Polaris has introduced an optionally-manned version of the light all-terrain vehicle it builds for the Marine Corps and Special Operations Command.
The advanced MRZR-X multi-mode, connected vehicle platform was unveiled at the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International defense conference in National Harbor, Md
The Marine Corps has purchased about 150 Polaris MRZR D4 light mobility vehicles for infantry units on the back of a Special Operations Command contract for the vehicles. They are popular with forces that often deploy at long ranges because they can be carried by a V-22 Osprey or a larger aircraft and are highly mobile overland.
“As military forces worldwide look to lighten the warfighter’s load now and smartly network vehicles in the multi-domain battlefield in the coming years, the MRZR X provides an evolving, robotics capable, multi-mission platform,” the company said.
The vehicle is being marketed to the 30 countries and U.S. military services that already operate manned MRZR platforms, with which it shares common parts and operation systems. The MRZR-X integrates autonomy systems and optimally places sensors to safeguard the technology, while also keeping the physical and software architecture open so customers can rapidly integrate emerging technologies that are applicable to the vehicle’s missions.
“The MRZR is the preferred platform among infantry units and Special Forces worldwide, which helps make its integration and the transition from manned to unmanned systems easier for the warfighter,” John Olson, vice president and general manager of Polaris Government and Defense, said. “The MRZR X maintains the MRZR mission profile and payload our customers are accustomed to, plus it has additional robotic and networked capabilities to further support warfighters.”
The MRZR X is a modular support platform with various modes of operation, including traditional operator driving and multiple levels of autonomy. It can be controlled remotely, commanded to follow a particular soldier or other vehicles or operate completely autonomously.
This allows the MRZR X to enhance and evolve mobility in varying roles, such as robotic equipment mule, autonomous resupply, warfighter-driven squad carrier, logistics support vehicle and perform rescue missions and high-speed casualty evacuation.
“In the future, the connectivity of the MRZR X will provide the ability to act as a networked node in the multi-domain battlespace,” the company said, meaning it can carry a beyond-line-of-sight communications antenna to relay dismounted radio traffic back to satellite-connected vehicles or command posts.
ARA has been producing Modular Robotic Applique Kits (M-RAKs) for more than 20 years, with a specialty in off-road robotics, further enhanced by the acquisition of Neya Systems.