MRZR D4 Ultralight Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle

Magic Factory, 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Summary

Introduction

MRZR-D4 is a new off-road vehicle developed by Polaris Defense, a division of Polaris Industries. It is a high-performance, turbo-charged diesel variant of the MRZR 4 vehicle.

The vehicle was unveiled for the first time at the 2016 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in May 2016. It was also on display at Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CANSEC) 2016 annual show.

The Canadian government placed a contract with Polaris to deliver 36 MRZR-D utility task vehicles and 12 tactical trailers for the Canadian Army in August 2016. The Canadian MRZR-D vehicles will be equipped with infrared (IR) lighting, a 2,041kg winch, and other standard and tactical features used by the US and other allied troops.

Design and Features

The MRZR-D retains the physical specifications of the original MRZR 4 vehicle, but offers high auxiliary power and range, making it more efficient than its predecessor. The vehicle integrates a roll cage, which can be collapsed without the need for any tools.

The off-road vehicle has a length of 3.55m, width of 1.51m and a height of 1.87m. The height can be reduced to 1.52m when the roll cage is collapsed. The curb weight of the vehicle is 952.5kg.

Cargo Capacities

The rear modular cargo bed of MRZR-D measures 0.82m-long, 1.24m-wide and 0.51m-high. It supports the integration of up to two rearward-facing seats or longitudinally placed litters, or one of each to support the mission requirements of the customers.

The MRZR-D4 has the capacity to carry a payload of 680kg, whereas the rear cargo box can accommodate 226.8kg of cargo. It can be attached to a tactical trailer with removable sides and foldable back gate to provide maximum storage flexibility. The trailer offers an additional payload capacity of 454kg.

The outside rails of the cargo bed can be installed with modular holders to carry a jerry can or a spare tyre. The holders are secured to the anti-rattle brackets, which minimise vibrations and allow the holders to be mounted and removed without tools in a few seconds.
MRZR-D4 engine

The MRZR-D4 is powered by a four-stroke SOHC three-cylinder turbo diesel engine coupled to an automatic, continuously variable transmission. The engine develops a maximum power output of 993cc.

Vehicle Mobility

The off-road vehicle is equipped with a responsive power steering reducing crew fatigue. The front suspension is of independent dual A-arm, while rear suspension is of independent trailing arm travel-type.

The MRZR-D4 integrates all-wheel drive (AWD) / two-wheel drive system (2WD). The AWD offers high mobility during operations on terrains with mud and loose sand. The on-demand system responds quickly to automatically engage and send power to all four wheels when more forward traction is required. It can be reverted to 2WD when operating on even surfaces.

The vehicle is also equipped with hydraulic disc brakes with dual-bore front and single-bore rear callipers.

The collapsible roll cage enables internal air transportation of MRZR-D4 in the V-22 Osprey, H-53 and H-47 rotorcraft.*

F i r s t L o o k

Magic Factory’s 1:35 scale MRZR D4 comprises 629 parts in dark yellow coloured plastic, ten parts in clear plastic, two photo-etched frets of around 60 photo-etched parts, ten metal springs, 12 soft vinyl tyres, four die-cut self-adhesive reflective foil and a decal sheet.

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Two complete kits may be built from the box. Three distinct variant choices are offered:

• Armed Version (with optional trailer)

• Anti-Drone Version

• Common Version

You should make your decision about which versions you plan to build before commencing construction.

The Anti-Drone version is quite expotic. It includes four MHR units, radar and mount, a power pack on a rear shelf, laptop and more.

You’ll need to use alternative parts or different positions for your choice of configuration. The instructions clearly point out what is required for each options. Familiarise yourself with the instructions before you start.

The quality of the plastic is very good – smooth in texture and boasting fine detail.

More than 600 plastic parts sounds daunting for such a small vehicle but remember this is two complete models and there are many optional parts so the total per vehicle should be quite manageable.

In reality, assembly looks pretty straightforward.

Full engine, gearbox and running gear detail is included, as it really has to be on this highly exposed design. Detail is good but the kit does not rely on tiny individual parts to achieve it.

Photo-etched parts are supplied for seat belts, the front grille, small details and parts that demand in-scale thickness.

The suspension is workable thanks to ten metal springs.

Tyres are soft black-coloured vinyl. They feel like rubber but they look fine with no obvious seams. Some don't like vinyl tyres (present company included), but I am certain that the after market will be quick to offer us resin alternatives.

The inclusion of four die-cut self-adhesive reflective foil mirror lenses is a nice touch.

A small clear sprue provides various lenses.

The small decal sheet supplies stencils, reflective strips, driver's displays, different laptop screen displays and more.

A selection of infantry weapons is also included for the vehicle or the trailer.

C o n c l u s i o n

Magic Factory’s 1:35 scale MRZR D4 Ultralight Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle is a high quality kit of an interesting and as yet neglected subject.

The inclusion of photo-etched parts as well as the variety of versions make this a unique package.

I am impressed with this package.

I look forward to seeing what Magic Factory has in store for us next!

* Background from Army Technology website

Thanks to Magic Factory for the sample https://www.magicfactory.ltd/#/home