Featured Road Armor Operator F150 John Schwartze May 1, 2017 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More 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 Explore RECOILweb:New: Gen 2 Delta Eagle JacketOne handed reloads - for those with just one handKinetic Development Group SCAR Sling Mounts Now AvailableCGS Group Hyperion QD 762: Top of the Class NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. 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