Small things can also do big things. That's what Boeing intended when they developed the Phantom Badger Combat Support Vehicle. Initially intended for the USSOCOM for a vehicle that can fit inside the MV-22 the Tilt Rotor Aircraft popular known as the Osprey, that project was awarded to General Dynamics. Still, Boeing is looking for a customer and also announced that the Phantom Badger was certified by the U.S. Navy that it can be put on board the Osprey when needed. So far, there's no indication that the U.S. Marine Corps is interested in procuring the vehicle, being the unit that heavily uses the Osprey.

The Osprey can go to hard-to-reach areas faster, go farther, can bring more equipment and personnel than helicopters (with the exception of the Chinook in load-carrying). However, its design doesn't allow it to carry vehicles larger than an ATV, unlike a Chinook which can carry inside a Humvee. Troops, especially Special Operations troops,  will need a vehicle that they can bring along inside the Osprey and can carry more firepower, equipment, and also do fast MEDIVACs to the LZ.

(Phantom Badger Inside an MV-22 Osprey. Boeing Photo)

The Phantom Badger can bring firepower as it can be fitted with a either a .50 Caliber Machine Gun, a 40MM Grenade Launcher, or even a pair of rear-facing GPMGs.  And when the going gets tough especially when the Landing Zone is too hot, it can be air-dropped to the troops waiting on the ground.

Top Gear reported that Boeing called in Motor Sports Innovations, a company which does NASCAR engineering, to develop the hard-wearing suspension system and four-wheel steering which allows it to do tighter turns. And being an all-wheel drive, it can handle tough terrain and climb at 60-degree inclines. It's not amphibious though.

(Phantom Badger speed test. Boeing Photo)

With a top speed of 80mph, the Phantom Badger has a maximum range of 450 miles, and a maximum payload of 3,000 pounds. It's small, but tough workhorse that may be able to meet the speed and load carrying needs of small special operations teams.

According to Popular Science, Boeing announced that an undisclosed DOD customer has expressed interest in the vehicle and it's not the USMC though even it uses the Osprey. The other group that uses the Osprey is the US Air Force Special Operations as they have an Osprey designed for special operations designated as the CV-22.