Reinforced suspension
Upgraded air suspension struts front and rear, together with upgraded control arms, carry the additional weight and keep the ride quality of the base vehicle.
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A-KIP® lightweight anti-kidnapping protection
Armored sedan based on Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
One of the most requested armored head of state vehicles in the high-end market, built by TRASCO in Bremen, Germany: A-KIP® lightweight armoring that keeps the character of the most luxurious sedan.
A-KIP® level 6 “Kalaschnikow Class” · Ballistic materials to VPAM-PM 6, in the protected areas · Higher protection classes possible
- Armoring level
- Level 6 A-KIP® “Kalaschnikow Class”, materials to VPAM-PM 6
- Concept
- A-KIP® Lightweight ballistic anti-kidnapping armoring
- Protection classes
- Higher levels Versions in higher protection classes are possible
- Steering
- LHD · RHD Both versions available
- Registration
- EU approval Available via TÜV, simplified registration worldwide
- Origin
- Made in Germany Engineered and armored by TRASCO in Bremen
The A-KIP® concept protects the critical areas of the passenger compartment with certified lightweight ballistic materials: the doors are armored with ballistic steel and composite materials, and the transparent armor uses laminated safety glass produced by European glass manufacturers. As a partial concept it complements fully armored vehicles rather than replacing them.
Reinforced heavy-duty hinges are mounted directly on the armoring structure, and automatic soft-closing keeps the heavy doors as easy to use as on the base vehicle. A self-sealing fuel tank, an armored trunk box for electronics, battery or other options and underbody protection against two DM51 hand grenades complete the concept.
Tap a number on the vehicle for details.
- Armoring cage with A, B and C pillars and overlaps integrated in the passenger cell
- Laminated safety glass produced by European glass manufacturers
- Automatic soft-closing on all doors
- Armored trunk box for electronics, battery or other options
- Self-sealing fuel tank
- Underbody protection against 2× DM51 hand grenades
- Heavy-duty wheels
- Reinforced suspension
- Reinforced heavy-duty hinges on all doors, directly mounted on the armoring cage
- Reinforced bumper front and rear as option
Certification
Certified ballistic materials, documented threat levels
The A-KIP® armoring uses ballistic materials certified according to VPAM-PM 2007. In the protected areas, level 6 withstands the 7.62×39 mm PS Ball round of the AK-47; level 4 covers handguns up to .44 Magnum. The complete threat table below documents every weapon, caliber and test condition.
EU approval is available (via TÜV), registration worldwide is simplified, and the vehicle is built as left-hand or right-hand drive. Versions in higher protection classes are also possible.
Ballistic protection
Tested threat levels
The armoring is tested against defined threat levels. The exact weapons, calibers and test parameters are listed below.
Full test parameters
| Threat | Test level according to VPAM-APR 2006 | Classification by PM 2007 (PM) BRV 2009 (VR) | STANAG 4569 AEP-55 (level) | Comparable to* DIN EN 1063 (BR), DIN EN 1522/23 (FB), BRV 1999 (VR) | Type of Weapon | Caliber | Type of bullet | Test condition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standoff (m) | Standard Hit Spacing | ||||||||
 | 4 | PM 4 | BR 4 FB 4 | 357 S/ | .357 Magnum | FJ(1)/ | 5 ± 0.5 | 3 shots on the vertices of a triangle @ 120 ± 10 mm | |
 | 44 S/ | .44 Magnum | FJ(2)/ | ||||||
 | 6 | PM 6 | (B4+ not classified) | PS Ball (AK-47) | 7.62 × 39 mm | FMJ/ | 10 ± 0.5 | 3 shots on the vertices of a triangle @ 120 ± 10 mm | |
PM 4 357 S/W · .357 Magnum
- Test level VPAM-APR 2006
- 4
- Classification PM 2007 (PM) / BRV 2009 (VR)
- PM 4
- Comparable to*
- BR 4
FB 4 - Type of Weapon
- 357 S/W
- Caliber
- .357 Magnum
- Type of bullet
- FJ(1)/CB/SC
- Standoff (m)
- 5 ± 0.5
- Standard Hit Spacing
- 3 shots on the vertices of a triangle @ 120 ± 10 mm
PM 4 44 S/W · .44 Magnum
- Test level VPAM-APR 2006
- 4
- Classification PM 2007 (PM) / BRV 2009 (VR)
- PM 4
- Comparable to*
- BR 4
FB 4 - Type of Weapon
- 44 S/W
- Caliber
- .44 Magnum
- Type of bullet
- FJ(2)/FN/SC
- Standoff (m)
- 5 ± 0.5
- Standard Hit Spacing
- 3 shots on the vertices of a triangle @ 120 ± 10 mm
PM 6 PS Ball (AK-47) · 7.62 × 39 mm
- Test level VPAM-APR 2006
- 6
- Classification PM 2007 (PM) / BRV 2009 (VR)
- PM 6
- Comparable to*
- (B4+ not classified)
- Type of Weapon
- PS Ball
(AK-47) - Caliber
- 7.62 × 39 mm
- Type of bullet
- FMJ/PB/FeC
- Standoff (m)
- 10 ± 0.5
- Standard Hit Spacing
- 3 shots on the vertices of a triangle @ 120 ± 10 mm
TRASCO Engineering
Re-engineered in Bremen
The most luxurious sedan must stay exactly that after armoring. TRASCO re-engineers suspension, brakes, wheels and doors in-house in Bremen and leaves the interior as it is.
