The Ranger armored vehicle with increased protection against mines and explosive devices in the PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle) category was developed by the British company Universal Engineering in 2008. And the first copy was produced in 2009. As early as 2010, the company produced two pre-production Ranger PPV cars in 6×6 and 8×8 configurations.

The Ranger PPV 8×8 armored vehicle has a total length of 8.8 m, greater volume and payload, and is therefore capable of fulfilling a wider range of combat missions. The base model 6×6 Ranger PPV has a rated load capacity of 6,000 kg, while the 8×8 model has a payload capacity of up to 11,000 kg.

Both armored vehicles are diesel powered and equipped with an electronic architecture from Selex to simplify and speed up future upgrades.

The Ranger can be fitted with a variety of combat modules, from machine guns to 25mm cannons and 40mm automatic grenade launchers. The Ranger PPV armored vehicle is equipped with a remotely controlled Enforcer combat module from the company Selex.

The serial version of the Ranger PPV armored vehicle has a gross weight of 20 tons, is equipped with a MAN diesel engine with a capacity of 540 hp, coupled to a ZF semi-automatic transmission. The Ranger’s modular power unit is currently maintained to STANAG 4569 Level 1, but an upgrade is possible.

The Ranger PPV armored vehicle has a powerful V-shaped hull made of armored steel, equipped with anti-splinter linings and a “floating” floor, under which the armor plate is mounted.

The highly survivable capsule has passed extensive ballistic tests in Israel confirming that the Ranger PPV’s protection level exceeds the original project requirements. According to Universal Engineering, they were satellites of STANAG 4569 and consisted of bursts lasting several minutes, starting at level 4 and gradually increasing to level 5, which is twice the maximum STANAG level.

As for protection against armor-piercing munitions, the level is higher than 4, which guarantees protection against threats from 14.5 mm B32 armor-piercing incendiary projectiles. When dynamic protection modules are installed, the armored vehicle can withstand the impact of grenades fired from RPG-7 type grenade launchers and the explosion of hand-made explosive devices.

The Ranger armored vehicle is ready for the integration of active protection complexes or optical-electronic countermeasure complexes. They provide protection against more advanced threats such as anti-tank guided missiles. Four main modular subsystems have been added to the armored capsule, including the diesel power unit, mid axle, transmission and rear axle.

To provide all-round situational awareness, the vehicle has windows with bulletproof glass. A camera system can be installed to get a 360-degree view if needed. Images from the day/night cameras are displayed on the commander’s and driver’s screens, as well as on the screen in the landing bay. The side windows of the landing section are protected by mesh screens.

Paratroopers sit side by side in the aft landing bay, further increasing the probability of crew survivability due to energy-absorbing seats with a full set of seat belts. These seats can be quickly removed from the car and used as stretchers.

Communications equipment and electronic silencers are installed in the stern on the sides of the Ranger PPV armored vehicle.

There are covers over the commander and driver’s seats for evacuation from the car. On the roof of the paratrooper compartment, there are additional hatches that open to the right and left, which paratroopers can use while standing and firing.

The armament of the Ranger PPV depends on the requirements of the customer, but on the roof behind the driver and commander seats there is space for mounting a protected combat module.

After detonating the Ranger PPV on a mini, the damaged module can be removed and replaced with a new module, and the damaged module can be sent for repair.

Double wishbone independent suspension and Horstman Defense Systems hydraulic shock absorbers can be adjusted according to road conditions. Such a suspension provides a high level of cross-country ability, while providing greater comfort for the crew and troops.

The ground clearance can be set, for example, to a minimum of 150 mm, 330 mm on the highway, 505 mm on the field. Unprepared, ford depth is 1.45 meters, prepared 1.5 meters. In third gear, the vehicle can climb a slope with a maximum climb angle of 100 percent (45°).

As standard, the Ranger PPV armored car is equipped with Michelin 395/85R20 XZL TL wheels with combat-proof inserts. Optionally, a central tire inflation system is installed that allows the driver to adjust the tire pressure to suit the terrain. This system is especially used in desert or swampy areas.

The steering of the front and rear wheels has hydraulic boost, which allows you to achieve a turning radius of 8 meters, which is important in residential areas. A Warn winch with a pulling force of 16.1 tons is installed at the front and is used for self-extraction or evacuation of damaged and broken machines.

An auxiliary power plant is installed as standard, which allows you to request all subsystems of the Ranger PPV armored vehicle, for example, the air conditioning unit and communication means with the main engine off.