This is posted at US Army's Flickr page.


Can someone give me more info about this vehicle? What is it? Any links to photo sources would be great, too. It looks pretty interesting and simple, and I may try scratch-building one. Any 1/35 kits out there that can serve as a base or anyone attempted to scratch-build one?

Looks like a Polaris Ranger RZR S UTV. Here's the militarized variant (a.k.a. RZR SW) :



Here's a dedicated forum :
http://www.rzrforums.net/

HTH

Frenchy

I would guess that this is a test of a possible vehicle for either SOCOM's Lightweight Tactical All Terrain Vehicle (LTATV) or Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programs. The helicopter looks like it might be a 160th SOAR MH-47 of some stripe.

Its probably for the LTATV, since the SOCOM website suggests that it is a side-by-side seat configuration replacement for existing ATVs. However, the LMV requirements are similar to the Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV), so it could also fit that description.

These programs are supposed to compliment SOCOM's GMVs and MRAPs.

Joe is on the right track. That pic just popped up on the AKO frontpage with the following caption:

"Soldiers with Special Operations Task Force - South prepare to load an all-terrain vehicle on to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in preparation for a rapid offload during operations Oct. 1 in the Maruf District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Photo by Spc. Jesse LaMorte, Special Operations Task Force - South (Photo by U.S. Army)"

A quick recognition feature of MH-47s is the "Sniper Seat" at the rear.

I don't know if the military version is de-tuned, but I drove the civilian version of one of these Razors and they are an awesome machine. 800cc engine, all wheel drive, and acceleration that rattled me (and I drive a Hemi interceptor every day)
Not much room though... are they intended as a two man scout? I found the drivers seat (and cage) to be a tight fit. I don't know if two soldiers, two M4s and two packs could all be squezed onto one.

It's DOD's attempt to improve on the clown car.

More pics of the RZR SW :
http://www.utvguide.net/polaris_rzr_sw.htm

Frenchy

Good info, guys. Especailly, Frenchy, you never fails to amaze me with your research skills!