THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS:
By Hendrik Combrinck, General Manager – ArmourIT Africa
The Unsung Hero of Armoured Vehicles
When most people picture an armoured vehicle, they think of thick steel doors and reinforced tyres. But there’ s one component that quietly does the hardest work— the windscreen.
It’ s the first thing an attacker sees. The first thing that takes the hit. And often, the only thing standing between the occupants and disaster.
At ArmourIT Africa, armoured glass isn’ t just built— it’ s engineered with purpose. This component has evolved from a heavy layer of protection into a precisely crafted piece of technology designed to stop bullets, resist heat, and still give drivers perfect visibility. The True Frontline of Safety.
Most ballistic attacks target the front of a vehicle— the area with the largest, most vulnerable surface: the windscreen. A B4-rated windscreen can weigh up to 90 kilograms. A B6-rated windscreen, capable of stopping high-powered rifle rounds, can exceed 120 kilograms. Each layer— glass, polycarbonate, and bonding resin— works together to distribute impact force evenly, preventing penetration.
The challenge isn’ t just strength. It’ s balance— keeping the glass optically clear, light enough for the vehicle to handle naturally, and durable enough to withstand the harsh African climate.
Curved or Flat: Choosing the Right Protection Curved glass is used in discreet armouring— vehicles that need to blend in perfectly. It’ s ideal for executives and diplomats who prefer subtlety, though it’ s expensive and technically challenging to produce. Flat glass is the workhorse of tactical and mining vehicles where durability and easy replacement matter more than aesthetics. It’ s practical, cost-effective, and ideal for vehicles that need to be back on the road quickly after an incident.
At ArmourIT, we don’ t believe one is better than the other. Each serves a purpose— whether it’ s quiet protection or visible deterrence.
Building Trust
Every windscreen we install is rigorously tested for optical clarity, ballistic strength, and structural integrity. We’ ve built our reputation on partnerships with global suppliers and local industries to ensure our vehicles meet international standards while addressing uniquely South African threats.
As I often tell clients,“ We’ re not just selling armour; we’ re selling time— the time you need to escape, survive, and see your loved ones again.”
For more information:
+ 27 82 499 5869 hendrikc @ armouritafrica. co. za www. armouritafrica. co. za
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2025 11 WORDS IN ACTION