The armored flagship sedan
The most requested armored sedan for heads of state, built by TRASCO in Bremen, Germany: full armoring in VR6 with an independently verified armor design, or A-KIP® lightweight armoring, without compromise on luxury.
VR6 armor design to VPAM-BRV 2009, verified by QinetiQ (UK) · A-KIP® level 6 · Higher levels on request
Protection concept
In the fully armored version, the complete passenger cabin is armored in VR6: sidewalls, doors, pillars, roof, floor, front bulkhead and the rear wall behind the rear seats. An armoring cage with A, B and C pillars is integrated into the passenger cell, with overlaps at every joint. The transparent armor uses laminated safety glass produced by European glass manufacturers; the floor is protected against two simultaneously ignited DM51 hand grenades and the roof against one DM51.
Heavy-duty hinges on all doors are mounted directly on the armoring cage, and automatic soft-closing keeps the heavy doors as easy to use as on the standard vehicle. A self-sealing fuel tank, a leak-proof AGM battery, an engine control unit protected with ballistic steel and an armored trunk box for electronics, battery or other options complete the concept.
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The program
TRASCO currently offers the armored sedan based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in two protection concepts. Versions in higher protection classes are also possible.
Full armoring
Complete protection of the passenger cell against assault rifles up to the AK-47. The armor design to VPAM-BRV 2009 VR6 was independently verified by QinetiQ (UK) in 2022. The choice for heads of state, government officials and protection details.
Lightweight
TRASCO’s lightweight anti-kidnapping concept protects the critical areas of the passenger compartment with certified ballistic materials, against handguns and the AK-47. The vehicle keeps its driving character and appearance.
The A-KIP® conceptCertification
Armor design to VPAM-BRV 2009 VR6, independently verified by QinetiQ (UK) in 2022, including blast protection against two DM51 hand grenades under the floor and one on the roof according to VPAM-ERV 2010. VPAM-BRV 2009 is the VPAM test guideline for armored vehicles; VR6 covers the 7.62×39 mm PS Ball round of the AK-47.
In Germany, the chassis, suspension, brake and electrical modifications are tested and certified by TÜV, and road registration is approved.
The A-KIP® version uses ballistic materials certified according to VPAM-PM 2007, in level 4 (handguns up to .44 Magnum) or level 6, in the protected areas. The complete threat table below documents every weapon, caliber and test condition.
Ballistic protection
The armoring is tested against defined threat levels. The exact weapons, calibers and test parameters are listed below.
| 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 VR 4 | BR 4 FB 4 VR 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 VR 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 · VR 4 357 S/W · .357 Magnum PM 4 · VR 4 44 S/W · .44 Magnum PM 6 · VR 6 PS Ball (AK-47) · 7.62 × 39 mm TRASCO Engineering
An armored flagship must still ride, stop and close its doors like a flagship. TRASCO re-engineers suspension, brakes, wheels and doors in-house in Bremen.
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. The suspension is verified with strain gauge measurements, and the modifications are tested by TÜV.
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.
Special tires with an increased load index on rims with a proven load capacity, including a run-flat system for emergency driving after a puncture.
Self-engineered heavy-duty hinges are bolted directly to the armor of the A- and B-pillars, door check straps and latches are upgraded, and automatic soft-closing on all doors closes the heavy armored doors gently and securely.
An armored box in the trunk houses electronics, the battery or other options, protected and neatly integrated.
The interior of the base vehicle stays what it is: the flagship of comfort, with the transparent armor integrated into the original design.
Options
Flag holders on the front fenders carry national or official flags at state visits and ceremonies, illuminated on request.
Blue or red LED strobe lights behind the grille draw attention in an emergency and help to clear a way through traffic. A siren can be added.
Bar compartments, folding tables in wood veneer and storage compartments in the rear, finished in-house to the quality of the base vehicle.
All options
Further equipment is available on request. Every vehicle is configured individually with our engineering team.
Gallery
Missions
The armored sedan based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the most requested armored head of state vehicle in the high-end market: representative, discreet and fully armored in VR6.
Protection for ambassadors and delegations, with the comfort and presence of a flagship sedan.
A-KIP® lightweight armoring for everyday protection against kidnapping, robbery and road rage, without changing the character of the car.
FAQ
Your question is not listed? Our team will be glad to help.
The armored sedan based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is currently offered with full armoring in VR6, with an armor design to VPAM-BRV 2009 independently verified by QinetiQ (UK) in 2022, and with A-KIP® lightweight armoring in level 6, in the protected areas. Versions in higher protection classes are also possible.
Both address the 7.62×39 mm round of the AK-47. The VR6 version fully armors the passenger cell; its armor design was independently verified by QinetiQ (UK). A-KIP® is TRASCO’s lightweight anti-kidnapping concept: it protects the critical areas of the passenger compartment with certified ballistic materials and keeps the vehicle close to its original weight.
The A-KIP® concept →VPAM is the Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen, an association of independent official test centers from several European countries, including the German proof houses in Mellrichstadt, Munich and Ulm. Its test guidelines (VPAM-APR 2006, VPAM-PM 2007, VPAM-BRV 2009) define real test firings for each protection level.
Armored sedans are built based on the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class (V223). TRASCO has armored luxury vehicles based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Bremen since 1985, across several generations.
Yes. Upgraded air suspension struts, heavy-duty brakes and automatic soft-closing on all doors keep the ride and the everyday use at flagship level, and the interior remains that of the base vehicle.
Yes. The floor is protected against two simultaneously ignited DM51 hand grenades and the roof against one DM51, according to VPAM-ERV 2010.
Yes. The chassis, suspension, brake and electrical modifications are tested and certified by TÜV, and road registration in Germany is approved.
Yes. TRASCO builds extended limousines based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with a 50 cm extension of the center section, armored or unarmored.
Extended limousines →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
Our team advises governments, organizations and private clients worldwide, from protection level to delivery.
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