Based on its considerable experience in the design and manufacture of discreet armour protection components for an extensive range of saloon-type police vehicles, Norland Secure developed the Norland armoured personnel carrier (APC).

The first prototype of this vehicle was completed in 2002 and it was shown for the first time in public in 2003. First production Norland APCs could be completed within six months of an order being placed.

According to the company, Norland is a low-cost vehicle offering high protection and comfort for personnel deployed in hot climates. The track width also makes it ideal for deployment in urban and rural areas.

As of late 2007, one prototype of the Norland had been completed but no production orders had been placed.

Norland has been developed on the Land Rover long wheelbase chassis for which spare parts are available on a worldwide basis. This has been fitted with an all-welded steel body of 6 mm thick ballistic steel.

The body has been designed to Class B6 level of resistance, providing the occupants with protection from small arms fire up to rifle attack (7.62 mm × 51 FJ/SC) and anti-personnel devices.

When compared to many existing vehicles of this type, the Norland APC has a more aesthetic appearance, is more streamlined and is generally less threatening in overall appearance. Particular emphasis has been placed upon comfort in hot climates with the provision of front and rear air conditioning.

The baseline vehicle has the seats for the commander and driver at the front with left and right hand drive models being marketed.

The remaining six people are seated three either side down the back on bench seats facing inwards and enter the vehicle via two doors in the rear that open outwards.

The Norland can also be provided with two additional forward facing seats, right and left, immediately behind the commander and driver.

When compared to other vehicles of this type, the Norland has a high level of vision for the commander and driver with a large window provided to the rear of the front crew members.

This gives the crew a very high level of vision over the frontal arc, which is considered essential for vehicles of this type. The bulletproof windows are 38 mm thick and provide the same level of ballistic protection as the armoured hull.

In the first prototype of the Norland, the rear crew area is provided with six firing ports with a bulletproof observation device above.

If required a light machine gun can be installed on the roof or a one-person turret armed with a 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm or .50 (12.7 mm) M2 HB machine gun. Various types of electrically operated grenade systems can also be mounted.

The floor of the vehicle is constructed of 17 layer composite material and according to the company is capable of withstanding blast and fragmentation from anti-personnel mines and grenades.

It can be fitted with radios if required, as well as specialised video recording equipment and standard equipment on all production vehicles would include powered steering, run flat tyres and air conditioning.

To meet a wide range of operational requirements, a wide range of optional equipment has been offered for the Norland APC. These include:

• Runflats by Hutchinson Rodgard

• Central tyre-inflation system, which will allow the driver to adjust the tyre pressure to suit the terrain being crossed

• Remote controlled spot and flood lights with variable sweep speed

• NBC system

• Vehicle intercom

• Fire detection and suppression system

• Windscreen de-icing system

• 24 V electrical system

The commander and driver can be provided with night vision goggles (NVG) and for this application special NVG compatible glazing would be provided.

The Norland offers 4 × 4 drive with the transfer lever allowing switching from 4 × 4 to 4 × 2 for improved fuel economy.

As well as being used as an APC it is envisioned that the Norland could be used for a wide range of other applications such as ambulance, bullion transport vehicle, police command and control vehicle as well as transporting media in high threat areas.

Although the prototype of the Norland is based on a Land Rover (4 × 4) chassis, it could be built on other 4 × 4 chassis from a number of companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Santana and Toyota.