Jankel touts hot-forming armoring

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WASHINGTON, May 6 (UPI) -- A unique, armored Toyota Land Cruiser will be on display at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Florida next week.

The vehicle's armoring -- certified to BRV2009/VR7 and ERV 2010 protection levels -- was attached by Jankel Tactical Systems through a hot-forming process that reduces weak points in the armor package, simplifies installation and lightens up-armored vehicle weight.

"All of this results in increased capability at a similar price point as conventionally armored solutions," said Jankel. "Hot-formed armor represents a leap in what Jankel can offer to users to fulfill their evolving protection requirements."

Jankel said conventional armoring of vehicles with complex shapes involves measuring, cutting fitting and then welding individual pieces to fit tightly to the contours of the vehicle. If larger pieces are used, internal volume of the vehicle can be compromised.

Hot-forming allows the manufacture of complex shapes not possible with conventional methods. Only 31 pieces of armor were used to armor the Land Cruiser instead of the more than 300 that would be needed using conventional methods.