How to Choose the Right HySecurity Hostile Vehicle Mitigation System
Protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive access points requires more than just basic perimeter control. Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) systems are physical security measures designed to stop or slow vehicles that pose a threat due to unauthorized access, forced entry, or intentional ramming attacks. These systems combine engineered barriers with crash-rated performance to absorb or resist impact, preventing penetration into secured areas. HySecurity's HVM lineup includes hydraulic bollards, wedge barriers, and crash-arm gates engineered to meet ASTM and DoD standards for impact resistance and penetration prevention.
Whether securing government facilities, military bases, power substations, or corporate campuses, these systems offer active and passive protection options that integrate seamlessly with your access control infrastructure. In this section, we'll highlight the most advanced HVM solutions in the HySecurity family, including ARC Bollards, HydraWedge SM50, StrongArm M30/M50, and WedgeSmart surface-mounted barriers.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Crash Rating: Choose based on ASTM impact levels like M30 or M50 and penetration ratings like P1 or P2 for the threat level you're mitigating.
- Deployment Speed: Consider how quickly the barrier must raise or deploy in the event of an imminent threat or breach.
- Access Frequency: Evaluate whether your site needs continuous daily operation or occasional emergency deployment only.
- Installation Environment: Some systems require deep foundations, while others like surface-mounted wedges install with minimal excavation.
- Integration: HVM systems should tie into access control panels, emergency triggers, and surveillance for full situational awareness.
- Redundancy and Manual Operation: Sites may require manual override options or power-fail-safe capabilities for emergencies.
ARC Bollards
ARC Bollards offer fixed and retractable crash-rated protection in urban and high-security environments where aesthetics and pedestrian access are also priorities. These hydraulic bollards are crash-tested to ASTM M30 and M50 standards with penetration ratings as high as P1, ensuring reliable defense against vehicle-based attacks. When retracted, they allow normal traffic flow or emergency egress. ARC Bollards are frequently used at embassies, stadiums, airports, and government buildings where passive protection must blend with the architectural landscape.
- Available in M30 and M50 crash ratings with P1 penetration
- Hydraulic and static fixed bollard options
- Custom finishes and lighting options available
- Used at government buildings, airports, and courthouses
- Low-profile footprint and flush-retracting mechanism
HydraWedge SM50
The HydraWedge SM50 is a shallow-mount wedge barrier offering unmatched stopping power with minimal excavation. It is crash-rated to ASTM M50/P1 standards and deploys in less than 2 seconds, making it an excellent option for high-security checkpoints and rapid response environments. The SM50's hydraulic system is self-contained, and its unique V-wedge design ensures a wide barrier surface without requiring deep trenching. This system is ideal for federal campuses, ports, and sensitive urban access points where speed and depth limitations are critical.
- ASTM M50/P1 certified crash wedge barrier
- Shallow foundation: just 11.75 inches deep
- Deploys in under 2 seconds
- Surface-mounted design with full lane width coverage
- Suitable for embassies, ports, and high-security gates
StrongArm M30 & M50
The StrongArm M30 and M50 barrier arms are engineered for hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) and certified to stop vehicle threats at high speeds. The M30 is rated to stop a 15,000 lb truck traveling at 30 mph (ASTM F2656 M30/P1), while the more robust M50 is tested to stop the same vehicle at 50 mph (ASTM F2656 M50/P1). These crash-rated operators are available in several configurations including hydraulic, hydraulic manual (for manual actuation), and hydraulic dual-arm setups for wider lane coverage. Ideal for embassies, military facilities, power plants, and sensitive infrastructure, these openers provide both daily traffic control and emergency vehicle barrier protection in one package.
- ASTM crash ratings: M30 (30 mph) and M50 (50 mph) certified
- Hydraulic, hydraulic manual, and dual-arm options available
- Heavy-duty steel arms with integrated locking mechanisms
- Designed for critical infrastructure, defense, and utility sites
- Operates as both a routine gate and a crash barrier
WedgeSmart
The WedgeSmart is HySecurity's compact, surface-mounted wedge barrier designed for vehicle interdiction in locations where underground installation isn't feasible. Despite its low profile, it offers impressive stopping power, with models tested to stop a 15,000 lb vehicle at 30 mph. Unlike larger crash systems that require deep foundations, the WedgeSmart installs directly onto the surface, making it ideal for retrofit sites, parking garages, and areas with restricted excavation. It's available in automatic hydraulic versions for daily use, or manual versions for permanent blockade applications.
- Surface-mounted, no deep trench required
- Crash-tested to ASTM M30/P1 standards
- Hydraulic and manual versions available
- Installs quickly at retrofit or constrained sites
- Perfect for garages, stadiums, and temporary event security
HVM System Recommendations by Application:
- Government Buildings & Airports: ARC Bollards: Sleek, crash-rated perimeter protection for public-facing sites with pedestrian access needs.
- Military Bases & Critical Infrastructure: HydraWedge SM50: M50-rated shallow-mount wedge barrier for fast, active defense at high-security checkpoints.
- Industrial Security & Utilities: StrongArm M30 / M50: Crash-arm gate solution for wide-lane coverage and anti-ram deterrence where swing or slide gates are impractical.
- Parking Structures & Temporary Sites: WedgeSmart: Surface-mounted, quick-deploy wedge ideal for event security, garages, and retrofit applications.
Need Help Choosing?
Hostile vehicle mitigation is serious business, and we're here to help you make the right call. Our experienced sales and support team can walk you through crash ratings, deployment speeds, foundation requirements, and integration options to build a complete, secure solution for your site.
Contact us today for expert guidance, technical support, or to start your order. We'll help you get the right protection in place with confidence.
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