The DAGOR during testing in challenging terrain.
The DAGOR loaded with troops and their gear.
A rear view of the DAGOR loaded with troops and their gear.
Polaris Industries will be debuting DAGOR, their new ultra light vehicle for defense applications at the 2014 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting, in Washington, D.C. , Oct. 13-15. The vehicle is designed to provide rapid air transportability, payload capabilities and advanced mobility in off-road conditions to meet a wide range of expeditionary missions. DAGOR can carry 3,250 lbs. of payload or nine infrantryman and incorporates off-the-shelf components such as a J98 diesel engine for easier maintenance in combat operations. The open design of the cargo bed maximizes loading space, flexibility and access for mission-essential equipment. The weight and dimensions of the vehicle are designed to increase range and facilitate rapid air transport. The DAGOR has been certified for CH-47 Chinook Internal Air Transport (IAT), air drop, and UH-60 Black Hawk Sling Load. Learn more: Seekingalpha.com
Comment: Growing revenue in military applications has been a strategic goal for Polaris for several years. A sizable portion of their military sales have been for US special forces and those of allied countries. In the past they have sold smaller vehicles whose design has been based in part on existing ATV and UTV technology. The DAGOR represents a significant step up in vehicle size and represents a new vehicle segment. This may portend a movement towards larger vehicles, although Polaris Defense vehicles to date have put an emphasis on mobility and lightweight vehicles. Moving to even larger vehicles than the DAGOR would likely mean a shift to different military applications. Another possibility is the transitioning of the DAGOR or some variation thereof into the civilian market. Some of the potential applications that come to mind are for use in disaster zones, forest fire fighting, logging and off-road work environments such as logging, pipelines or gas/oilfields.