The U.S. Army has awarded Detroit’s Ricardo Defense a $20.2 million contract to continue delivery of antilock brake system/electronic stability control (ABS/ESC) retrofit kits to improve the safety and operation of the Army’s high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV).
Prior to this award, Ricardo has delivered more than 11,000 ABS/ESC systems for application to U.S. Army HMMWVs. The contract award will help ensure improved safety on fielded vehicles in the US Army’s enduring HMMWV fleet.
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.
“In making this multi-million-dollar investment, the U.S. Army demonstrated their commitment to soldier safety by retrofitting fielded vehicles in its enduring HMMWV fleet,” says 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.”
Ricardo’s 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.
Additionally, it 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 U.S. taxpayers.
“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,” says Gryczan. “We are extremely proud to support the U.S. Army’s objective ensuring that soldier safety remains a top priority throughout each mission.”
