US paves way for surge in orders for Ricardo’s Humvee ABS/ESC safety system

The United States National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021 includes authorization for the procurement of 5,421 Antilock Brake System/Electronic Stability Control (ABS/ESC) kits to prevent vehicle rollovers in the iconic High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or ‘Humvee’) fleet.
 
The Act, which follows the President’s FY21 Budget Request to Congress in February 2020, paves the way for orders to be placed with Ricardo for the retrofit safety kits.  
 
The Ricardo ABS/ESC retrofit kit was developed by the company’s US based division, Ricardo Defense. The complete package includes antilock braking, electronic stability control, active rollover protection, traction control, and improved brake callipers, pads and rotors. The entire system leverages low-cost, proven components engineered by Ricardo specifically for the arduous requirements of application in the military environment and was designed for ease of upgrade to the existing fleet.
 
Ricardo Defense will be the supplier of the kits. The forthcoming award is planned to result in a 3-year firm-fixed-price, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with Ricardo Defense.
 
The Ricardo ABS/ESC Retrofit Kit is the system currently being installed in HMMWVs across a number of initiatives and is designed specifically for this iconic vehicle. The contract award is anticipated in the 2nd quarter of Fiscal Year 2021.
 
“Ricardo is pleased that our ABS/ESC Retrofit Kit has been recognized for the improved safety that it provides for both soldiers and civilians,” said Chet Gryczan, president of Ricardo Defense. “We look forward to fulfilling the orders for Fiscal Year 2021, and to improving the safety of the brave men and women in uniform who serve and protect America.”