Heavy-duty brakes
Specially manufactured heavy-duty discs, calipers and pads keep the braking performance and reduce fading, for safe braking at all times despite the increased weight.
Wheels and run-flat
Special tires with an increased load index on rims with a unique design and proven load capacity, including a run-flat system for emergency driving after a puncture.
Doors with soft-closing
Reinforced heavy-duty hinges on all doors are mounted directly on the armoring structure. Automatic soft-closing closes the heavy doors gently and securely.
Rear lounge retained
The executive rear seats, screens and controls of the base vehicle stay fully functional, with the transparent armor integrated into the original design.
Every detail preserved
From the starlight headliner to the ambient lighting, the luxury details of the base vehicle remain in place after the conversion.
Options
Options for your armored sedan
Further equipment is available on request. Every vehicle is configured individually with our engineering team.
Protection
- Versions in higher protection classes
- Reinforced bumper front and rear
Protocol
- Flag holders on the front fenders, optionally illuminated
Vehicle & configuration
- Left-hand or right-hand drive
- Several options and equipment variants on customer request
- Armoring of a base vehicle provided by the customer
Gallery
The armored sedan in production and on duty
Missions
Who relies on the armored sedan
Heads of state & governments
The armored sedan based on the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is one of the most requested armored head of state vehicles in the high-end market: the highest level of luxury with discreet protection.
Royal households & protocol
Representative arrivals in the most luxurious sedan, protected against kidnapping and armed attacks with handguns and the AK-47 in the protected areas.
Executives & private clients
A-KIP® lightweight armoring for everyday protection against kidnapping, robbery and road rage, without changing the character of the car.
FAQ
Questions about the armored sedan
Your question is not listed? Our team will be glad to help.
Which protection level is available?
The armored sedan based on the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is offered with A-KIP® lightweight armoring in level 6 “Kalaschnikow Class”, which withstands the 7.62×39 mm round of the AK-47 in the protected areas. Versions in higher protection classes are also possible.
What is A-KIP®?
A-KIP® is TRASCO’s lightweight ballistic anti-kidnapping concept. It protects the critical areas of the passenger compartment with certified ballistic materials, keeps the vehicle close to its original weight and preserves its driving character and appearance.
The A-KIP® concept →Which generation of the base vehicle is armored?
The armored sedans are built based on the current Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (Z223).
Is the vehicle available with right-hand drive?
Yes. The armored sedan is available as a left-hand drive and as a right-hand drive version.
Can the vehicle be registered in the EU?
Yes. EU-wide approval is possible via TÜV, and registration worldwide is simplified.
Can I provide my own base vehicle?
Yes. Armoring of a base vehicle provided by the customer is possible. Several options and equipment variants are available on request.
Where is the vehicle built and how is it serviced?
The conversion is engineered and built in-house at TRASCO in Bremen, Germany. Service is available in four levels: in your own workshop, at trained local service partners, by the mobile TRASCO Flying Doctor team, or at the Bremen plant, supported by 24/7 hotlines and genuine spare parts including ballistic glass.
Service & spare parts →
Inquiry
Your armored sedan
Our team advises governments, organizations and private clients worldwide, from protection level to delivery.
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