings inserted. The BR4 window uses anti-ballistic glass with an estimated weight of 50% less than the BR6 window. A disadvantage for the BR4 window is that they need an additional protection layer for the colored anti-ballistic layer. The perimeters between all the windows are covered by hard rubber layers. The width/height ratio is about 16% for all the windows, and all the doors for each selected group are equal in geometric shape. The results show that the specific weight ratio is highest in the BR4 level except for the quarter window, which has a higher specific weight ratio on the BR7 level. However, comparing the front and rear glass panel for the same window area in each group, the BR4 quarter window has a lower specific weight ratio than the front glass panel. Our study provides insight into what types of construction material and armor materials are most used regarding the geometry shape of two window areas from three groups. Most of the manufacturers have patented the mixture of materials in window armor; therefore, in the future, the skilled generation for security level advancement will find a different way to make the window secure without increasing the total weight of stagnant vehicle windows. At the conclusion of our study, we proposed to manufacturers, as well as window armor designers, two points of consideration that can be improved in non-active vehicle protection amenities based on the difference of the windows’ area armor.