Protection & Certification
Every A-KIP® (Anti-Kidnapping Protection) component is tested and certified by government-approved German VPAM test laboratories – not claimed, but certified.
VPAM 4
Protection against handguns in the protected areas
VPAM 6
Protection against AK-47 assault rifles in the protected areas
Each protection level covers the requirements of all previous levels. Values according to VPAM test guidelines – see the complete test matrix below.
The VPAM test matrix
Each VPAM level is defined by real test firings. A-KIP® levels 4 and 6 include every threat below them.
| VPAM | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 A-KIP® | Level 6 A-KIP® | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weapon (example) |  Glock 17 |  H&K MP 5 |  Colt Python |  S&W Model 29 |  Kalashnikov AK-47 |
| CEN 1063 equivalent | – | BR 2 | BR 3 | BR 4 | – |
| CEN 1522/1523 equivalent | – | FB 2 | FB 3 | FB 4 | – |
| Caliber [mm/inch] | 9 × 19 | 9 × 19 | .357 | .44 | 7.62 × 39 |
| Ammunition | FMJ/RN/SC | FMJ/RN/SC | FMJ/CB/SC | FMJ/FN/SC | FMJ/PB/FeC |
| Test velocity [m/s] | 360 ±10 | 415 ±10 | 430 ±10 | 440 ±10 | 720 ±10 |
| Test distance [m] | 5 ±0.5 | 5 ±0.5 | 5 ±0.5 | 5 ±0.5 | 10 ±0.5 |
| Attack angle – front / side / rear | 90° | 90° | 90° | 90° | 90° |
| Attack angle – roof | 90° | 90° | 90° | 90° | 30° |
| Hit pattern | 120 mm triangle | 120 mm triangle | 120 mm triangle | 120 mm triangle | 120 mm triangle |
VPAM Level 2 Glock 17 · 9 × 19 
VPAM Level 3 H&K MP 5 · 9 × 19 
VPAM Level 4 A-KIP® Colt Python · .357 
VPAM Level 4 A-KIP® S&W Model 29 · .44 
VPAM Level 6 A-KIP® Kalashnikov AK-47 · 7.62 × 39 FMJ = full metal jacket · RN = round nose · CB = coned bullet · FN = flat nose · PB = pointed bullet · SC = soft core · FeC = iron core. Source: VPAM test guideline VPAM-APR 2006.
The test weapons at a glance Click for details
In the protected areas, A-KIP® Level 4 defeats handguns up to .44 Magnum, Level 6 the AK-47 – each level always includes every threat below it. Underbody protection against 2 × DM51 fragmentation grenades: the standard protection package includes blast protection in the footwell areas of the floor. Extended floor blast protection is available as an option.
The standard
VPAM – the Association of test laboratories for bullet resistant materials and constructions (German: Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen) – reflects actual attack patterns and serves as the basis for governmental blast and ballistic protection testing in Germany.
Formerly used standards such as CEN 1522/1523 (February 1999) and CEN 1063 (January 2000) do not cover contemporary threats and are only useful for basic material tests.
Special ballistic composite materials keep the vehicle within its original gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) – so no upgrade of suspension, brakes or electric support systems is required, and full airbag function and driver assistance systems (ADAS) are retained.
Protection scope
A-KIP® is partial ballistic protection by design – a protective layer engineered for operational value, not a substitute for a fully armored limousine. We document precisely what is protected – and what is not.
Professional users receive a detailed briefing on the protection scope on request – reviewed and released by our sales team.
For authorities and professional users. View-only.
Road, reliability & robustness
As “Accredited Converter”, TRASCO performs extensive reliability, robustness and durability testing – together with an independent automotive institution.
Durability program, proving ground – the full testing page Compare both levels on your Defender in the configurator – or let our team advise you, from threat assessment to delivery.
