The government SUV you see transporting high-ranking officials may not be your average Chevrolet Suburban. In most situations, the Suburban beloved by families and businesses leaves the factory floor and heads directly to dealerships. On the other hand, special armored Chevy Suburbans are developed by contractors and used by government operatives, including U.S. Special Forces. These unique models are utilized once extensive changes are accomplished.
U.S. Special Forces and the Armored Chevy Suburban
The Chevy Suburban rolled out in 1935 and boasts the oldest model name of any vehicle in the world. It is a body-on-frame full-size SUV based on GM’s truck platform. In more recent years, the vehicle line has been split between the standard wheelbase Chevy Tahoe and the stretched wheelbase Suburban. The latter’s additional interior storage space makes it the ideal choice as a government SUV, including for Special Forces.
The U.S. Special Forces comprise the Diplomatic Security Service, which is a security and law enforcement branch of the United States Department of the State. In 2021, GM Defense won a government SUV contract to convert 10 HD Suburbans, with the likelihood that the number will grow substantially. In any case, the initial contract will supply a framework for all subsequent orders within the government and possibly private industry.
Dissecting the Armored Chevy Suburban
Not all details about the armored government SUVs are known, as information such as performance is judiciously kept under wraps. Armored vehicles must not only protect the vehicle’s occupants but make a quick getaway once attacked.
But there are some matters about these vehicles that are public record. Moreover, we also have the presidential Cadillac One armored vehicle to detail what might be expected. Therefore, our list includes the following exterior and interior enhancements.
Unique body-on-frame chassis.
The armored Chevy Suburban may look very much like a factory-created model, but it rides on a unique, heavy-duty body-on-frame chassis. This special architecture ensures that these models are the most durable possible. Also, the frame must support the added weight of armor-clad vehicles.
Special engine.
The factory Chevy Suburban offers a pair of V8 engine choices, but neither is the 6.6-liter V8 designed for heavy-duty trucks and Cadillac One. But there is also a special 8.0-liter Big-Block V8 that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). Either of these engines would work with an Allision transmission, one of the best of its kind anywhere.
Reinforced body.
There are several vulnerable areas where bad actors like to aim when targeting a vehicle. Cadillac One utilizes five-inch-thick bombproof glass along with a layer of transparent armor across the entire body. Goodyear bomb-resistant tires along with reinforced underbody plating seem likely. Inside, a sealed cabin that’s resistant to chemical attacks is ideal.
Armored Government SUVs
Besides the reinforcement mentioned, advanced electronics and countermeasures such as tear gas cannons and pump-action shotguns used in Cadillac One may also be used. In any case, an armored Chevy Suburban will offer a level of protection that few of us will ever see.
For more information, see: How Heavy Is An Armored Suburban
