Check out the STIDD 2016 catalog. It details all the latest performance enhancements that STIDD proposes for its Diver Propulsion Device which was on display at SOFIC:
The STIDD DPD is the most widely used military-grade underwater mobility platform in the world (over 450 DPDs in operation globally).
Although the new X Tweel Utility Terrain Vehicle airless radial tire and wheel assembly will be offered initially to military customers, they tell me it will be offered for commercial sales by next year.
The X Tweel is a single unit, replacing current tire/wheel/valve assemblies. It performs like a pnuematic tire, except that it doesn’t go flat like a traditional tire. The secret is in the poly-resin spokes which carry the load as well as absorb impacts and reducing bounce. Yet, they aren’t so rigid that they won’t collapse enough to allow the tread to fully grip the surface below the tire.
MINNEAPOLIS (May 18, 2016) — Polaris Defense, a division of Polaris Industries Inc., today announced the addition of a high-performance MRZR turbo diesel (MRZR-D) to its MRZR off-road vehicle lineup. MRZRs have redefined ultralight, off-road mobility for military vehicles and are mission critical for expeditionary forces in the U.S. and more than 20 allied countries to meet mission demands and threats while forward deployed. Polaris Defense will publicly debut the MRZR-D at the 2016 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC), in Tampa, Fla., May 24-26, and at CANSEC 2016, in Ottawa, Ontario, May 25-26.
To be as expeditionary as the warfighters that use them, MRZR vehicles are V-22 helicopter transportable and can be configured a number of ways, including two-, four- and six-person. The turbo-charged diesel engine in the new MRZR-D has been engineered to meet the performance and physical specs of the original MRZR vehicles. While many key features – like the dimensions, payload, towing, ground clearance, accessories, handling and other features – remain the same, Polaris incorporated feedback from the field in the new product, including updated occupant seating space, ergonomics and sightlines. The MRZR-D also provides increased auxiliary power and greater range, making it even more effective.
“The new turbo diesel powertrain is significant in reducing the logistics burden for select U.S. services and many foreign militaries that have strict requirements for diesel fuel,” said Jed Leonard, senior manager, Polaris Defense. “And as importantly for our military customers, we’ve engineered this diesel powertrain to meet the same mission requirements and extreme off-road performance that Polaris and the MRZR are trusted for in peacetime, security operations, and conventional military missions.”
“Throughout the last three years, we’ve had an open dialogue with Polaris about how we were using the MRZRs, and enhancements that would help us complete our missions more effectively. This has been very beneficial to us in the program office and the warfighters as Polaris has incorporated our requests. In the case of the MRZR-D, we suggested changes to improve sightlines and ergonomics which were incorporated.” said Brendon Reedy, LTATV acquisition program manager, PEO-SW/FOSOV, USSOCOM. “It’s nice to see commercial companies such as Polaris continue to invest in the Defense industry and we’re happy those investments have resulted in a turbo-diesel MRZR.”
Production continues for the original gas powertrain MRZR 2 and MRZR 4 under the LTATV program for USSOCOM and other international contracts. Orders for the 4-seat turbo-charged MRZR-D are being accepted now, with production and deliveries also starting this year. The MRZR-D will be in Polaris Defense booth #1735 at SOFIC in Tampa and booth #331 at CANSEC in Ottawa.
Polaris Defense vehicles deliver a coveted combination of deployability, versatility and off-road mobility, forged from more than 60 years of off-road vehicle experience that is simply unmatched. From the rugged Sportsman MV 850 to the modular and nimble MRZR, to the trophy truck inspired and ultimate off-road payload capable DAGOR, the enhanced tactical mobility provided by Polaris vehicles gives an advantage back to dismounted troops, allowing formations to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue. And because the vehicles are in service throughout the world, there is a high degree of interoperability and commonality among U.S. and allied forces. An established network of more than 1,400 Polaris dealers and distributors provide military vehicle training, service and support worldwide.
I’ve been a big fan of the Polaris Ace ever since it came out a few years ago. It’s a whole new take on the traditional 4-wheel ATV. With the Ace, the driver sits in a seat with harness and is enclosed in a roll cage. This version also has factory installed doors. Additionally, the Ace offers a steering wheel, with electronic power steering. This is the Ace 570 SP which boasts a 567 cc 4-stroke DOHC single cylinder engine as well as an automatic transmission.
Here’s a close up of the Polaris Pursuit Camo pattern.
www.polaris.com/en-us/ace-atv/ace-570-sp-polaris-pursuit-camo
There are loads of mobility platforms at the Great American Outdoor Show from a wide variety of manufacturers. There’s everything from boats to motorcycles to tracked ATVs. I even picked up a fat tire bike.
Granted, I was drawn to this Kawasaki KLR 650 by its paint job, but it is a great bike. This Enduro-style bike boasts a 651cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine, Long-travel 41mm telescopic fork, Adjustable Uni-Trak® rear suspension, 6.1-gallon fuel tank for long-range adventure touring, Large windscreen helps reduce wind buffeting and Sturdy rear cargo rack.
www.kawasaki.com/Products/2016-KLR650-Camo
I remember first seeing Lundhags Ski March boots in the 80s-era Survival Aids catalogs from the UK. Lessons from the Falkland campaign were still fresh in their minds and keeping feet dry in cold-wet conditions was a particular onsession considering the unsuitability of issue footwear.
Lundhags still offers the same style of boot, slightly updated over the years. There are versions for 75mm bindings as well as for 87-91mm. In either case, they feature a Goodwell Ski Sole, Rubber Lowers incorporating EVA construction and TPU Plastic Toe Cap as well as Laced Leather Uppers with removable 5mm Wool Felt Linings. The last is designed so as to accommodate an additional layer of socks.
For those of you who are looking for similar construction without the touring ski compatibility, check out Lundhags’ Professional series.
www.lundhags.se/product-2/16318/husky_ski
Milipol is host to numerous vehicle system but they are generally armored security vehicles. However, Air K Marine’s Hoverfly 580 hovercraft is something entirely different.
At over 20 feet long 10 feet wide it boasts a crew of one and up to five passengers. The Hoverfly 580 will do 54 knots on smooth ice, 30 knots on smooth water and 20 knots on smooth land.
