MRZR Alpha is a new light tactical vehicle (LTV) being offered by Polaris Government and Defense for the US military. It delivers superior off-road manoeuvrability and performance for the special operations and expeditionary forces.
The next-generation MRZR Alpha is the latest member of the MRZR light tactical vehicles family in service with the US military and 40 other allied forces. It is intended to support infantry mobility, indirect fire, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), command and control, logistics and missile launch missions.
MRZR Alpha is the 11th military vehicle produced by Polaris in 12 years and is assembled in Polaris’ manufacturing plant in Roseau, Minnesota, US. It is being offered in two configurations, namely MRZR Alpha 2 and MRZR Alpha 4.
The Alpha 2 carries two personnel, while the Alpha 4 offers additional seating to accommodate four occupants.
Orders and deliveries of MRZR Alpha
The Government Services Administration (GSA) awarded a $109m contract to Polaris Government and Defense to deliver MRZR Alpha, under the light tactical all-terrain vehicle (LTATV) programme, in June 2020. The seven-year contract will meet the needs of US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
The Polaris MRZR Alpha will support the USSOCOM’s mission requirements of durability, performance, payload profile and internal air transportability.
MRZR Alpha LTV design and features
The MRZR Alpha vehicle has been designed by Polaris with experience gained from the development of snowmobile chassis, sport RZR redesigning and off-road race team alterations.
The light tactical vehicle is installed with on-board diagnostics interface (OBD-II) which ensures easy maintenance by providing feedback on vehicle subsystems. Futuristic condition-based maintenance and guided diagnostics will be supported by the onboard vehicle systems.
The vehicle offers increased cab space along with improved configurability and exportable power. The box capacity of the vehicle is 272.2kg (600lb) while the payload capacity of two- and four-seat variants is 635kg (1,400lb) and 907.2kg (2,000lb) respectively.
The Alpha LTV has a maximum towing capacity of 680kg (1,500lb) and can accommodate two litters for casualty evacuation. It will also offer enhanced sight lines and mission profile cooling capability.
The vehicle can be fitted with counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), high-energy laser systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, tactical aviation ground refuelling systems, and expeditionary command and control systems. It is also equipped with direct-fire weapons, autonomy packages, and communication equipment.
Engine and mobility
MRZR Alpha is powered by high-performance four-stroke turbo-diesel engine coupled with eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine has a power output of 118hp and is compatible with DF1, DF2, JP8 and F24. The LTV attains a top speed of 96.5km/h while the maximum range of the vehicle is 362.1km.
The combination of 200ft-lb efficient torque with selectable locker for the 2WD/4WD drive system offers superior off-road manoeuvrability in highly demanding environments. Both the front and rear suspension will be of independent dual A-Arm. The large 32in tires help in carrying out operations in rough terrains.
The vehicle will offer expanded off-road capabilities due to ground clearance of 12in at full gross vehicle weight, 32in high mobility run-flat tires with bead-lock rims, as well as high-clearance dual A-arm front and rear suspension with payload levelling.
Air transportability of MRZR Alpha
Polaris’ Alpha can be easily transported internally through V-22, H-47 and larger transport aircraft with the help of tool-less roll over protection system (ROPS) and spare tire stowage. It can also be transported externally by H-60 and larger rotary wing lift assets.
The vehicle is compatible with low velocity airdrop (LVAD) and joint precision airdrop system (JPADS) due to its robust tie down and lifting options.