Ricardo unveils fuel efficient military vehicle
Ricardo has completed the build of its FED Alpha fuel efficient vehicle for the US military.
The demonstration vehicle is equipped with a four cylinder Cummins diesel engine, low rolling resistance Goodyear tyres, a 28V permanent magnet integrated starter generator and a lightweight, protective underbody blast shield.
Developed as part of the US Army's Fuel Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator programme, the FED Alpha also packs a lightweight aluminium structure, accelerator feedback system and a fuel economy display, to help drivers pilot the vehicle more efficiently.
"The FED Alpha vehicle is the culmination of Ricardo's total vehicle system methodology," said Wes Scharmen, Ricardo's chief programme engineer for FED. "Ricardo has applied its expertise in the design, development and manufacturing of special vehicles, and advanced automotive technology to create a demonstration vehicle that maximizes fuel economy while maintaining the capability and performance of light tactical wheeled vehicles."
Ricardo has been awarded a contract for the testing phase of the FED Alpha, which is currently underway.
