Battelle delivers Up-Armored Ford Expeditions to U.S. Department of State

Battelle has delivered four upgraded Ford Expeditions to the United States Department of State (DoS) for testing, evaluation, and certification.

Battelle’s Logistics, Operations & Ground Systems business line, in collaboration with Ford Motor Company, has been working for two years on the contract to design and produce a Large Sport Utility Vehicle (LSUV) for DoS, on behalf of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). Battelle upgraded the Expeditions with armor and technology to meet specific protection mission requirements while leaving the original showroom appearance.

Battelle is also producing 229 up-armored Toyota Land Cruiser 200s for DoS to be delivered within the next 15 months. Following certification, Battelle’s version of the Ford Expedition will be available as a cost-effective alternative to other vehicles of similar size and performance capabilities.

The armored Ford Expedition designs are Battelle’s first Up-Armored domestic vehicle.

“We're really proud of these vehicles,” says Battelle Ground Systems Senior Program Manager Jim LaBine. “We look forward to the feedback and to offering these affordable alternatives to other organizations and government agencies seeking armored vehicles manufactured in the United States.”

Battelle has been a partner to the U.S. government in armoring vehicles for more than 80 years, starting with a contract awarded in 1939 to improve armor plating for the U.S. Army. Battelle has continued to grow its specialty automotive integration capabilities at facilities on the west side of Columbus, Ohio, building hundreds of armored vehicles for Department of Defense and other government customers during the last decade.