Description
Development and Advancements in Armored Vehicles: A Case Study of the Lexus LX
1. Introduction
Lexus LX Armored Vehicle; Worldwide leadership means setting the pace in technological and product advancements. This, however, is not an instant attribute but a result of continuous research and development. The research is conducting various surveys, testing, and evaluation, which is based on the experience obtained directly from practical operation in the field, in combat. Additionally, the research includes staff talks with military and security leaders in order to have access to the knowledge of the most recent terrorist tactics and their future intentions. It includes, as well, attendance at arms fairs and expos, surveys in centers of defense industry productions, and talks with private security contractors to stay current on armored vehicle developments, updates, and hardening capabilities.
We will briefly cover the development and advancements of various decades of armored vehicles based on the Lexus LX platform for organizational use and methodological details in this essay. The aim of this study was to develop fire resistant and light armor material technologies, as well as to design Albion Motor Cars armor material specifications based on Lexus LX to light vehicle requirements and we will be discussing in the following pages of this essay. The established armored response (AR) vehicle is a final design including an advanced light armored vehicle (LAV) body. Information is also included about handling and sea transport weight. The specifications as well as testing, evaluation and vehicle operation are discussed in brief.
1.1. Background and Significance
The continued development and advancement of armored vehicle systems is critically important to not only the defense of human lives, but to the security and continued functioning of society as well. However, the advancements in powerful weaponry by nation states and terrorist groups alike necessitate the ongoing improvement and evaluation of armored vehicle technology. Included as part of the valuable background behind the importance of advancements and new developments to armored vehicles is a brief background in the technological evolution of the armored vehicle. As it is both difficult and costly in terms of material and financial means to analyze recent innovations, current generation armored vehicles to respond to today’s threats are explored in this essay.
This research article is designed to make use of the advancements and innovations of recent armed forces practices. The Lexus LX 570 Convertible, initially developed to Market Assuage and now used in today’s security competency, offers a fascinating case study. Generally used as part of customer-centric personal transportation applications, the Lexus LX 570 Convertible is designed to bring peace of mind to those who utilize it when they have to travel away from the concourse of specific events or individuals who receive threats. Today’s terrorists and armed individuals use more advanced attacks against armored cars, particularly machine-gun fire, thus Lexus made sure that the materials and appropriate finishing systems used in this design provide levels of protection up to B4-Armoring, as stated in the ERV 2010 standards.
2. History of Armored Vehicles
When one considers the development of armored vehicles, two of the most significant breakthroughs are the concepts of covering a vehicle with armor to defend the vehicle and using the vehicle itself as the armor. Over the years, the concept of layering has significantly altered how the landscape of armored vehicles has continued to keep up with everything from crossbows to cruise missiles.
The idea of covering the vehicle with armor, although apparently novel, was around for quite some time. The first example of this covering concept, as so many things military, was born with the naval development of the ram. Specific to the concept of an armored vehicle, sailors hand put up wicker screens designed to catch and stop arrows. Armies used these ideas to work wicker about four wheels, retaining tactical mobility of chariots but offering protection to horses and crew. The Scythians in about 700 B.C. were the first people widely known to adopt the concept.
Nearly 2500 years later, wooden armoring appears again as practical vehicle armor during “World War I”. Zippered iron, finally generated, utilized during the late “Middle Ages”. In 1415, the Battle of Agincourt saw this war’s first heavy use of cannon. Charles Masking had iron plates for his troops and offered some protection when the British longbows could lob arrows into the enclosures, but the armor did not protect against the cannon. Nominally utilized throughout most of the sixteenth century, iron plates began grudging acceptance in the body armor of both soldiers and, as the years passed, war chariots.
By the Civil War of the United States, iron armor was being utilized for naval warships. Only fifty years later, ’70’s vintage steam chariots would take the next step that made them the prototype for today’s tank. They would have been ironclad but for water lily, they were called because their turrets were spinner by the tread of the front wheel, through their leaf-shaped hub. The first American tank was manufactured in 1918. They had been covered with 50-100 lbs of aluminum armor.
