The U.S. Air Force (USAF) has adopted a groundbreaking firefighting solution: the Ward Mobile Airfield Rescue Kit (Ward MARK-1), built around the Polaris DAGOR light tactical vehicle. Developed through a partnership between Polaris Government & Defense, Ward Apparatus, and ADS, this rugged platform provides air-portable emergency firefighting support in austere, off-road environments.
Design Objectives & Operational Requirements
The USAF required a compact fire truck capable of:
- Operating in extreme temperatures and rough terrain
- Carrying essential firefighting and pilot egress tools
- Being C-130 internally transportable and helicopter sling-loadable
- Delivering quick, agile response in remote or expeditionary airfields.
DAGOR Platform & Its Transformation
Polaris’ DAGOR (Deployable Advanced Ground Off-road)—a light tactical vehicle known for exceptional off-road capability, modularity, and air transportability (internal/external by C-130, CH-47, or sling-load under UH-60)—serves as the foundation. The Ward MARK-1 build repurposes its rugged chassis into a firefighting apparatus while preserving mobility and deployability.
Firefighting Capabilities & Crew Configuration
Key features include:
- 150-gallon water tank (≈568 L) and 95 gpm pump (≈360 L/min)
- High- and low-flow bumper turret, hoses, sump pump for drafting, and large-diameter hose for hydrant connections
- Tools for pilot egress, plus a litter basket for patient transport
- Crew capacity for up to three operators.
Development Timeline & Fielding
The Ward MARK-1 progressed from concept to production within 24 months and is currently being fielded at remote airfields globally to support off-road firefighting and rescue operations.
Expert Commentary & Industrial Collaboration
Scott Beecher, CEO of Ward Apparatus, emphasized the project’s collaborative innovation, noting the honor of contributing to USAF safety through this customized solution. The effort reflects close integration between government requirements and specialized defense-industry manufacturing.
Broader Context: Polaris Military Mobility Lineage
This marks an expansion of Polaris Government & Defense’s range of tactical mobility platforms—including MV850, MRZR D, MRZR Alpha, and DAGOR—already used by 60+ military forces for their off-road mobility and ease of global support and maintenance.
Key Points Summary
- Platform Adaptation: The DAGOR’s air-portable chassis repurposed into a compact, tactical fire-rescue platform.
- Rapid Development: Concept-to-field timing of 24 months demonstrates agile innovation.
- Integrated Rescue Capability: Equipped for both firefighting and pilot/patient recovery.
- Strategic Mobility: Easily deployable to remote airfields, enhancing USAF ground rescue reach.
Defense Systems Analyst
Ward MARK-1 (Polaris DAGOR Firefighting Vehicle)
A rugged, air-transportable firefighting/building patient rescue vehicle based on the Polaris DAGOR, tailored to USAF expeditionary missions.
4.3 / 5
Pros
- Excellent off-road mobility and operational agility
- Excellent off-road mobility and operational agility
- Compact yet capable water suppression system (150 gal capacity, 95 gpm pump)
- Integrated pilot egress tools and patient rescue system (litter basket)
- Rapid development and fielding timeline (24 months)
Cons
- Water capacity limited versus full-size fire trucks—may require frequent refills or supplementary systems
- Small crew capacity (three operators) — may limit continuous operation in sustained missions
