An armored vehicle is a vehicle protected by armour plates. It is basically a military combat vehicle with light armor and usually a machine gun. It is an armed combat vehicle generally combining operational mobility with offensive and defensive capabilities. It was historically employed for internal security, armed escort and other subordinate battlefield tasks. With the gradual decline of horsemen , armored cars were developed formerly to carry on the duties of the horsemen. The armored car remained popular due to its simplified maintenance and low cost. At the beginning of the 20th century, the first military armored vehicles were manufactured by adding armors and weapons to existing vehicles.
An armored car is an armored van or truck which are used to transport valuables such as huge quantity of money. It is typically a multifunctional vehicle designed to protect and ensure the well being of the transported individuals or contents.
Armored cars are typically less expensive and on roads have better speed and range than tracked military vehicles.They however have less mobility as they have less off-road capabilities because of the higher ground pressure.They also have less obstacle climbing capabilities compared to the tracked vehicles. So they are not intended for heavy fighting. Their normal use is for scouting,command,control and communications. Only some are intended to enter close combat, often accompanying convoys to protect soft skinned vehicles.
Armored cars are popular for peacekeeping or responsible for taking up internal security duties. Their appearance is less threatening than tanks but their appearance is said to be more compatible with tight urban spaces designed for wheeled vehicles. However their tyres are more vulnerable and are less capable of climbing or crushing obstacles.Further, when there is true combat they are easily outgunned and lightly armored.
Examples of Armored cars also classified as scot cars includes the Soviet BRDM series, the British Ferret, the Brazilian EE-3 Jararaca, the Hungarian D-442 FUG and the American Cadillac Gage Commando Scout.
Armored vehicles for sale were not possible until internal combustion engines of sufficient power became available at the start of the 20th century. They are designed to serve multipurposes in different industries respectively. Hence, the use of armored vehicle has a lot of importance mainly for the military people.