Near silent hybrid electric motorcycle in the works

logosThe military certainly has its fair share of “big boys’ toys”, so to speak, where there are weapons and technology which the world knows nothing about – unless it is by chance or force that such weapons and technological wizardry are revealed. In fact, the advancement of technology in recent years have done a whole lot to change the map of the battlefield – pilotless drones are now used to scout an area ahead of time, as well as to deliver a payload without risking the life of a human being sitting inside a real cockpit, and GPS too, has helped missiles be even more accurate. As for getting around, well, tanks and planes aren’t exactly the quietest rides in town, but how about motorcycles? Logos Technologies has received a small business innovation research (SBIR) grant from DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) in order to work on a military-use hybrid-electric motorcycle that has near-silent capability.

It is hoped by DARPA that this particular technology, when it matures fully, will enable tiny, distributed military teams to move long distances in the shortest time possible, all the while remaining stealth as they make their way across harsh enemy terrain.

Specially developed in partnership with San Francisco-based all-electric motorcycle producer BRD, this particular platform will merge Logos Technologies’ quieted, multifuel hybrid-electric power system alongside a cutting-edge, off-road electric motorcycle platform that has been developed by BRD. This particular initiative is said to be the first time that a two-wheel-drive, multifuel hybrid capability has been integrated into a full-size off-road motorcycle – successfully, to boot.

The hybrid-electric idea also paves the way for extended periods of near-silent, electric-only-propulsion, in addition to the generation of supplemental electric power for use by personnel in the field. No idea on how much such a bike will cost eventually, but if it is going to help win wars, there is no price tag issue left anymore, is there?

Press Release
[ Near silent hybrid electric motorcycle in the works copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

DARPA issues grant for stealth military motorcycles

The latest DARPA grant has gone to Logos Technologies, which will use it to develop an almost completely silent stealth motorcycle for military use. There isn’t much information on the … Continue reading

Hybrid Motorcycles To Serve The Army Soon

Hybrid Motorcycles To Serve The Army SoonThe military is definitely one place where you can work and “play” with the latest “toys” that are in the market – or maybe not even released yet. Most of the time, such tools will be used to make your military unit as efficient as possible, whether it is meant for offense or defense. Logos Technologies recently picked up a DARPA award in order to work on a silent-capable hybrid electric military motorcycle.

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  • Hybrid Motorcycles To Serve The Army Soon original content from Ubergizmo.

    Military Stealth Dirtbike: Your Dirt Racing Dreams Have Never Been This Quiet

    I’ve been driving around a Super Motard motorcycle for the last six months, and let me tell you, it’s extremely loud, so loud that my neighbors have asked me to start it outside the courtyard where it’s usually parked. One friend said that it sounded like my bike had eaten another one for breakfast. While all this racket is a fun part of having a motorcycle, you can imagine how this would be problematic for military motorcycles.

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    Note: Bike Shown Here is an Earlier Design by ZERO Motorcycles

    With that in mind, DARPA has commissioned the development of a stealth motorcycle, which would allow soldiers to ride for long periods of time without emitting much noise. The bike, would use an extended-range hybrid-electric engine, and will be built by BRD and Logos Technologies. In addition to its stealthy operating capabilities, the bike will have all-wheel drive to help tackle difficult terrain.

    Electric and hybrid bikes also make sense for commuters, especially in city traffic. Switching over to electric drive would mean no shifting and reduced noise, and of course lower fuel costs. Also, I’d probably not get any complaints from neighbors either.

    [DefenseTech via The Verge]

    Ducati Multistrada D-Air motorcycle offers a safer ride with airbag jackets

    Safety is one of the prime concerns of a motorcycle and unlike cars where airbags play an important saving factor; bikes typically can’t offer this feature. This was until motorcycle … Continue reading

    Feddz Electric Cargo Scooter Has Storage Space Where the Engine Should Be

    Want a scooter that gives you storage space and an eco-friendly ride? Try the FEDDZ scooter. It was designed and built by Germany’s Emo-Bike and has an interesting design. It uses an electric motor built into the wheel hub, which leaves that hole in motorbike’s frame free to store your stuff.

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    Now you can ride a scooter and bring your groceries home. No need to have a basket on the handlebars anymore. You get 23 liters of storage in all. This scooter comes in two versions with 48-volt lithium-ion batteries. The larger option delivers up to a 68-mile range on a seven hour charge, with a top speed of about 28 mph.

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    You’ll pay for that storage though. Prices start at just under $8,400(USD). For that price just get a decent used car with a trunk.

    [via Gizmag via Gizmodo]

    Dad Builds Kids a Batpod Replica

    One of the coolest things about Batman is all his gadgets. I particularly like the gadgets that he had to play with in the Dark Knight trilogy like the Batpod and Tumbler. Inspired by the Bat’s wonderful toys, a dad made a really cool Batpod for his kids.

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    But unlike the bike in the movies, this Batpod is sized for the man’s 10 and 12-year-old boys to enjoy. The bike uses an Alltrax AXE 4844 controller running a Mars ME0709 electric motor, and the Batpod is powered by a quartet of lead-acid batteries from a car. I think I would worry about those lead-acid batteries in a vehicle that is destined to spend lots of time tossed on its side. The power system has a maximum of 50 volts and the bike can hit speeds of 37mph.

    Check out the videos to see the bike in action along with some kids that aren’t big on safety gear other than a helmet.

    [via Nerd Approved]

    Lito Sora electric motorcycle arrives with integrated touchscreen and GPS

    We’ve seen many electric motorcycles roll out over the years — the Brammo Enertia back in 2007, for example, and the more recent Voxan Wattman — and with every year … Continue reading

    Dead Space Motorcycle Helmet Lets You Hide Your Emotions Like Isaac Clarke

    There’s good news and bad news about this helmet. The good news is that this custom Dead Space inspired motorcycle helmet is all kinds of awesome. The bad news is that you know it will get scratched up as you battle necromorphs in it. But hey, at least you can enjoy it while it lasts.
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    If you have to protect your head, (and it really is a good idea) you might as well do it in style. This helmet comes from Xtreme Kreations and it looks so good you will think you are in-game.

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    You have to love those painted blue light effects and it’s so shiny. So so shiny. Can you imagine this with a matching bike? That, I would pay to see.

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    [via Gamefreaks via Fashionably Geek]

    Psycho human dragged his head on the ground on a motorcycle turn

    Psycho human dragged his head on the ground on a motorcycle turn

    Christ. An awesome lunatic wasn’t happy with just dragging his knee while making a high speed motorcycle turn so he decided to lay his head and drag that on the gravel too. Because, well, there’s nothing cooler (or more out there) than scraping your noggin’ on the street while going well past the reasonable speed limit of a turn. To be honest though, it does look kind of cool.

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