AUTOMOTIVE consultancy Ricardo has announced its Ocelot Light Protected Patrol Vehicle, designed for Force Protection Europe has been awarded preferred bidder status by the Ministry of Defence for the Light Protected Patrol Vehicle Programme.
Ricardo, which has a major technical centre based in Leamington Spa, said its automotive design experience had played a key role in the design and development of the Ocelot, which is designed to protect occupants for snipers and roadside bombs.
The vehicle, based on a Land Rover, makes the protection of the crew its first priority with its innovative V-shaped armoured spine that deflects a potential blast away from the vehicle.
On a business level, the Ocelot has global appeal and therefore marketing opportunities would be beyond the UK.
Dave Shemmans, chief executive of Ricardo said: “This is a significant step forward for our technical business and in the defence sector where we are playing a larger role in the research and design of ground vehicles to increase mobility, protection and power density whilst improving fuel economy.
“This award would benefit primarily the Financial Years 2011 and 2012 and further improves Ricardo’s diversification and risk mitigation strategy. At this stage it is premature to quantify the benefit as detailed negotiations are yet to conclude on the programme.”
Ricardo will announce its preliminary results for the 12 months ending June 30, 2010 on September 28.
