Off-Road Vehicle Evolving with Mission Requirements
The DAGOR A1 off-road vehicle from Polaris Government and Defense is evolving with mission requirements, according to the company, and is offering improved performance, better mobility and enhanced operator functionality for customers that already include US and Canadian special forces as well as several European armed forces.
“DAGOR A1 is our answer to operators that are asking for more payload and mobility, with an increase of more than 20% in total carrying capacity. The DAGOR A1 is ideally suited to provide enhanced tactical mobility as well as command and control for infantry forces at the squad, company level and higher,” commented the company’s senior director, Mark McCormick.
The vehicle’s modular nature lends itself easily to mission-specific configuration, whether as a Squad Carrier, a variant using the Personnel Recovery Kit, or as Canada’s Ultra-Light Combat Vehicle (ULCV). New components enabling this flexibility include newly designed fuel or water can holders that can be placed in several locations quickly and easily, with newly offered cargo box aircraft rails, RF antenna mounts and a 500lb/227kg-capacity tailgate that is aircraft rail compatible. Polaris is under contract to provide CANSOFCOM with the DAGOR A1 with a specialty ULCV package. DAGOR ULCV delivery began in 2017 and will be completed this year.
DAGOR A1 provides exceptional off-road mobility, payload and transportability, carrying up to nine fully equipped troops for a total payload of up to 4,000lbs/1,814kg; even at this weight, the vehicle offers an increased ride height and provides better obstacle clearance and improved off-road mobility. It maintains air-drop, sling-load and internal tactical air transportability on CH47 and CH53 helicopters and has successfully completed hot weather trials in the Gulf Region.
The DAGOR A1 also incorporates durability and improved operator functionality. An in-dash power management screen provides in-cab access to vehicle component condition, such as battery state of charge, to aid in communications and silent watch. Expanded lighting options and integrated wiring expand on the utility of the open-concept vehicle.
DAGOR uses a readily available COTS driveline, controls and components, such as a diesel/JP8 COTS engine selected for its ideal combination of power, weight and size, streamlining mechanic and operator training. The unique design allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment in support of combat operations. The open design of the cargo bed maximises loading space, flexibility and access for mission-essential equipment.
“Polaris is centered around delivering constant innovation to our customers as the competitive commercial market demands. Our military customers worldwide benefit from our innovative DNA and perfected large-scale processes to field the latest technology, because it allows us to constantly deliver the very latest in mobility to the warfighter,” observed McCormick.
