Road Armor Operator F150

Photos by Q Concepts

Watch What Happens When an F-150 Gets a Special Forces Makeover

When you hear the term “technical” as it relates to trucks used by third-world militants, you probably envision a dirty Toyota Hilux packed with guys holding AKs and a Dushka mounted to a jury-rigged tube cage. But have you ever wondered what an American version of a technical would look like if it were done right? However, we think that term might be a bit insulting when describing the Operator F-150 — it’s not just a technical, it’s a technical knockout! That’s what happens when the garrison fills out a vehicular wish list.

After the success of the Green Beret Jeep featured in RECOIL Issue 21, the guys at Road Armor teamed up again with Scott Neil of Operator to create something representing the kinds of trucks that Special Forces personnel would commandeer or build while deployed. But rather than using only what they had at their disposal, this time they got carte blanche on build decisions,  checking off everything needed to make a light-strike vehicle they’d be willing to go to battle with. From tip to tail, it doesn’t look like they left anything out, whether stateside or in combat.

A ’15 F-150 4×4 was selected as the platform, but rather than just packing it with some loose gear and calling it a day, the intention was to make it faster, tougher, and more modular. The Whipple Twin Screw supercharger ensures speed won’t be a problem, cranking out over 500 hp. A custom MagnaFlow stainless cat-back exhaust keeps the engine exhaling without a problem. Of course, crawling over rough terrain is a must, so the addition of a BDS 4-inch lift, Air Lift RideControl, BMF wheels, and Toyo Open Country tires certainly help this thing kick sand in the face of its enemies.

The Road Armor Stealth winch bumpers will clear a path, surely as cowcatchers on locomotives did. The assault rack was custom made by Road Armor, in particular to avoid having to add front supports. A host of Rigid Industries lightbars, both standard and infrared, are operated via an sPOD control panel. Condition Zero mounts for pistols and rifles on the interior are plentiful, and seats were given extra pouches for storage. A generous coating of DuPont Kevlar-impregnated coating help keep the body protected.

As you can see, the exterior is outfitted with tons of accessories. Everything from a Hi-Lift jack, Pull-Pal winch anchor, shovel, CO2 tanks for air tools, and Rotopax for fuel and water have their place on the cage. And those who aren’t wise enough to move out of the way will be greeted by a .50-caliber machine gun on a Dillon Aero mount. A Truck Vault also keeps plenty of spare rifles on hand. We’re not sure we could’ve asked for anything that wasn’t already included, except maybe a date with Abigail Ratchford.

So there you have it. Instead of being limited by what you can source while in a combat theater, the minds at Road Armor and some of our nation’s most elite military groups have created one killer 4×4 that not only redefines the term “tactical vehicle” but is also a nod to all those who serve in the Special Forces. We look forward to seeing more of what their brainstorming can come up with in the future.

Operator provides best-in-class service, support, products, and consulting to customers globally, with the motto, “Fear None.” The company’s event arm, “Operator Challenge,” hosts a unique series of demanding challenges that test competitors’ shooting, outdoor skill sets, and physical and mental prowess skill sets. Operator also provides consumers with a test and evaluation program, called “Mission Ready,” on products that meet the level of quality an operator utilizes on the battlefield. Operator is owned by former operators and always ensures portions of the company’s profits benefit special operations’ charities across all branches of military service.
> www.usoperator.com

Operator Custom Works is a service disabled veteran-owned company run by former special operators who have a passion for hot rods, 4x4s, and guns. OCW is fully stocked with the latest tools and automotive fabrication equipment needed for modifications, new parts, installations, or complete builds.
> www.operatorcustomworks.com

Operator Truck
2015 Ford F-150
5.0L Supercharged V-8
4WD six-speed automatic
www.roadarmor.com

Lightbar
Make: Rigid Industries
Model: E2 30-inch Combo
URL: www.rigidindustries.com

Machine gun
Make: Executive Armament LLC
Model: .50 Cal
URL: n/a

Cage
Make: Road Armor
Model: custom
URL: www.roadarmor.com

Fuel Cans
Make: Rotopax
Model: 4-gallon
URL: www.rotopax.com

Bumpers
Make: Road Armor
Model: Stealth Winch w/Lonestar Guard
URL: www.roadarmor.com

Body
Make: DuPont
Model: Kevlar coating
URL: www.starwoodmotors.com

Winch
Make: Warn
Model: Zeon 12K, front; M8000, rear
URL: www.warn.com

Wheels
Make: BMF
Model: 20-inch
URL: www.bmfwheels.com

Tires
Make: Toyo
Model: 35×12.50R20 Open Country MT
URL: www.toyotires.com

Jack
Make: Hi-Lift Jacks
Model: All-Cast
URL: www.hi-lift.com

Gun Storage
Make: TruckVault
Model: F-150
URL: www.truckvault.com

Air Tanks
Make: Smittybilt
Model: Compact Air System
URL: www.smittybilt.com

Supercharger
Make: Whipple Superchargers
Model: Twin Screw
URL: www.whipplesuperchargers.com

Upholstery
Make: CamoLiner
Model: Custom Leather
URL: www.camoliner.com

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