Key takeaways
- Law enforcement agencies across the United States are replacing aging MRAPs with Alpine Armoring's Pit-Bull® armored SWAT truck due to superior maneuverability in urban environments, reliable parts availability, and modern engineering – exemplified by Roswell PD's decision after officers came under fire during a 911 response.
- The Pit-Bull® offers two distinct configurations on the same Ford F-600 platform: the VX® enclosed APC seating up to 10 passengers for SWAT missions and hostage rescue, and the VXT® tactical truck with 4-6 seats optimized for rapid deployment and equipment transport, both available with protection levels up to A12 (B7+) stopping .50-caliber rounds.
- Alpine Armoring's flagship SWAT vehicle has evolved through five generations since 2010, incorporating real-world tactical feedback into continuous upgrades – from the original VX® for Mexican Federal Police to the 2025 2nd generation VXT® with optional civilian seating – while combat-proven deployments include 9 units donated to Tunisia's Counter-Terrorism Brigade and immediate-delivery units serving agencies from Richmond, Kentucky to international border security operations.
Alpine Armoring's Pit-Bull® is our flagship armored SWAT truck, offering the highest level of armoring available – up to A12 (B7+) – and capable of stopping .50-caliber rounds and armor-piercing (AP) ammunition. Built on a Ford F-600 4x4 chassis with a 330-hp V8 turbo diesel engine, this armored truck is well-suited to situations in which teams are traveling through hostile environments needing protection against .50 Cal and other high-powered weapons.
It’s already in use by law enforcement agencies both in the United States and worldwide for SWAT missions, hostage rescues, and other high-risk situations. With seating capacity ranging from 4 to 10 crew members, depending on the model, and units available for immediate delivery, it serves SWAT teams, federal agencies, and private security firms. It has been exhibited at different trade shows in the United States, most recently at the 2025 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) annual conference.
Why Are Agencies Choosing the Pit-Bull®?
Law enforcement agencies across the United States are replacing aging MRAPs with Alpine Armoring's Pit-Bull® armored SWAT vehicle. When the Roswell Police Department needed to replace its decade-old MRAP after an incident in which officers came under fire, they chose the Pit-Bull® because parts for surplus vehicles are nearly impossible to source, and MRAPs are too large for urban environments.
“The Pit-Bull® is a modern, reliable, and more maneuverable armored vehicle that will allow officers to better serve and protect the community,” Roswell PD stated. The department worked with the New Mexico Municipal League to secure funding, demonstrating Alpine Armoring's partnership approach to helping agencies navigate procurement challenges.
What Makes the Pit-Bull® Different from Other Armored Trucks?
The Pit-Bull® has evolved continuously since its introduction in 2010. Over 15 years, Alpine Armoring has released five generations:
- 2010: 1st generation Pit-Bull VX® for Mexican Federal Police
- 2013: The X® model debuts with B6 armoring
- 2015: The XL® model introduces A11 (B7) AP protection
- 2018: 2nd generation VX® and 1st generation VXT® models launch
- 2025: [2nd generation VXT® debuts] with an optional civilian seating configuration
The entire line was upgraded from the Ford F-550 to the heavier-duty F-600 chassis, delivering increased payload capacity and improved suspension. This continuous innovation sets Alpine Armoring apart – we don't just sell inventory, we engineer upgraded versions based on real-world feedback from tactical teams.
Which Configuration Is Right for Your Mission?
Alpine Armoring offers two distinct armored truck configurations, both built on the same F-600 platform with identical armoring levels:
Pit-Bull VX® (Enclosed APC)
- Seating: Up to 10 passengers (2+8)
- Dimensions: 246”L × 95”W × 100”H
- Weight: 16,600 lbs (A9 (B6+)) / 20,400 lbs (A12)
- Best for: SWAT missions, hostage rescue
Pit-Bull VXT® (Tactical Truck)
- Seating: 4 law enforcement (2+2) or 6 civilian (2+4)
- Dimensions: 250”L × 95”W × 100”H
- Weight: 16,700 lbs (A9) / 18,400 lbs (A12)
- Best for: Rapid deployment, equipment transport
The law enforcement VXT® features rear-facing jump seats with gun ports optimized for tactical deployment, while the civilian version offers forward-facing bench seating for enhanced comfort. Both configurations share the 145.5-inch wheelbase and 6.7L V8 turbo diesel powertrain.
What Protection Levels Does the Pit-Bull® Offer?
