NEWS IN BRIEF
* Ricardo showed the Editor the new Ricardo Torque VectoringTM technology which aims to improve military vehicle safety. The Ricardo Torque VectoringTM module already well-proven in automotive applications, has the potential to significantly improve the steering response and stability of military vehicles in slippery and difficult terrain, improving safety and enhancing dynamics for drivers of all skill levels Ricardo has developed a unique differential unit incorporating its Torque VectoringTM module, which can be used as a replacement for the conventional differential.
This unit can be used to direct drive torque between 100% left, centre or 100% right wheel bias. Coupled to a Ricardo vehicle control system, this fast-acting device can be used for example to enhance stability by countering the steering request if roll over is imminent, so reducing the likelihood of roll over. A variant of the Torque VectoringTM system can provide multi-wheeled vehicles with the capability to “spin on the spot” and “spin on the move”, similar to tracked vehicles, and a yaw rate control gives a much improved turning circle. These additional capabilities bring significant manoeuvrability enhancements to large 6×6, 8×8 or even 10×10 wheeled vehicles beyond the addition of steered axles.
Ricardo Torque VectoringTM technologies are available for vehicle programmes at the design stage or as an add-on system for existing vehicles with resulting benefits:
• Enhanced driver and passenger safety
• Improved dynamics and manoeuvrability
• Application to wide vehicle range of vehicles
• Upgrading opportunity for in-service vehicles
* VISLINK Group plc’s specialist Defence, Law Enforcement and Security (DLES) Business Division announced a major contract win through group company, Advent Communications, involving a turnkey satellite earth station project for a government customer in Asia. Valued at over £1.2m, the contract underlines the company’s turnkey capabilities, spanning all aspects of equipment supply, installation, project management and commissioning, plus systems training. Advent Communications will also be supplying a number of its Mantis lightweight flyaway satellite systems, as well as the NewSwift vehicle-mounted satellite antenna solutions. This prestigious contract represents the first significant win for VISLINK Group’s integrated DLES division, which was established earlier this year. Matthew Richards, DLES Business Division Director, expands: “This is an important step for our integrated defence, law enforcement and security business, highlighting the cross-discipline capabilities that we can harness within the VISLINK Group companies. By combining the proven satellite systems skills from Advent Communications with our DLES expertise, we offer a uniquely tuned capability for our government and defence customers. Winning this turnkey contract, with shipments to be completed this year, underlines the value and credibility of our market approach.”
* Harris Corporation announced that its Falcon III(TM) AN/PRC-152(C) handheld radio has become the first JTRS-approved radio to be certified as compliant without waivers with the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) of the Joint Tactical Radio System. The certification, from the Joint Program Executive Office of the JTRS program, validates the advanced level of technology in the Falcon III multiband handheld radio, which enables easy upgrades and adaptability to new waveforms. The operating environment of the Falcon III(TM) AN/PRC-152(C) has been certified as fully compliant with version 2.2 of the SCA of the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). The SCA provides the overall blueprint for building JTRS software defined radio systems. The operating environment — along with the radio’s waveform software application – synchronizes hardware, firmware, and cryptographic components and controls the radio’s transmission of voice and data. The SCA-complian