The 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 ]