Marines, special ops test MRZR vehicles that add power, payload capacity
By Megan Eckstein
Friday, May 17, 2024
The U.S. military has expressed interest in new ways to power more capabilities on vehicles, including this drone-jamming and -controlling system. (Dalton S. Swanbeck/U.S. Marine Corps)
Polaris has a version of its MRZR Alpha vehicle able to power offboard systems that’s nearing production, as well as a heavy-payload variant undergoing testing with the Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Command, the manufacturer told Defense News.
Program manager John LaFata said developing the ability for MRZR light vehicles to generate electricity to power radars, networks, weapons and the like “has been the Marine Corps’ No. 1 focus with us over the last year.”
To that end, Polaris created two products: a 1-kilowatt exportable power system that can be added onto existing vehicles by installing a kit, and a 5-kilowatt system that can be built into new vehicles on the production line.
Both use a DC-to-DC power converter that connects to the existing MRZR alternator to export 24-volt power. The system communicates with the engine on how much power is needed, and it only revs the engine to a higher speed if the plugged-in weapon or sensor demands more power, according to the company.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2024/05/17/marines-special-ops-test-mrzr-vehicles-that-add-power-payload-capacity/
