GPV's Sergeant 4X4 featured in article in Tactical Response Magazine, "What's New in Tactical and Command Vehicles".

The GPV Sergeant 4X4 was included in an article in the highly recognized Tactical Response Magazine (January - February 2008) entitled "What's New in Tactical and Command Vehicles. As the title suggests the article focuses on new tactical and command vehicles.

The Sergeant 4X4 section of the article highlights the unique capabilities that set it apart from other armored vehicles such as NBC Overpressure, 32” of water fording ability, and the GPV willingness to work directly with end users to “customize” the vehicle, the article also includes notable comments from representatives of the Knoxville, Tennessee Police Department and Pinellas County, Florida Sheriff’s Office.

GPV was pleased to be acknowledged in this Tactical Response magazine article which reaches members of the law enforcement and SWAT communities nationwide and internationally.

... "GPV can work with the customer to “customize” the vehicle to meet the department’s specific mission roles."

As pointed out by the author, GPV seeks to offer with its vehicles those sub-systems and components ranging from camera systems to hydraulic rams that will meet the requirements, mission rolls, and challenges of first responders today.

This Article was Originally Published in Tactical Response Magazine, January 2008. (click here for complete article)

 

What's New in Tactical & Command Vehicles (click here - PDF File)

 

What’s New in Tactical & Command Vehicles
Written by Jennifer Gavigan

 

Many tactical vehicle companies are expanding the versatility of their product lines to encompass a wider range of threats and emergencies, including terrorism, natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and more. Using new technology, what once used to be “just a SWAT vehicle” has turned into much more. Here
is a look at some of the major players in the tactical vehicle market and what they have to offer in 2008.

 

General Purpose Vehicles Inc.
The GPV SERGEANT 4X4 from Michigan-based General Purpose Vehicles (GPV) is a newly designed National Security vehicle developed to provide law enforcement, military police, HazMat units and emergency response teams with a significant level of mobility, versatility and protection. The SERGEANT fulfills specific
mission roles for homeland security, special response intervention, search and rescue, and infrastructure security.

Several key features set the SERGEANT apart from other armored vehicles. First is the ability to ford up to 3 feet of water, allowing the vehicle and occupants immediate access into areas off-road or covered by water where traditional rescue vehicles cannot access. This capability is a necessity in natural disaster
responses and search-and-rescue efforts.

 

Second, GPV can work with the customer to “customize” the vehicle to meet the department’s specific mission roles. This might include adding storage and cabinet space in the crew compartment or setting it up with tables for a command center. Other options may include the insertion of a camera system with thermal and optical capability or seating to accommodate SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) tanks for HazMat units.

 

Third, an NBC Overpressure System is an option to prevent and protect the occupants from external hazardous contaminants. If necessary, the vehicle can take a team into a hazardous materials zone for rescue purposes or logistical and tactical support. The NBC Overpressure System allows for occupant protection in a WMD (weapons of mass destruction) situation or chemical spill. In addition, the SERGEANT is a CBRNE- or NBC-compliant vehicle.

 

The engine in the GPV SERGEANT 4x4 is a Caterpillar C7 turbo diesel rated at 300 hp at 2,400 rpm and 800 ft-lbs torque at 1,440 rpm. The SERGEANT carries 52 gallons of fuel with the capability of adding an extended fuel tank with up to an 80-gallon capacity, allowing it to operate for long periods in the event of a power outage or emergency with no fuel available. It features an Allison 5-speed automatic, electronically controlled transmission with one reverse and five forward gears. A two- or four-wheel drive selection provides added torque for climbing steep grades and towing disabled vehicles. The SERGEANT features hydraulic disc brakes with a four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) and is equipped with a 12-volt electrical system with three sealed gel batteries.

 

Interior space on the SERGEANT provides for two personnel in the forward crew area and 10 fully equipped officers with weapons, packs and body armor in the rear crew area. A three-point seat-belt restraint system is provided for driver and co-driver to protect from rollovers, crashes and mine blasts. Lap belts are
provided for the crewmembers. Ten weapon ports throughout the vehicle allow occupants to engage targets with a variety of weapons within the security of the vehicle. It has six points of ingress / egress allowing for exiting out from both sides and the rear of vehicle.

 

The SERGEANT’s vehicle hull is composed of commercial high hardness steel that is comparable to military armor plate. The high hard steel provides advanced protection and safety to its occupants from armed threats, fire, explosives, extreme weather conditions and violent confrontations. Window locations and sizes
are adjustable and enable 360-degree vision from within the vehicle. Base protection levels for the windows, doors and body sides are NIJ Type IV.

 

The Knoxville, TN Police Department’s Special Operations Squad (SWAT) was one of the first in the country to become certified in Level 1 Hazardous Material Suits. Because of that, Knoxville needed a vehicle that met Homeland Security requirements, provided CBRNE protection for its occupants, and would not be costprohibitive. The officers needed a vehicle that could provide individual ballistic protection, but also allow multiple operators to enter into an area, assess the contaminants, and provide a transportation source for rescue workers and victims. Their answer was the GPV SERGEANT 4x4.

 

Deputy Chief Don Green of Knoxville said it was apparent that GPV was more interested in seeing how it could meet Knoxville’s needs and adapt its manufacturing abilities to provide a product to work for them. Green calls the SERGEANT an “asset” for his department and for homeland security response. Because of its unique properties, it is more versatile. “Most departments have ballistic protection, but this is beyond that,” Green said.

 

The Pinellas County, FL Sheriff’s Office also procured a GPV SERGEANT 4x4 for use in its agency. Corporal Bruce van de Gohm said the SWAT Vehicle from GPV is one of the largest he has seen, and it is a huge step up both in protection level and ability to move an entire team. According to van de Gohm, they used the 3-feet fording capability and 4x4 feature as “selling points” for hurricane rescues and the HazMat capability with the over pressure system for CBRNE or industrial HazMat response. “The vehicle has performed well in training and is quite agile considering its size,” van de Gohm stated. In addition, the Warren, MI Police Department placed an order for three SERGEANTs to be deployed for regional law enforcement support in southeastern Michigan. (Article continues)

 

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