The Gurkha is an armored, dune-hopping Ford F-550 used by law enforcement and militaries

Updated Dec 31, 2015

Though armored personnel vehicles are typically not built atop a frame you can buy down at your local dealership, Canada-based Terradyne manufactures blast and bullet-tested armored vehicles built atop the Ford F-550 Super Duty.

The Gurkha comes in three models all of which feature a 6.7 liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine, a six-speed TorqShift automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

To help cope with nearly 10 tons of gross vehicle weight, the F-550’s standard suspension has been retrofitted with customized Fox shocks, upgraded coils and steering damper. Top speed is around 70 mph.

Hutchinson military grade wheels are paired up with Continental MP81 tires which provide a 41-1/2” wheel height, making for greater terrain clearance and blast protection.

Seating capacity options range from 5 to 12. The crew compartment is rated to withstand 7.62 x 51 mm armor piercing rounds.

Options include blast mitigation seating, upgraded floor blast material, gun turret, additional gun ports, occupant oxygen system, fire suppression system and exterior lighting blackout package.

As if protection from bullets and bombs isn’t enough, the Gurkha also comes with a warranty backed by Ford.

The Gurkha is already in use within law enforcement, homeland-security and military defense sectors. It’s also caught the attention of Hollywood, where it was featured in “Fast Five,” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Civilians, too, can get in the action. A civilian version of the tough truck sells for around $278,000. Don’t miss videos of the Gurkha in action below.