It offers protection up to level A12, which stops .50-caliber and high-power rounds.
Alpine Level A9 – Standard for most United States and worldwide applications
- Stops: 7.62×39, M193, SS109, M80 ball rounds
- Floor resistance: Two DM51 hand grenades
- Weight: 16,600-16,700 lbs
Alpine Level A12 – Highest level, .50 caliber rated
- Stops: .50 BMG, .30-06, AP rounds
- Floor resistance: Two DM51 hand grenades
- Weight: 18,400-20,400 lbs
The armoring package includes certified hardened ballistic steel (Mil-Specs 46100 and Mil-A-32332) surrounding the entire passenger cabin, along with multi-layered ballistic no-spall glass featuring polycarbonate layers designed to prevent delamination while maximizing optical clarity. All materials are laboratory-tested to NIJ, CEN, and VPAM certified standards.
How Has the Pit-Bull® Performed in the Real World?
This armored vehicle isn't just tested in laboratories – it's proven in combat and critical incidents:
Tunisia: In 2018, the United States government donated 9 Pit-Bull VX® units to the Tunisian Counter-Terrorism Brigade to combat terrorism and secure border regions. Tunisia's then Minister of Justice stated the vehicles “significantly contribute to the increase in fighting capacity against terrorist groups.”
Roswell, New Mexico: After officers came under multiple gunshots during a 911 response, the department replaced their unreliable MRAP with a Pit-Bull VX® armored to level A12.
Richmond, Kentucky: The police department acquired a Pit-Bull® through federal ARPA funding explicitly allocated to combat gun violence, demonstrating the vehicle's role in modern police strategies.
What Makes the Pit-Bull® a Mobile Command Center?
Alpine Armoring's flagship armored SWAT truck comes equipped with advanced communication and surveillance systems.
Surveillance & Awareness
- High-definition camera systems with 360-degree coverage
- Night vision equipment and thermal imaging
- Multi-screen monitor for real-time viewing
- Dash and rear crew monitors
Tactical Equipment
- 360-degree rotating front gun turret
- Hydraulic battering ram (with optional tear gas dispenser)
- Lockable high-power rifle racks
- Side and rear gun ports
Communication & Safety
- Two-way radio systems
- PA/multi-siren system
- Remote-controlled searchlights
- Red and blue strobe lights (all four sides)
Alpine Armoring offers over 20 optional accessories, including heavy-duty winches, roof hatches, tactical MOLLE racks, run-flat inserts, battery kill switches, climate-controlled interiors for medical transport, and optional removable mesh screens for all windows.
Beyond SWAT: What Other Missions Can the Pit-Bull® Support?
While designed primarily as an armored SWAT vehicle, it serves multiple functions:
- Tactical Operations: SWAT missions, hostage rescue, barricade situations, active shooter response
- Border Security: Used by Homeland Security agents and international counter-terrorism units
- Executive Security: Private security armored personnel carrier for corporate executives
- Emergency Response: Medical evacuations, natural disaster response
- Crowd Control: Large-scale event security and civil unrest management
How Can Agencies Acquire a Pit-Bull® Armored Truck?
Alpine Armoring understands that procurement can be as challenging as the missions these armored trucks for sale support. We help agencies navigate multiple funding pathways.
Homeland Security Grants provide funding to law enforcement agencies across different jurisdictions. These grants can be used to acquire specialized equipment, such as SWAT trucks, and to support training programs and infrastructure development. Alpine Armoring assists agencies in identifying which grant programs best fit their specific needs, including federal ARPA funding and state resources.
Flexible Financing and Lease Options are available specifically for United States law enforcement agencies. These financial solutions provide affordable payment plans, ensuring budgetary constraints don't prevent agencies from acquiring tactical vehicles.
GSA Schedule: Alpine Armoring is a GSA schedule holder, streamlining procurement for federal agencies and approved state and local governments.
International Buyers: For foreign governments, we accept pre-approved Letters of Credit to facilitate smoother transactions.
With units currently in stock at our Chantilly, Virginia facility (25 miles from Washington, D.C.), qualified agencies can schedule test drives and take delivery immediately.
This vehicle isn't just an armored truck – it's a proven, combat-validated platform trusted by agencies worldwide and available for immediate delivery.
For more information on Alpine Armoring's Pit-Bull® armored SWAT truck and other armored vehicles for sale, visit our dedicated Pit-Bull® website or contact our team to discuss your agency's tactical vehicle needs.
