Air Warrior Col. John W. Thompson - KMI Media Group

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As the nature of war changes, so too will the assets that soldiers employ to defeat enemies, and that truism is reflected clearly in a move to small, light, fast and maneuverable all terrain vehicles (ATVs). In the 20th century, a frightening new machine of war became the ultimate weapon in World War I: the solidly armored tank could be used to mow down enemy forces and demolish military installations. Decades later, the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank was designed to 28 | SOTECH 8.9 The Prowler features a chromealloy rollover protection system and cargo racks. [Photo courtesy of ATV Corp.] confront Moscow’s immense, uniformed divisions on the plains of Europe, a possibility that receded with the end of the <strong>Col</strong>d War. Now, American special operations forces in the 21st century are engaging a vastly different sort of enemy in terrain that contrasts starkly with areas that might have been wracked by any <strong>Col</strong>d War conflict. Craggy wilderness, steep mountains, a lack of first-rate roads and more are the reality in Afghanistan, and the vehicles that U.S. forces use there By Da v e aH e a r n, soteCH eD i t o r D a v e a@k m i m e D i a g r o u p.C o m also must change to fit the reality of a war against a highly mobile, often unseen and treacherous foe. And ATV makers are supplying this needed new capability. For example, Polaris Defense offers several ATVs ideal for military use, especially by the SOF community to which they are targeted, Justin Burke, regional marketing specialist, explained. The Ranger MDXP is a military diesel platform with a 24 horsepower Yanmar three-cylinder engine. It can run on heavy fuels in its nine-gallon tank, and is www.SOTECH-kmi.com
compatible with JP8 fuel such as might be used on jet aircraft. The MDXP has a steel bed with fold-down sides, ondemand four wheel drive, power steering options that can be useful in rough terrain, a tilt steering wheel to ease entry for larger soldiers driving it, full underbody skid plates and more. And aside from moving rapidly, the vehicle has hydraulic disc brakes for stopping power. The Ranger MDXP can hold three passengers with seat belts for each, and features car-like controls. The vehicle boasts a one-ton (short U.S. ton) towing capacity, plus another 1,000 pounds (halfton) payload that can be carried in the dump box. Overall, it has a 1,500 pound payload capacity. With a full one-foot ground clearance, the Ranger is unlikely to become hung up, even in rough terrain. And when the going gets rough, the suspension has better than nine inches of travel at each wheel. There also is a keyless ignition option. The Ranger MDXP can be used for an array of missions: surveillance and reconnaissance, perimeter security, fire base support, carrying chow or water, forward observer duties and more. Casualty evacuation and an ability to be air dropped add to the value of the vehicle, Burke said. And dual fuel tanks can extend its range to 200 miles. A variant of the diesel vehicle is the Ranger MDC, or Military Diesel Crew, which offers seating for six passengers with seat belts for each, and a 1,750-pound payload capacity, including half a ton in the dump box. Polaris also offers another way to go without gasoline propulsion: an electric vehicle. The EV LSV ultra light vehicle offers a 30 horsepower rated AC electric engine with a 25 mph speed and a 50-mile range for the all-wheel-drive asset. Recharging takes eight hours, using a 110 volt power supply, or a 220 volt supply using an available accessory plug kit. It has high, low and maximum range modes. The all-weather four wheel drive vehicle can be used on bases, for logistics duties and more, Burke noted, and has off-road capabilities. It can carry 500 pounds in the cargo box, with a total 1,000 pound payload capacity. And it can tow 1,250 pounds. Complying with National Highway Transportation Safety Administration guidelines for LSVs, the vehicle comes with rollover protection. It weighs just 1,799 pounds dry weight, offering MacPherson Strut suspension in front with an eight-inch travel, and dual A-arm suspension for rear wheels with a nine-inch travel. The vehicle reinforces one of its strong points—the quiet electric engine— with low noise gears, a benefit when operating near an enemy position. If the vehicle becomes stuck in difficult conditions, it has a winch to pull itself out of trouble. Some may want more power and speed. The MV700 comes with a 40 horsepower gasoline engine, automatic transmission, all wheel drive and a 55 mph speed. It is compatible for NATO litters to carry wounded, and it has run flat tires. There are winches front and rear, a 600-pound rack capacity and a 1,500-pound towing capacity. It also offers blackout drive and an infrared light option. Equipped with dual fuel tanks, it can be dropped by air or transported by sling from an aircraft. In cold weather, it can be equipped with snow tracks. The gasoline powered vehicle has an array of uses, such as forward observation, casualty evacuation, carrying ammunition or water, or aiding air assault. Finally, if your need for speed is even greater, there is the Polaris RZR-SW, with a top speed north of 60 mph. It has on demand four-wheel drive, and a 760 cc gasoline electronic fuel injected engine placed in the rear of the vehicle for a low center of gravity. The power plant is linked to an automatic transmission. With a full-body skid plate, the vehicle has a run-flat tire option. It can ford a stream with water of 30 or more inches deep, 1,000-pound payload (half crew, half cargo), a 1,500-pound towing capacity, a 12.25-inch ground clearance and a one-foot travel in the front and rear suspension systems. It is compatible with the M249/M240 gun mount, and there is a winch on the front end. As far as support, Polaris offers rider training, and maintenance and repair training for drivers and motor pool personnel. Service manuals are available electronically. The demand for ATVs is solid. Polaris Defense just received a $67 million, five-year contract from the Army National Guard to provide Ranger Crew 800 and Ranger 6x6 800 vehicles with side-by-side seating. “The award underscores what our company can do in supplying great products, accessories and support,” said Mark McCormick, managing director of Polaris Defense. ATV Corp. also has a lineup of ATVs that it says the military should consider. ATV President Amos Deacon Jr., said its ATVs are superior. “The first ATV ‘quad’ recreational vehicle with rack and pinion steering (no handlebars) and automotive controls was implemented here,” Deacon said, adding that it was many years before the industry adopted the concept. That vehicle was introduced as an RTV (rugged terrain vehicle), he said. “It was purpose-designed for operation in the most demanding of terrain and environmental extremes,” and was named the Prowler. Today, he said, the company continues to produce competitive offerings, such as the commercial off-the-shelf Prowler line of LTATVs (light tactical all terrain vehicles). “It is a multimission configurable platform for military applications including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, communications, assault or search and rescue,” he said. “We offer both gasoline and heavy fuel (diesel/ JP-8) powered platforms, depending upon user requirements.” And Deacon said the vehicles offer safety features. “Our rollover protection system [ROPS] is unequaled in its class, either in design or materials,” he said. To take an example, he said ATV Corp. uses chrome alloy steel rather than more common types of steel used by competitors, adding that the ATV Corp. system “exceeds all current ROPS certification standards such as SAEJ2194, J1524 and ISO Std 3471.” The company also specifically designs vehicles to meet the purpose the customer intends, he said. “We do not ‘enhance’ someone else’s design—we purpose build,” Deacon said. “This practice is further exemplified by the fact the no surface finishes of the vehicle are painted; all are industrial powder coated to ensure durability and long life.” While ATVs often have been relatively slow vehicles, the company is ready to accommodate those with a need for speed, Deacon explained. While “primarily, we concentrate on mobility and stability in operation,” which he said is unmatched, “with regard to speed, the basic platform www.SOTECH-kmi.com SOTECH 8.9 | 29
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Air Warrior Col. John W. Thompson - KMI Media Group

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