DSEI 2021: Polaris debuts the MRZR Alpha tactical vehicle

The MRZR Alpha being put through its paces. (Polaris Government and Defense)

The MRZR Alpha ultralight tactical vehicle from US mobility provider Polaris Government and Defense made its public debut at the DSEI defence exhibition, held in London from 14–17 September.

Featuring a completely new chassis that provides more room for its operators and greater flexibility with cargo, the MRZR Alpha comes in a two- or four- person configuration, with the latter providing a payload capacity of 2,000 lb (907.2 kg): 500 lb more than the equivalent current-generation Polaris MRZR D.

The MRZR Alpha also features a ride-height-levelling suspension system that ensures the vehicle retains its 12-inch (30.5 cm) ground clearance even when loaded, Polaris officials noted to Janes . The ground clearance can additionally be raised to 14 inches to negotiate particularly difficult types of terrain.

With a curb weight of around 3,000 lb, the vehicle can be airdropped by the Low Velocity Air Drop (LVAD) and Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS), internally loaded in a V-22 tiltrotor or larger helicopters, and can also be sling-loaded. It has a range of 225 miles at its gross vehicle weight of just under 5,000 lb, can reach top speeds of more than 60 mph, and has an exportable power capability of 1 kW: a 20% increase over the MRZR D.

The MRZR Alpha is already being provided to US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the US Marine Corps under the US Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (LTATV) and Ultra Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV) programmes respectively; an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract was awarded in May worth up to USD109 million. Government qualification testing of the vehicle has begun, with production to follow.

A Polaris spokesperson told Janes