Warfighting in the Snow Gets Real With These New Military Snowmobiles

Polaris has been making vehicles for civilian use in snow-covered environments for decades now, and that means they're quite good at it. All that expertise, it seems, was applied to the two new snowmobiles that join the existing range of tactical vehicles and ATVs, many of them already in use in the service of some 60 countries around the world.

The two military snowmobiles announced by Polaris last week are the Military 650 Titan 155 and Military 850 PRO RMK 155. Technically speaking the company does not call them simply snowmobiles, but over-snow reconnaissance vehicles (OSRV).

Both the Titan and the RMK model lines exist in the civilian world, meaning the company did not build the military vehicles from scratch, but used these existing platforms and built upon them.

Both models are powered by two-stroke engines of unspecified capabilities. They spring into life either by means of an electric start (with included keyless ignition) or by manual pull-start when the temperatures outside are extreme.

Compared to their civilian siblings, both the Titan and the RMK add a few extras that are very sought after by military personnel. The first and most obvious is the addition of white body panels that help the two vehicles better blend in with their white surroundings.

When riding at night and planning to do that without being seen by the enemy soldiers can engage the so-called Blackout Mode. That is activated by simply engaging a switch that turns off all the lights.

That means the operator of the snowmobile will be blinded as well, but this is where the infrared lighting comes in to make the terrain visible even in the dark. Polaris did not detail the specifications of the system or how it actually works.

Both military snowmobiles also carry 12V outlets to charge handheld electronics and other devices, a so-called Power Boosting Regulator that provides maximum electrical power at idle and low RPMs, and an added hoop on the handlebar to help with ride angle and control.

There are, of course, differences between the two snowmobiles. The Titan, for instance, is described as "the most capable widetrack in Polaris history," and the numbers you're about to read below make that more than obvious.

This snowmobile is capable of carrying two soldiers and can carry an extra 125 pounds (57 kg) of gear in the cargo area. A hitch is also on deck that could allow for a trailer to be towed behind the vehicle, adding an extra 1,200 pounds (544 kg) of supplies to a mission's needs.

The thing rides on Trailbreaker skis and it can easily climb, in both forward or reverse, on top of the snow. A BackTrak20 rear suspension system and a high-clearance independent front suspension help in that respect, as do the articulating rail that allows the long track to hinge upward and the removable rear snow flap. Proper power distribution is ensured by means of a transmission with high and low gearing.

Should the snowmobile get stuck or encounter some obstacle, a winch is on deck, providing the ability to pull 1,500 pounds (680 kg) of weight. To help with cooling when heavy lifting is performed or when the machine is running, the snowmobile uses a specially designed radiator.

The RMK model on the other hand was made for patrol and reconnaissance in snowy environments. It too comes with an extended track but adds a tapered tunnel that helps it move better in deep snow.

The clutch calibration on this model makes it ideal for use at higher altitudes. Special shocks are installed that can be adjusted to suit various rider and kit sizes and weights.

Both new snowmobiles are already available for order from military organizations, with production and deliveries expected to begin by the end of the year. Pricing for them is not listed, and that's something Polaris will only reveal to those interested in buying them.

For reference, though, I'll tell you the civilian version of the Titan on which the military-spec version is based on is selling for prices that start at $15,999 for the ProStar S4 Adventure 155 (with only one other option, the 650, offered by the manufacturer).

The RMK, on the other hand, starts for use in civilian hands at just $8,199 for the Evo, but there are no less than four options on the table for this model, with prices increasing gradually to $16,199 for the Pro.