Finally, the answer to the question of how to add protection to vehicles begins to also solve the how we protect the soldiers as well. The concept that a vehicle itself could protect its occupants takes time to emerge. The first visible occurrence of the concept occurs in the mid to late ’80s and ’90s. Over time and with the increase in conflict, the concept has steadily increased. Vehicle development has also allowed more sophisticated systems. Initially, spall liners were enough. The vehicles were a little overweight, and the engines were still developing. Today, vehicles are up armored and dish draw among others- spall liners continue to be used as much for crew comfort as protection.
As well, the idea of crew protection has also evolved from thinking only of shrapnel and bullets to include injuries, such as burns and with the proof of IEDs head-on collisions. Also, the concept that a vehicle could stop a bullet, shrapnel and debris but not gracefully unarmored as commercial vehicles are has an appeal all to its own.
2.1. Evolution of Armored Vehicles
Armored vehicles have a long and rich history with many developments and advancements. Not only have we seen the weakening of the plated horses often used in ancient days to a light tank, but important advancements in technology, logistics, and revolution have made armored vehicles what they are today. As illustrated in Figure 1, the photograph depicts a Lexus LX in its state-of-the-art armored vehicle. In this report, we discuss the in-depth research methodology and findings regarding the evolution of armored vehicles, using the Lexus LX as a case study.
In ancient times, cavalry was often the force of choice to carry out attacks on the opposing army. One way to protect the horse with a plated layer of protection would be, as illustrated by those used during a conflict in the Battle of Ceri or the Pointed helmet period (1066 AD) during the Norman period. Fast forward 800 years, from the days of the Norman period to World War II; these thin layers of plated horses have changed to tanks. The Mark I was introduced as a light tank that could carry a force of men to attack the front of an enemy position. The Mark I was then developed into the “mouse”. However, this giant tank was too heavy to be used and was further developed into the “T-80”. The T-80 had a big of interest, and it was that it was unmanned. The changes in the developments above illustrate the advance from a protective coat to metal plating to make these developments safe to protect infantry. Thereafter, after further gains in technological advancements, the tank has become fully automated, needing a minimal crew of 3-5 and no crew.
3. Lexus LX: A Luxury SUV
Lexus LX Armored Vehicle; The Lexus LX SUV armoring case study presents Lexus’ flagship SUV as an option for armoring purposes. To set the stage, it only makes sense to first talk about the Lexus LX. The Lexus LX is the big cousin to the Toyota Land Cruiser albeit with a Lexus badge and some tweaks. A full-size luxury SUV, it seats 8 people in comfort and style and features an opulent interior filled with high-quality materials and myriad techy features. The Lexus LX boasts power usually expected from a V8 with standard 3-row seating for family and friends. Interior features include Bluetooth, a USB port, 9-speaker audio system, and the Lexus Display Audio. The Lexus LX also features advanced safety technology, SiriusXM satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capabilities, available off-road technology package with multi-terrain select and more.
Visual details communicate a sense of luxury, but with defined elegance that sustains its go-anywhere toughness. The Lexus LX offers 4-wheel drive aspects to make sure the driver knows whom it serves: luxury that conquers every way, inner the luxurious change. It delivers this and more from pretty much the top of the lineup. The 3-row configuration has room for more. Standard four-zone climate control allows for quick cool-down or warm-up with available heating and ventilation for the second row. The third-row seats are LCAs with a 50/50 split, power fold, and accommodation with a power-adjustable function. In terms of cargo, there’s more than a little versatility due to the light configuration and width, allowing ample space while still providing seating overlap. In luxury, there are few like the Lexus LX and in its class, the Lexus LX is a budget option for many luxury-seekers with those tough riding conditions. This version of the Lexus could be the armor addition many security or military forces seek.
3.1. Overview and Features
The topic of this project is “Development of the Armored Vehicle” in which the selected case study is “Lexus LX”. Lexus LX has been a luxurious sports utility vehicle (SUV) for a long period. The features of the vehicle include the V8 engine which offers 383 horsepower and the capability of performing well on the road as well as off the road. The Lexus LX has several intuitive designs and striking features, including high-level connectivity where a large infotainment screen, among other configurations, has been made. However, the armored version of the vehicle requires certain feature modifications to accommodate the changes in dimensions and other weight aspects. The armored version also has tailored specifications for each vehicle.
