Ricardo’s Defense business unit will continue delivering Antilock Brake System/Electronic Stability Control (ABS/ESC) retrofit kits to the US Army as part of a $20.2 million contract.
The award of this contract aims to ensure improved safety on fielded vehicles in the US Army’s enduring High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).
Prior to this award, Ricardo has previously delivered over 11,000 ABS/ESC systems for application to US Army HMMWVs. In 2019, the Army provisioned Ricardo’s ABS/ESC retrofit kit into the national stock system for application of vehicles produced prior to 2019 that are slated to remain in the Army’s enduring fleet through 2040.
The Ricardo-developed ABS/ESC retrofit system encompasses a complete solution integrated into the HMMWV architecture including antilock braking, electronic stability control, active rollover protection, traction control, and improved brake calipers, pads, and rotors.
The system additionally introduces a crashworthy steering column and a modern electronic network to the vehicle and leverages low-cost, proven components specifically designed for the arduous requirements of military application. From the beginning, Ricardo designed the system for ease of upgrade to the existing fleet to minimize HMMWV lifecycle cost to US taxpayers.
“In making this multi-million-dollar investment, the US Army demonstrated their commitment to soldier safety by retrofitting fielded vehicles in its enduring HMMWV fleet,” said Chet Gryczan, President of Ricardo Defense. “This latest award showcases Ricardo’s capability to solve tough challenges for legacy systems that require a future-looking integrated solution. Aligned to our core values of sustainable, safe, and smart mobility, the successful deployment of Ricardo’s ABS/ESC safety-critical system ensures the safety of soldiers and operators remain at the forefront of every training and operational mission. We are extremely proud to support the US Army’s objective ensuring that soldier safety remains a top priority throughout each mission.”
