Days back, we reported about the flat-proof Non-Pneumatic Tyres (NPT) entering the production bay. But to its latest development, we found out that Polaris is about to launch a new military-grade all-terrain vehicle (ATV) which will be featuring the ‘Terrain Armor Non-Pneumatic Tires (NPT)’ as standard. Dubbed as Sportsman WV850 H.O. it will be rolled to consumers with Terrain Armor by December 2013, and would be sold in ‘limited numbers’.
“In early, 2013, Polaris announced we’d launch the NPT technology on an off-road vehicle built for consumers,” said David Longren, vice president of Polaris’ Off-Road Division. “We have seen great success with NPTs in military and disaster relief scenarios and are excited to bring this technology to the consumer market for extreme work applications.”
Briefing a bit about NPT, it is based on the ideology which carries load in tension across the top of wheel, while bottom of the wheel is carved to perform on obstacles like rocks, curbs and other such terrains. Initially, it was built by Michelin in 2005, but then later on it was leaked out for general audience.
Getting back to the upcoming Polaris ATV, the Sportsman WV850 H.O., we learnt that America based off-roader maker will complement it with the following enhancements:
-A military-grade fully automatic single-speed transmission including forward and reverse gears
-An upgraded shock package that offers superior handling under heavy load or while traversing rugged landscape
-An increased cooling capacity for long days and high temperatures
-Steel racks capable of carrying 600 lbs/272 kgs of cargo
-A 2 in/5.1 cm receiver hitch that can tow 1,500lbs/680kgs
-A standard 3,500 lb winch for confidence in extreme settings
-An unmatched 11.75 gal/44.48 liter fuel capacity to work longer between fills
-Wider foot wells to accommodate larger work footwear
-Standard Electronic Power Steering (EPS) to reduce fatigue and terrain feedback
Looking at the videos we can say that, the Polaris has really taken up the competition strikingly, and is expected to crush all of the rests without falling “Flat”.