Key Features of Lexus LX Lexus LX has a 5.7-liter four-cam 32-valve V8 engine with 383 horsepower and 403 lb-ft of peak torque. It has 14.4:1 compression for maximum efficiency and output. This engine is powered by 93 octane fuel, meets Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV II) certification, and features a 50-state emission rating. Sequential Multiport Electronic Fuel Injection not only allows the engine to operate virtually free of any emissions but ensures low fuel consumption and cleaner emissions. In addition to using 4.30:1 gear and a Torsen limited-slip center differential, the standard four-wheel-drive system on LX 570 uses a two-speed transfer case that provides low-end ability. It provides a creep ratio for safe and controlled performance on fast terrains. The system features a 4WD Lo setting for the most extreme driving conditions and a 4WD High setting for on-road driving.
Lexus LX has a built-in, ultra-low-pressure, exhaust gas recirculation system, and a full-time CommandTrac 4WD transfer case, with a 2.72:1 low-range gear to provide and maintain constant low-end torque, enabling travel in more challenging off-road conditions. The system is centered on an NV244J two-speed transfer case, which allows the driver to select between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with high- and low-range gearing. The low-range gear multiplies engine torque 2.72 times, creating an additional 2.72 times the crawling ability to conquer challenging terrain in off-road conditions. The output shaft of the NV244J transfer case turns in 2WD mode to minimize park/turn loads on the vehicle during dry-pavement turns.
4. Armoring Process
Armoring or hardening a vehicle means adding extra materials and services that weren’t included on the originally built vehicle before it’s finished. When a vehicle is armored, on the one hand, the original materials on the car are taken off and the necessary reengineering for the additional weight and protection the hardening will put on the vehicle is calculated. Then, the vehicle’s armor is assembled such as the original design is kept but the bulletproof parts have been added in. It has historically been very time- and labor-intensive for a vehicle to pass through all the steps of armoring in the process, but today’s technologies have tuned the process to be extensive, precise, and faster.
Loading arms are deployed to reduce weight and increase speed which makes the car easy to handle. Technologically, the overall integrity of the vehicle is not changed after the armoring process is completed. The armor protection is integrated with the structural new design of the vehicle. The CEN-rated ballistic protection armors are as perfect as the newest technologies. The front aperture of the car is a very important area for the armoring. There are very specialized technologies developed to keep the airbags in functional operation at crash tests with the protection installed to the car. The plug-and-play armor kits are used in different types. These kits are built at a build station for a minimal scale. The kits are immediately pulled from the car to release assembly lines. These kits could be even driven to other production lines and assembled. A car with an excessive hardened protection could be taken out of its assembly line to a specialty line if the car needs another protection armor. The support from other companies resonates with the arrangement of the internal OEM structures. The data of procurement process settlement is crucial for integrating the warranty work on the process line of an OEM. Such technologies, techniques, or procedures are used in car hardening processes which protect the passengers from getting injured, for instance, a drop-glass for maximum safety protection.
Hardening or armoring a vehicle basically implies adding protective materials and provisions not received on the original completed vehicle. In the process of armoring a vehicle, the following happens: – The original materials of the vehicle are stripped off. – Reengineering the vehicle begins to cater for the extra weight and consequent protection to be put on the car. – The vehicle’s armor is assembled (in harmony with the original design), so the new parts are bulletproof. The history of armored vehicles shows that the armoring process takes a long time, but today’s technological advancements have made it faster, precise and extensive work.
