Photo: Ricardo
If you had a 2019 Ford Ranger and you’d modify it for military use, would it look like the army truck from Ricardo? The British company thinks so, and there’s a lot to like about “the highly versatile and cost-effective general service defense adaptation.”
Europe’s best-selling pickup truck is “ideally suited as a flexible application,” a general purpose utility vehicle for policing roles, security, and rescue services. The modifications list starts with the NATO IRR paintwork, complemented by rollover protection, a ring-mounted weapon system similar to the WMIK, armoring for the underfloor and every piece of glass, as well as heavy-duty bumpers and more skid plates than the Raptor.
This Ranger takes its mojo from the 2.0-liter EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel, the range-topping engine for the European model. Matched to a 10-speed transmission, the powerplant offers plenty of towing capacity thanks to 500 Nm (369 pound-feet) of torque. Like most well-equipped pickups in this segment, 4x4 models can tow 3,500 kilograms.
Turning our attention back to the Ricardo 2019 Ford Ranger, the demonstrator further sweetens the deal with rock sliders and improved wading and fording protection. Four-point seat harnesses, EMC protection, a 24-volt electrical system, C4i integration, and all-terrain tires seal the deal.
The British company says that the chassis can be modified with different springs, dampers, brakes, wheels, and tires to suit the truck’s purpose, whatever it may be. “The adaptation of existing and well-proven automotive platforms for defense roles provides an opportunity to deliver a robust, fit-for-purpose and highly cost-effective package that is easy to maintain,” said special vehicles director Paul Tarry.
Developed with the support of Polaris Government and Defense, the Ricardo-built army truck hasn’t been confirmed for military service in the United Kingdom or anywhere else. Pricing isn’t known either, but nevertheless, someone should place an order for a small fleet to get the ball rolling.
Over in the UK, the dual-cab Ranger with the EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel and 4x4 starts at £29,745 excluding VAT for the Limited trim level. The 3.2-liter Duratorq soldiers on for the 2020 model year as well, connected to a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission.
This Ranger takes its mojo from the 2.0-liter EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel, the range-topping engine for the European model. Matched to a 10-speed transmission, the powerplant offers plenty of towing capacity thanks to 500 Nm (369 pound-feet) of torque. Like most well-equipped pickups in this segment, 4x4 models can tow 3,500 kilograms.
Turning our attention back to the Ricardo 2019 Ford Ranger, the demonstrator further sweetens the deal with rock sliders and improved wading and fording protection. Four-point seat harnesses, EMC protection, a 24-volt electrical system, C4i integration, and all-terrain tires seal the deal.
The British company says that the chassis can be modified with different springs, dampers, brakes, wheels, and tires to suit the truck’s purpose, whatever it may be. “The adaptation of existing and well-proven automotive platforms for defense roles provides an opportunity to deliver a robust, fit-for-purpose and highly cost-effective package that is easy to maintain,” said special vehicles director Paul Tarry.
Developed with the support of Polaris Government and Defense, the Ricardo-built army truck hasn’t been confirmed for military service in the United Kingdom or anywhere else. Pricing isn’t known either, but nevertheless, someone should place an order for a small fleet to get the ball rolling.
Over in the UK, the dual-cab Ranger with the EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel and 4x4 starts at £29,745 excluding VAT for the Limited trim level. The 3.2-liter Duratorq soldiers on for the 2020 model year as well, connected to a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission.
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