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Radical new design for light protected patrol vehicle market unveiled
September 8th 2009: A new solution for light protected patrol vehicles is launched today by Team Ocelot on stand number 2314.
Pace, an impressive turning circle, adaptability, ease of maintenance and protection levels similar to the renowned Force Protection Mastiff are all features of the Ocelot, which has been designed by Force Protection Europe and Ricardo under the Team Ocelot banner.
Measuring 5.3m long by 2.3m high x 2.1m wide, Ocelot comprises a core automotive armoured spine or ‘skateboard’ onto which a number of alternative, special-to-role pods are mounted. Each of the pods can be easily changed in the field as the need arises and have been designed for roles such as patrol, fire support or protected logistics. Four wheel steering is common to all and the vehicle can be transported in a C-130 or underslung from a Chinook.
“By starting with a clean sheet we have been able to create a design that is a complete departure from the usual practice of basing mine resistant vehicles on a standard chassis,” said David Hind, Managing Director of Force Protection Europe. “We are confident that Ocelot not only meets
today’s blast resistance requirements but those expected in the future. Ocelot exceeds the required mine protection level set for the UK MoD’s Light Protected Patrol Vehicle, while still meeting the targets for mobility, payload, size and gross vehicle weight.”
The combination of a skateboard and pod has been chosen to give increased survivability against blasts and mines. The skateboard houses the Steyr 3.2 litre straight six diesel powerpack, propshaft, 6-speed ZF gearbox, AxelTech differentials, fuel tank and all the suspension gear, except a torsion bar which is mounted alongside the hull. In the event of an attack the vehicle is able to keep moving, even if it has lost a wheel, as the rest of the automotive parts are protected.
In the patrol vehicle version of Ocelot there is seating for two crew and four dismounts. Access to the vehicle is through large rear doors, two top hatches or, if required, an oversized commander’s door. The V-shaped hull design means that the running gear does not intrude into the crew area, making movement from front to back easy and reducing the danger of damage to the running gear in the event of an attack. Bulkheads between vehicle crew and dismounts - and between them and the vehicle electronic equipment - give added protection.
Ease of maintenance has been given high priority, with major assemblies able to be rapidly changed in the field, rather than having to recover the vehicle to a base workshop to carry out repairs.
David Hind said, “The expertise of Ricardo in designing and optimising vehicles and Force Protection’s expertise in survivability solutions has resulted in what we believe will be the premier mine resistant vehicle needed to protect troops in theatres such as Afghanistan.”
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 defence 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 defence vehicle solutions.”
ENDS
For further information and high resolution pictures of Ocelot please contact:
CMS STRATEGIC
Nick Johnstone 07771 757 018
Mark Broughton 07880 506 345
Background information:
Force Protection Europe Ltd (FPE) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Force Protection Industries, Inc. (FPII) - the world’s leading provider of survivability solutions. FPII’s Cougar MPRAP vehicles (in service with the British Army as Mastiff, Ridgback and Wolfhound) are acknowledged globally as providing the highest levels of blast protection. FPE has been established to create a UK leader in the provision and sustainment of survivability solutions based on tactical wheeled vehicles, including the innovative new lightweight mine resistant vehicle, Ocelot.
Ricardo plc: With technical centres and offices in the UK, USA, Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Russia, China, Japan, India and Korea, Ricardo is a leading independent technology provider and strategic consultant to the world’s transportation sector and clean energy industries. The company’s engineering expertise ranges from vehicle systems integration, controls, electronics and software development, to the latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and fuel cell powertrain technologies, as well as wind energy and tidal power systems. Ricardo is committed to excellence and industry leadership in people, technology and knowledge; approximately 70 per cent of its employees are highly qualified multi-disciplined professional engineers and technicians. A public company, Ricardo plc posted sales of £197.7 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.
Safe Harbor Language
This press release contains forward looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Force Protection’s management, and on information currently available to management. These forward looking statements include, among other things: the growth and demand for Force Protection’s vehicles, including the Tactical Supply Vehicle, the ForceArmor™ kits and the M-ATV Cheetahs; the rate at which the Company will be able to produce these vehicles and products; the Company’s ability to develop new technologies and products, and the effectiveness of these technologies and products; the Company’s execution of its business strategy and strategic transformation, including its opportunities to grow the business, its ability to right-size its manufacturing base and its dependency on certain vehicles and awards; and the Company’s expected financial and operating results, including its revenues and cash flow, for future periods. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Examples of these factors include, but are not limited to, ability to effectively manage the risks in the Company’s business; the ability to develop new technologies and products and the acceptance of these technologies and products; the ability to obtain new orders for its vehicles and products; the Company’s ability to identify and remedy its internal control weaknesses and deficiencies, and other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as updated in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2009.
Tags: Force Protection, Light protected patrol vehicles, Ocelot