Light vehicle to tackle rough terrain, where larger vehicles like the M1165A1 ECV Humvee or MRAPs like the M1245A1 M-ATV would be deemed impractical. Faster, lighter and easier to deploy and conceal. The only drawback is the limited range and lack of armored protection, but with Special Forces teams, there are sacrifices that are made in order to gain speed and agility on the battlefield. the MRZRs are easily deployable via MV-22 tiltrotor aircraft into a forward area, which is vital for SF teams to operate far forward of conventional units.
3 Likes
The V-22’s interior presented unique challenges in that it was mainly designed for cargo and passengers, not vehicles. It is deemed too narrow for most vehicles.
The CH-53/MH-53 cannot fit a standard non-armored HMMWV inside as it is too narrow. The new USMC CH-53K can fit a HMMWV inside as it’s a bit wider. USSOCOM’s AFSOC no longer uses the MH-53 “Pave Lows” as these have been retired.
Thus started all sorts of vehicles to fit inside the V-22, such as the M1161 “Growler” and the Flyer 60. The problem with these very narrow (and sometimes very expensive) custom vehicles is that they might have a tendency to tip over as they’re pretty tall (I think the Flyer 60 (inches wide) is safe…doesn’t tip over…but I haven’t read or heard many soldiers use the Flyer 60; they use the Flyer 72 (inches wide)).
Enter ATVs, motorcycles, and dune buggies. Most of the dune buggies (such as the SEAL Desert Patrol Vehicle) lacks a radiator so they overheat in hot desert climates. And most ATVs and motorcycles seat one or two at best.
The MRZR is a militarized RZR ATV and you can see the radiator fan in the model kit through the front grill. It can seat four and still fit inside the V-22. A two-seat MRZR with trailer can fit inside a V-22.
The MRZR serves as logistics vehicle, weapons carrier, cargo carrier, recon, troop carrier, liaison, and transport to a whole host of equipment and weapons, including unmanned systems and anti-drone lasers. I haven’t heard or read of any tipping over. MRZRs cannot be purchased by civilians unless demilitarized.
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Gov Planet has several available for auction (in the US ONLY), most coming out of the USMC.
Surplus Polaris MRZR-D4 Side By Side in Albany, Georgia, United States (GovPlanet Item #10108976)
As you can see, the vehicle is devoid of all weapon mounts and the rollcage is welded, so it cannot be removed.
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Cajun, vehicles like this are fairly limited in their utility. They are good for very light and fast SOF missions; but, if the enemy has artillery, you need Bradleys and Abrams.
4 Likes