The RDV has operated flawlessly in every situation we have used it for. The Chief still gets excited about all the little touches you guys put in to make it truly a “Spartan” vehicle, thanks for the continued follow up it says volumes for your customer service!!
In April of 2009 the Topeka Police Department took delivery of a Rapid Deployment Vehicle (R.D.V.) and a Ballistic Armored Tactical Transport (B.A.T.T.). Since taking delivery we have had the opportunity to utilize both of the vehicles numerous times. We have served approximately 30 warrants utilizing the RDV and have used it as a secondary command post on several other incidents. The RDV has provided us an excellent platform to transport our officers to the location of the search warrant. It has plenty of room for our entire team (16 officers) and the under seat storage provides ample room for our equipment. The dry erase surface allows us to write the address down and mark which door we are going to use to deploy. The large side doors on both sides as well as the large rear double doors provide flexible deployment options. The removable table along with the wall mounted video display provides us with the option to use the RDV as a secondary command post.
We have utilized the BATT on six barricaded subject calls with the most recent one being a hostage situation. The hostages were able to escape the house and we utilized the BATT to evacuate them safely from the area back to the command post. The BATT has provided our team with a level of safety/protection that we have not had before. We now have a much safer way to deploy resources at a situation. The BATT has also allowed us quickly resolve some situations. On 08 22 2009 we were called out to a residence where a suspected car jacker was taking refuge and refusing to come out. Within a minute of pulling the BATT into the front yard approximately 30 feet from the open front door, he came out and surrendered without incident.
I cannot say enough positive things about both the RDV and BATT. Also, working with you and your company throughout the process was enjoyable. You took the time to listen to our needs and suggestions and incorporated them into our vehicles. It was nice to work with a manufacturer that listens to the client and manufactures a product to their specifications. It is also beneficial that you are continually trying to improve the product by asking how you can make it better.
If you have any agencies that are interested in purchasing an RDV or BATT and wish to speak with someone from an agency that owns these vehicles, feel free to give them my contact information.
During drive training maneuvers the Special Forces operators at Fort Bragg all commented that the armored suburban from Armored Group was the best handling armored vehicle they had ever driven. Most of these operators have multiple combat tours throughout the globe and are experienced veterans. The suspension system greatly enhances the overall performance of the up armored suburban. In most up armored vehicles you experience a great amount of vehicle roll and lift when you are conducting evasive maneuvers. Although the vehicle is heavy we were able to handle all maneuvers.
I have used up-armored NTV’s in combat on numerous occasions and I am a senior driving instructor. Most maneuvers in armored vehicles have to be made at lower speeds to compensate for vehicle roll and lift. The vehicle we drove and tested here at FT Bragg was provided to us by The Armored Group, and I can say from experience that this vehicle, with the advanced suspension system, is by far the best armored NTV I have ever driven. We performed maneuvers at high rates of speed without any issues. The vehicle handling was never in question. I would recommend this vehicle with the advanced suspension to any individual, agency or unit that is looking to purchase an armored NTV.
The Armored Group suburban we used (both on and off road) at Fort Bragg was the best handling armored vehicle I have ever driven. As a recently retired SWAT team leader and 23 year police veteran, I was extremely impressed with the quality and performance of the vehicle.
I have driven, rescued and assaulted many targets from many tactical vehicles throughout my career with SWAT during high risk call-outs. After putting this truck through it’s paces on and off road I can honestly say that I would have preferred to have been operating with Armored Group’s suburban on all of my call-outs. The platform is strong, user friendly and built to last. The armor and suspension system is second to none and far exceeded our staff driving instructor’s expectations.
Delia Tactical International recommends this product to any unit looking for a no nonsense life saving tool that is built by a company of integrity and character.