Ricardo Defence Systems and Technologies - Vehicle Engineering Design, Development and Integration Services

Ricardo is a leading independent technology company with a heritage in both the automotive and defence sectors. Our capabilities cover all aspects of vehicle systems integration, including control and electronics, engine and transmission design and development, low volume vehicle build, and testing services.

We have a staff of over 1,800, the majority of which are highly qualified engineers with extensive experience in vehicle and sub-system design, development and integration.

Custom specialist military vehicle construction

In terms of vehicle development and integration, we have a strong track record in cost effective versatile and purpose built specialist military vehicle construction including the provision of training and logistics support.

With our independent approach we work in conjunction with various MoDs, large defence contractors and OEMs to deliver world-class cost effective solutions. Our defence business consists of four major activities:

Advanced military vehicle design tools and technologies

Ricardo has a wide range of advanced tools that underpin its design and development capabilities to rapidly prove out new concept designs, minimise hardware commitments and optimise product solutions. These tools cover armour and blast, chassis design, vehicle and driveline dynamics, structural, component strength and fatigue, noise and vibration, and human factor analysis.

Ricardo R&D activities include hybrid systems and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). Our hybrid systems activities are focussed on design and integration, including vehicle build and productionisation. Our experience covers micro, full parallel and series hybrid configurations.

Military vehicle systems integration

Ricardo has undertaken systems integration programmes across all vehicle types, from high-mobility all-terrain vehicles to heavy equipment transporters. Our through-life approach includes a full analysis of requirements definition at the beginning of the process through vehicle system trade studies and comprehensive technology management and risk studies.

Our systems approach is fully augmented by our advanced tools and our ability to undertake prototype build, test and development. In particular we can undertake EMC development, electrical and control system integration including the development of electronic control units and supporting architectures.

Vehicle programme leadership and support

To meet our customers’ requirements, as part of our design and systems Integration capability we can provide leadership or support for vehicle programmes. Previous examples include the design, development and prototype manufacture programmes for tracked and wheeled armoured vehicle for a number of OEMs including BAE Systems, L3 Communications, Land Rover, Oshkosh, Hyundai Rotem and Steyr. We are also part of the General Dynamics FRES UV Integrator team.

Additionally, working in partnership with Navistar, we had full vehicle responsibility for the engineering, build and development of the Future Tactical Truck System Utility Vehicle Advanced Concepts Technology Demonstrator that included hybrid electric drive technology.

Vehicle conversions and military products

A core strength that augments our integration capabilities is the development and production of low-volume niche and special vehicles for military and police customers.

For example Ricardo has undertaken conversions and upgrades of the Land Rover Defender, such as WMIK and more recently the Snatch. These include installation of ring-mounted weapons systems, chassis upgrades, armour protection, power generation and payload enhancement.

With our significant power upgrade experience we can provide improvements with in-service vehicles to realise significant payload, servicing and cost benefits. Recent upgrade / re-life programmes include HMWWV and CVR(T) AFV.