The first batch of the ultralight Polaris MRZR-D All Terrain Vehicles s are set to be delivered to Marine infantry units this month. Last year, the U.S. Marines ordered 144 Polaris MRZR-D ATVs last year to the tune of US$2.5 million with the aim of improving readiness through rapid logistics support in the field in a report by Mathuel Browne, Marine Corps Systems Command at the Marines.mil website.

The fast ATV can carry up to four Marines or carry 1,500lbs of supplies and each Marine infantry regiment will be equipped with 18 units of these vehicles. Already in use by some special operations units, this ATV can fit inside the Marine V-22 Osprey and CH-53E helicopters for easier and faster deployment. This version of the MRZR-D, while it is diesel powered, can also run on JP-8 fuel.

Jessica Turner, team lead for Internally Transportable Vehicles/Utility Task Vehicles at Program Executive Officer Land Systems (PEO LS), “The Marine’s pack is getting heavier, and they are carrying more gear than ever down range. Infantry Marines were looking for a capability that would lessen the load while increasing the area of operation, and the UTV is that solution.” The PEO LS is the U.S. Marine Corps’ acquisition arm for major land programs and they joined the Marines Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) to deliver the capability with a shorter time frame.

The MARSOC partnered with Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory to evaluate the vehicle if it meets the need of Marine infantry. Marines who will be authorized to drive the vehicles will need to complete operator training and off-road vehicle safety procedures.

According to the Marines website, the Polaris MRZR-D ATV shipment will be going to I and II Marine Expeditionary Force in February, and III MEF in March and April.

Top Photo: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Private 1st Class Rhita Daniel