Driveline and Transmissions

The rapidly changing nature of combat operations is placing new and increased demands on the driveline and transmission systems of defence vehicles. The need for increased crew protection is tending to increase mass and restrict available package space, while the need to maintain mobility, range and payload requires weight and traction optimization. Ricardo ensures that future systems are more robust, durable and reliable, yet lighter, more fuel efficient and increasingly compact, simpler to service and operationally more flexible and agile.

Ricardo defence vehicle transmission and driveline services:

• Design reviews, concept studies and upgrade package definition - an objective and holistic view of possibilities with unbiased recommendations based on your specific requirements and constraints
• New component and systems design, prototyping and development
• Transmissions – manual, power-shift, automated, and hybrids
• Electrical, mechanical and hydraulic component and system development, including drive axles, differentials, transfer cases, steering drives, couplings and torque control devices
• Systems integration for wheeled and tracked vehicle drivelines
• Vehicle installation package and development
• Controls architecture development, testing and interfacing, including control software
• High quality prototype and niche volume component manufacture
• Specialised rig and vehicle test services, including cost, design and performance benchmarking
• A proven ability to progress agreed recommendations into fast-track new product development – tailor-made project packages to meet specific operational needs, ranging from a feasibility studies to turn-key engineering programmes