Ricardo, an engineering firm from UK, revealed a military-spec Ford Ranger pickup truck that’s capable to serve as a cost-effective multi-role transportation for defence and other security-related applications.
The British engineering firm, which created military vehicles like the WMIK light attack Land Rovers and the all-new Foxhounds used by the British Army, upgraded the Ford pickup truck in collaboration with Polaris Government and Defense.
The modifications include an enhanced 24-volt electrical system capable of providing power to the required systems and EMC protection, an armored ballistic underfloor along with armored glass, lightweight heavy-duty front and rear bumpers; extra skid plates for the radiator, powertrain and fuel tank, a rollover protection system, a ring-mounted weapon system, NATO IRR paint and four-point harnesses.
The chassis of Ricardo’s army-spec Ford Ranger is also fitted with upgraded springs, dampers and brakes, along with heavy-duty wheels wearing all-terrain tires. The ride height is increased compared to the civilian Ranger but Ricardo didn’t provide any details.
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“The adaptation of existing and well-proven automotive platforms for defence roles provides an opportunity to deliver a robust, fit-for-purpose and highly cost-effective package that is easy to maintain, benefitting as it does from an established international supply chain of parts and service,” said Paul Tarry, Ricardo’s special vehicles director.
Ricardo will make its Ford Ranger available with a range of powertrain options, including the twin-turbo 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel four-cylinder that produces 210 HP (213 PS). Paired to it is Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
“However, it is also crucial in such adaptations to engineer a solution that meets the exacting requirements of the intended applications; even the most robust of commercially available vehicles is unlikely to meet this threshold without careful, role-specific adaptation of the type that Ricardo is ideally placed to provide,” Tarry added.
