The T-98 Kombat is a wheeled armoured vehicle built by Kombat Armouring, a subsidiary of Laura Group, in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Kombat is one of the fastest armored off-road vehicles in the world with a top speed of 180 km/h.[1]
There are two basic versions of the T-98 Kombat based on General Motors components, including an 8.1 L Vortec engine, Allison transmission, and GM heavy duty suspensions. They are:
- The “VIP” has no frame and has a monocoque double steel body. The highest protection level uses a composite armor of ceramic between steel layers. VIP Combats have many options, including natural leather and wood in the interior.
- The “Utility” is designed for special operations missions.
The armored body is based on a "metal-ceramic sandwich with cellular filler" technology. The monocoque body provides protection against mine blasts.
It is driven by a 340 hp V8, which gives the lightest T-98 a top speed of 111 mph (180 km/h), making it one of the fastest all-terrain armoured vehicles in the world. The T-98 containssatellite navigation, a flat-screen television which can play DVD, climate control, and an interior containing a mix of leather and wood. All running gear and electronics are provided byGeneral Motors. Kombat Armouring claims that the most highly armoured T-98 will protect occupants from bullets up to 12.7 mm, shotguns, mines and ramming.[2]Prices start at around US$138,000 for the standard luxury vehicle with the basic level of protection which includes specifically being able to stop a .357 Magnum. The next level is Hi Pro, which will stop bullets from 7.62 mm Kalashnikovs and costs US$168,000, with the third tier costing US$217,000 and the full-on highest B7-level of armoured protection costing US$247,000 before further optional extras are added.
