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Ricardo and Force Protection Europe Unveil Ocelot: the Next-Generation in Defense Vehicle Performance and Crew Protection
VAN BUREN TWP., Mich., Sept. 8 -- Ricardo, Inc., the US subsidiary of Ricardo plc, the leading independent provider of technology, product innovation and engineering solutions to the world's automotive, defense, transport and new energy industries, has announced the launch of the Ocelot, a unique collaboration between Ricardo and Force Protection Europe. This revolutionary new light protected patrol vehicle (LPPV) concept offers the potential for much higher standards of occupant protection and operational flexibility than today's defense light vehicle products.
The new Ocelot LPPV vehicle was unveiled at the Defense Systems & Equipment International Exhibition, the world's largest fully integrated international defense exhibition, at the ExCel arena in London, England. Starting from a completely clean sheet design, Ocelot brings together some of the very latest innovations in automotive and defense technologies to deliver a highly practical vehicle designed for deployment in the most demanding and hostile of operational environments. Based on a modular design, Ocelot comprises a core automotive armored spine or "skateboard" onto which one of a number of alternative special to role "pods" is mounted. These roles include a patrol, fire support or protected logistics vehicle and the pods are easily interchangeable in the field as the need requires. The V-shaped hull configuration formed by the combination of skateboard and pod, coupled with the use of the latest in advanced composite technology, provides a practical vehicle package with exceptional maneuverability, operational flexibility, and unparalleled levels of occupant protection for a vehicle of its class. Moreover the protection provided by the skateboard spine to its internal automotive systems, provides a much higher level of operational robustness.
Commenting on the launch of Ocelot, David Hind, MD of Force Protection Europe Ltd, said: "By designing from a clean sheet we have adopted a novel design which is a complete departure from the standard practice of basing mine resistant vehicles on a standard chassis design. We are confident that the V-shape design of Ocelot means it not only meets today's blast resistance requirements but those expected in the future."
Dave Shemmans, CEO of Ricardo plc, added: "We are extremely pleased to have been able to work with Force Protection Europe to create this exciting new vehicle concept. Ocelot offers a highly practical defense vehicle solution to current and future operational requirements, while also providing unparalleled levels of occupant safety against the very real and present threats of a hostile theatre environment. This is just another example of how Ricardo is able to work with its partners and customers to deliver the very latest in automotive innovation and technology in truly exceptional defense vehicle solutions."
A high resolution image of Ocelot is available for download from www.ricardo.com.
About Ricardo
Ricardo, the Eco-Innovation Technology Company, is a leading independent provider of technology, product innovation, engineering solutions and strategic consulting to the world's automotive, military, transport and new energy industries. The company's skill base represents the state-of-the-art in low emissions and fuel-efficient powertrain technology, and can be best summarized: "Ricardo is Fuel Economy." Ricardo offers TVFE(TM), its Total Vehicle Fuel Economy engineering service, to transportation manufacturers and related government agencies worldwide to provide objective evaluation of all available technologies to identify the most cost-effective strategies to accomplish fuel economy and CO2 goals.
With technical centers and offices throughout Europe, the U.S. and Asia, Ricardo provides engineering expertise ranging from vehicle systems integration, controls & electronics, hardware and software development, to the latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and fuel cell powertrain technologies. Ricardo's customers include the world's major automakers and suppliers as well as manufacturers in the military, commercial, off-highway and clean energy sectors. The company also serves in advisory roles to governmental and independent agencies. Ricardo's U.S. operation, Ricardo, Inc., is headquartered in Van Buren Township, Michigan. Ricardo plc posted sales of $394 million in financial year 2008 and is a constituent of the FTSE TechMark 100 index - a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.ricardo.com.
CONTACT: Frank Buscemi, The Quell Group, +1-248-649-8900, fbuscemi@quell.com; or Anthony Smith, Ricardo Media Office, +44-1273-382710, media@ricardo.com
Contacts:
Public Relations:
The Quell Group
Frank Buscemi
USA
Phone: 248-649-8900
 E-mail this person
General Information:
Anthony Smith
INTL
Phone: 44-1273-382710
E-mail this person
Company Information:
Name: Ricardo Inc.
Address: 40000 Ricardo Dr.
City: Van Buren Twp
State: MI
ZIP: 48111-1641
Country: USA
Phone: 734-397-6666
FAX: 734-397-6677
http://www.ricardo.com
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