Ricardo Forms Defense Systems & Technologies Unit for Military Transportation Applications

12 September 2007

Ricardo has formed a Defense Systems & Technologies strategic business unit to bring its developments in automotive technology to military vehicle customers.

The Ricardo military hybrid systems vehicle demonstrator.

Ricardo made the announcement at the Defence Systems & Equipment International Exhibition in London. Ricardo has on display at the Exhibition a military hybrid systems demonstrator vehicle that provides operational flexibility, high efficiency and low whole life costs, while also offering the option of a quiet mode for stealth operations.

Independent hub motors provide improved traction control and stability, survivability and increased ground clearance, resulting in enhanced vehicle mobility. In addition, an on-board generator—capable of delivering more than 100kW of electrical power—has the potential to replace trailer-based generators for functions such as communications.

Also on display at the exhibition is the Ricardo Torque Vectoring module, which can improve steering response and stability in slippery and difficult terrain, thus improving vehicle safety and enhancing dynamics for drivers of all skill levels.

The new unit will leverage the latest automotive technologies developed throughout the Ricardo group—in areas such as next-generation combustion systems, hybrid and electric vehicle powertrains, NVH, transmission and driveline systems, active safety and control & electronics.