UTVs in the Military

The military has seen how versatile UTVs are and they are putting them to use. From highly-mobile, CV-22 transportable, multi-configurable off-road platforms used by SOCOM, to base vehicles used to carry and tow large loads, UTVs are filling a vital role.

The UTV platforms are a modular design to meet the demanding needs of U.S. and international special operations, expeditionary and light infantry forces. Many of these vehicles are deployed and in use around the globe, in all of the U.S. military branches and special operations forces along with several allied militaries and special operations forces.

Lightweight Tactical All Terrain Vehicles (LTATVs) are small, side-by-side vehicles in use by American Special Operations Forces, including those operating in Afghanistan. LTATVs provides SOF teams with a highly maneuverable and mobile form of transportation that is also low profile.The military grade side-by-side ATVs are deployed by U.S. Special Operations Forces on quick response and low profile missions where heavier equipment would just get in the way. These  ultra-light tactical vehicles come in two-seat or four seat versions. They are fast on their feet and favor agility over armor.

Lightweight Tactical All Terrain Vehicles are deployed by U.S. Special Operations Forces on quick response and low profile missions where heavier equipment would just get in the way. The vehicles can also be transported on a variety of small aircraft, including the CH47 Chinook helicopter or the V-22 Osprey.

When it comes to Special Operations Forces on quick response and low profile missions, the military has looked at several key features for LTATV vehicles including:

1. Internally transportable by military aircraft (CV-22 & MH-47)
2. Payload of 1,100 pounds (4×4 variant) and 1,200pounds (6×6 variant)
3. Operating Range of 150 miles
4. Equipped with standard automotive controls to include a steering wheel
5. Equipped with roll over protection
6. Equipped with industry standard ( 4- or 5- point ) seat belts
7. Equipped with run flat tires that are capable of moving the vehicle, after tire penetration, for 15 miles at 30 miles per hour

Loading a RP Advanced Strike C into a CH47 Chinook

John Deere R-Gator

John Deere M-Gator A1

John Deere M-Gator A3

Polaris RZR SW

Polaris MVRS 800

Polaris MRZR 2

Polaris  MRZR 4

USSOCOM Awards Polaris Contracts to Supply All Terrain Vehicles

U.S. Special Forces Choose Kawasaki Teryx

RP Advanced Mobile Systems Launches New C2 Strike Mobility LTATV

Army’s CoCreate proof-of-concept community to design
Mobile Command Post using Kawasaki Teryx

Reinventing the Wheel: Non-Pneumatic Tires

Polaris Defense Announces Five-Year Award for All-Terrain Ultra-Light Utility Vehicles

National Guard Selects 2010 Polaris RANGER 800 Crew

UTV in the Military

Senior Airman Mark Malkowski, United States Air Force
Location: Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
UTV: Yamaha Rhino

First Lieutenant Chris Lucas, United States Army – 101st Airborne Division
Location: Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
UTV: Yamaha Rhino

United States Army – 101st Airborne Division
Aviation maintenance support team
Location: Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
UTV: John Deere Gator

United States Army – 101st Airborne Division
Location: Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
UTV: Polaris Ranger

SPC. Kevin Knight, U.S. Army 172nd. INF. Brigade
TF 1-2 INF. Recovery Welding Shop
Location: FOB. Echo, Iraq
UTV: ’08 Ranger 6×6 Custom made Crew

U.S. Army, 172nd Infantry Brigade
Location: Fob Echo, Iraq
Used by our medical platoon

U.S. Army, 172nd Infantry Brigade
Location: Fob Echo, Iraq
Used by Abrams tank mechanics

Send us your pictures!

If you are in the military and use a side by side vehicle that you would like to share, please contact us atjon@utvguide.net.

If you have any photos of  modified UTVs, we’d really like to see them!

Be sure to let us know where the UTV is used.  Give us names and your branch & unit.

And feel free to show us any modifications that have been made or anything special about how your UTV is used.