4.1. Materials and Techniques Lexus LX Armored Vehicle
4.1.1. Modification of the bodywork
Lexus LX is armored against an attack from all the suggestions given in the certification guidelines. During the attack resistance class VR7 is maintained with all parts of the car and at the same time the original structural rigidity throughout the car bodywork. The prototype is Lexus LX 570 (seventh passenger seats) and is built in the warehouse of White Array. Lexus LX 570 has the engine in front, four-wheel drive 4×4, 5.7L V8 with a maximum power of 364 hp, 4 doors with an ashtray, power windows with one-touch, air conditioning with one zone, central door lock with remote control, muscle steering wheel, and electric tilt adjustment; MP3 audio system and AM/FM radio, separate rear screen, and 2 speakers.
The Lexus LX 570 has a compact body structure. The front and rear of the car use the Accelerate concept area. To protect the body during a collision, the front and rear cars were designed with special crumple zones in the front end and crumple zones for stationary vehicles; and the ability to take into consideration the protection of people in both cars when accidents happen. The doors are created from 3 or 4 skin sheets assembled with an adjustable ring structure. These door sheets are commonly made from bulletproof insulating materials such as steel, stainless steel, and fiberglass. The hardware department ensures that the structure inside the shell is not affected in a crash. The window glass is a very important part in designing the architecture for future bulletproof cars. Overcoming the current limitations of bulletproof windows, the glass sheets are made of flexible stainless steel springs that allow them to shatter but not curl up when tranquilized. The rear-view mirror, front and rear window glass casings are also reinforced to restrict the MSP, IDC weapon system from the outside. The wiper radar is designed and the keypad is built into the glass to incorporate a bullet, and the bullet-proof glass still does not impact the standard operating characteristics. The mirrors and glass have special equipment for use with anti-glare technology, which prevents blurred vision and creates a blinded attacker.
5. Applications of Armored Vehicles Lexus LX Armored Vehicle
Applications
Armored vehicles can be used in different applications. Commercial vans and trucks can be armored for personal protection or for valuable products. Passenger protection vans, on the other hand, need to be state-of-the-art comfortable and luxurious, especially when used to transport expensive, distinguished personnel or VIPs, like prelates, politicians, and businessmen. Their original shape or design is hidden in order to make it difficult to recognize from the outside. Instead, cash-in-transit vans have to show a rough appearance in order to discourage attacks and resist them. For their applications, heavy goods vehicles or coaches used in regions of the world where the risk of attacks is high can be armored to protect passengers and valuable goods.
Military
Armored vehicles are heavily used by the military for the transport of valuable persons or goods (improvised explosive devices are a serious threat in Iraq and Afghanistan), and they are mainly used in the following domains. According to a recent report, the military armored vehicle market is heavily driven by economics and politics. The economic side is that countries are rebounding from the global economic downturn and, as such, governments are allocating more funds to defense. Moreover, sales in the Asian region are expected to be higher in the Asia-Pacific region with intense rivalry between regional countries with heavily contested territorial disputes over the Spratly and Paracel islands. Finally, sales in Europe are buoyed by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the sanctions that the European Union and the United States placed on Russia in response to the Ukrainian invasion.
5.1. Military and Defense Lexus LX Armored Vehicle
In addition to augmenting the security of staff, assets, land, and products used by international, civil, residential, and corporate clients, the use of armored vehicles for military and defense operations in security and public safety situations is also quite strategic. Operational scenarios might be characterized by a combination of those scenarios. For instance, asset management could be carried out as part of defense operations (SUVs and armored pickups may be used to secure important assets during army operations such as protection, border control, checkpoint scanning, and protection for oil, coal, or other national wealth convoys through desert zones or residential locations). As part of such operations, civilians may require evacuation in the event of a natural catastrophe or military action, and ambulances may require special protection.
Armored vehicles are utilized by army forces in a variety of ways to conduct operations and prevent or address certain security challenges. A variety of armored vehicles are used to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) using modern-day technologies. An example of such technology is the Long-Range Radar (LRR) system, which is widely utilized by the United Kingdom’s contemporary army. Operational consumption can also occur at vehicle checkpoints for all United States Army and allies, and for the United States Coastal Authorities, border protection is critical. Another instance is when military ground forces take part in a combat action or when special operations are being carried out. Military forces may also use armored vehicles in a defensive action to protect groups and patrols, including tanks, light hulls, and evacuation armored ambulances.
