Polaris MRZR 4 off-road vehicle can operate across most difficult terrains. Image courtesy of Polaris Industries Inc.

The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) ordered Polaris MRZR 4 vehicles in 2013. Image courtesy of Polaris Industries Inc.

Polaris MRZR 4 off-road vehicle has a speed of 96km/h. Image courtesy of Polaris Industries Inc.

Side profile of the Polaris MRZR 4 all-terrain vehicle. Image courtesy of Polaris Industries Inc.

The MRZR 4 is a highly mobile, multi-configurable, off-road vehicle from MRZR range of vehicles developed by Polaris Industries. The vehicle can be rapidly deployed in missions even in the most difficult terrains.

The MRZR vehicles are currently in service with the US and allied forces in more than 20 countries.

MRZR 4 orders and deliveries

Polaris Industries was awarded a contract by the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to deliver MRZR light, tactical, all-terrain vehicles (LTATVs) in October 2013. The contract allows SOCOM to manage their ultra-light tactical mobility needs to address mission requirements and rising threats. The contractual scope also includes supplying accessories and spare parts, and providing mechanical and operator training.

In July 2015, the USSOCOM placed an $83m five-year, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with Polaris for MRZR 2 and MRZR 4 vehicles, along with contractor logistics support (CLS) for spares, training and support under the LTATV programme. The first batch of vehicles was delivered in August 2015.

Design and features of MRZR 4

The Polaris MRZR 4 vehicle incorporates a tubular frame and a conventional layout with engine in the front, crew seats in the middle and cargo compartment at the rear. The roll cage can be collapsed without tools to reduce the vehicle height.

The vehicle offers seating for four troops and can accommodate up to six infantrymen when fitted with two optional rearward-facing seats on the cargo bed. The rear modular cargo section can support the installation of up to two seats/litters or a single seat and a litter. The seats are provided with four-point harnesses with a quick-release latch. The roof can be optionally fitted with soft cover.

The MRZR 4 LTATV features bumpers at forward and rear, as well as a full poly under-body skid plate. It also has aircraft tie-downs at front and rear. The vehicle can be attached with an off-road trailer, offering additional payload capacity. Other tactical equipments aboard the vehicle include infrared (IR) lights, a cargo plate, a tactical seat, a jerry can holder and a spare tyre holder.

The vehicle measures 3.59m-long, 1.52m-wide and 1.87m-high, while the height with collapsed roll cage is 1.52m. It has a dry weight of 852.8kg and can carry a maximum payload of 680.4kg.

The vehicle comes with electronic power steering, and instrumentation including digital gauge, speedometer, odometer, tachometer, trip-meter, hour meter, clock, gear indicator, fuel gauge, hi-temp/low-battery lights and DC outlets.

Engine and transmission

The power-plant integrates a Polaris Prostar™ 900 four-stroke dual over head camshaft (DOHC) twin-cylinder engine rated at 875cc. The engine, coupled to continuous variable transmission (CVT), offers a power output of 88hp. The vehicle has a fuel capacity of 27.4l and fuel is supplied through an electronic fuel injection system. The engine enables the vehicle to attain a top speed of 96km/h.

The vehicle employs on-demand true all wheel drive (AWD) system. The front suspension is of dual A-arm with 12.5in travel, whereas the rear suspension is made of trailing arms. The vehicle is fitted with FOX 2.5 PODIUM-X coil-over shock absorbers, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes with dual-bore front and rear callipers. The beadlockwheels are fitted with Moapa AT/26 X 9-14 DWT tires.