thedrifter
10-15-03, 06:06 AM
Taking off-roading to the extreme, combat troops may be putting four on the floor
Submitted by: MCB Camp Lejeune
Story Identification Number: 200310994254
Story by Cpl. Ryan S. Scranton
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.(Oct. 9, 2003) -- Motorcycle Marines may be turning in their two-wheelers for four, with the arrival of all-terrain-vehicles now here for testing.
Second Reconnaissance Battalion's need for a new, lightweight, highly-mobile reconnaissance and surveillance vehicle may make the Polaris Sportsman Military Variant all-terrain-vehicle standard issue.
This vehicle weighs in at approximately 950 pounds and is equipped with a roll bar, dual wenches and can reach speeds up to 45 mph. With a payload capacity of approximately 600 pounds, 200 pounds on the modified front rack and 400 pounds on the rear rack, eight of these ATVs will be put to the test and compared to the currently used motorcycle.
The military's M-1030B1 Kawasaki KLR 650 motorcycle has been in use for decades for courier and messenger operations and, in more recent years, reconnaissance operations, but does not offer a platform stable enough to transport large amounts of equipment according to Staff Sgt. James V. Farrington, maintenance chief, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, and one of approximately 20 certified Marine ATV instructors.
"Reconnaissance Marines often carry over 100 pounds of equipment ranging from surveillance and communications gear, to weapons and ammunition," said Capt. Miguele F. Eaton, the battalion's assistant operations officer. "The four-wheeled ATV provides better stability than the motorcycle's two wheels. The battalion hopes to utilize the vehicles to increase our mobile reconnaissance capabilities."
The ATVs also provide the ability to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance missions on narrow trails, and other terrain where traditional tactical vehicles such as humvees cannot operate. This was a problem faced by some Marines and special operations units in Afghanistan who turned to horses and mules to carry their combat equipment, according to Eaton. The ATV may offer a solution to the logistical requirements of traveling on the four-legged animals as well. Water, grain and other supplies are needed to sustain the animals, where as vehicles only need fuel.
With a wheel base of 50.75 inches and a length of 94 inches, the Sportsman also provides the military a vehicle with a relatively small footprint which makes potential transportation in helicopters easier, where cargo room may become an issue when moving troops and their equipment. Eaton said even though they haven't tested the ATVs on helicopters yet, it's safe to say they could fit more troops and ATVs in the back of a CH-46E helicopter than they could troops and humvees.
The battalion has been tasked by the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Quantico, Va., to test the vehicles and create a set of tactics, techniques and procedures for using the four-wheeled vehicles, according to Eaton.
Although the Marine Corps has no contract with Polaris, the vehicle's beefed up MacPherson strut front suspension, 1,225 pound towing capacity and tires that can be ridden flat are some features that may secure this vehicle a permanent slot in the Marine Corps equipment arsenal. The vehicle also features a tank map bag, two fender saddlebags, an M-4 gun mount and a litter bracket for casualty evacuation.
Testing of the vehicle is in its infancy and only preliminary trials have been conducted.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200310994642/$file/All-Terrain-Vehicle1-lowres.jpg
The Polaris Sportsman Military Variant all-terrain-vehicle may be the highly-mobile reconnaissance and surveillance substitute 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion is looking for. The battalion recently received eight of theses vehicles.
Photo by: Cpl. Ryan S. Scranton
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/C7260694B96E32E385256DBA004B56E3?opendocument
Sempers,
Roger
:marine:
Submitted by: MCB Camp Lejeune
Story Identification Number: 200310994254
Story by Cpl. Ryan S. Scranton
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.(Oct. 9, 2003) -- Motorcycle Marines may be turning in their two-wheelers for four, with the arrival of all-terrain-vehicles now here for testing.
Second Reconnaissance Battalion's need for a new, lightweight, highly-mobile reconnaissance and surveillance vehicle may make the Polaris Sportsman Military Variant all-terrain-vehicle standard issue.
This vehicle weighs in at approximately 950 pounds and is equipped with a roll bar, dual wenches and can reach speeds up to 45 mph. With a payload capacity of approximately 600 pounds, 200 pounds on the modified front rack and 400 pounds on the rear rack, eight of these ATVs will be put to the test and compared to the currently used motorcycle.
The military's M-1030B1 Kawasaki KLR 650 motorcycle has been in use for decades for courier and messenger operations and, in more recent years, reconnaissance operations, but does not offer a platform stable enough to transport large amounts of equipment according to Staff Sgt. James V. Farrington, maintenance chief, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, and one of approximately 20 certified Marine ATV instructors.
"Reconnaissance Marines often carry over 100 pounds of equipment ranging from surveillance and communications gear, to weapons and ammunition," said Capt. Miguele F. Eaton, the battalion's assistant operations officer. "The four-wheeled ATV provides better stability than the motorcycle's two wheels. The battalion hopes to utilize the vehicles to increase our mobile reconnaissance capabilities."
The ATVs also provide the ability to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance missions on narrow trails, and other terrain where traditional tactical vehicles such as humvees cannot operate. This was a problem faced by some Marines and special operations units in Afghanistan who turned to horses and mules to carry their combat equipment, according to Eaton. The ATV may offer a solution to the logistical requirements of traveling on the four-legged animals as well. Water, grain and other supplies are needed to sustain the animals, where as vehicles only need fuel.
With a wheel base of 50.75 inches and a length of 94 inches, the Sportsman also provides the military a vehicle with a relatively small footprint which makes potential transportation in helicopters easier, where cargo room may become an issue when moving troops and their equipment. Eaton said even though they haven't tested the ATVs on helicopters yet, it's safe to say they could fit more troops and ATVs in the back of a CH-46E helicopter than they could troops and humvees.
The battalion has been tasked by the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Quantico, Va., to test the vehicles and create a set of tactics, techniques and procedures for using the four-wheeled vehicles, according to Eaton.
Although the Marine Corps has no contract with Polaris, the vehicle's beefed up MacPherson strut front suspension, 1,225 pound towing capacity and tires that can be ridden flat are some features that may secure this vehicle a permanent slot in the Marine Corps equipment arsenal. The vehicle also features a tank map bag, two fender saddlebags, an M-4 gun mount and a litter bracket for casualty evacuation.
Testing of the vehicle is in its infancy and only preliminary trials have been conducted.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200310994642/$file/All-Terrain-Vehicle1-lowres.jpg
The Polaris Sportsman Military Variant all-terrain-vehicle may be the highly-mobile reconnaissance and surveillance substitute 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion is looking for. The battalion recently received eight of theses vehicles.
Photo by: Cpl. Ryan S. Scranton
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/C7260694B96E32E385256DBA004B56E3?opendocument
Sempers,
Roger
:marine: