The U.S. Military is looking to develop a new motorcycle with stealth capabilities that will let its soldiers travel quickly and quietly in different environments.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently offered a small business innovation research grant to create a hybrid motorcycle that can work almost silently in electric mode, according to Fox News.
Soldiers need speed and stealth for missions, and current motorcycles are not the best vehicles to be used in these situations because of the loud noises they make.
The bike will be built by San Francisco-based BRD Motorcycles, which specializes in all electric-motorcycles, AL reported. Its engine will be built by Virginia-based Logos Technologies.
"Quieted, all-wheel-drive capability at extended range in a lightweight, rugged, single-track vehicle could support the successful operations of U.S. expeditionary and special forces in extreme terrain conditions and contested environments," said Wade Pulliam, manager of advanced concepts at Logos Technologies. "With a growing need to operate small units far from logistical support, the military may increasingly rely on adaptable, efficient technologies like this hybrid-electric motorcycle."
Two-wheel drive vehicles will help soldiers travel through soft soil and narrow, steep trails, since these bikes can travel long distances on rough terrain more easily, Fox News reported. Because the hybrid is a portable electric power source, the soldiers won't have to move with heavy batteries.
Besides special operations, the bike can be used for other purposes such as convoy control, scouting and military policing.
Logos said the new bike will be the first motorcycle to have a hybrid drive system, AL reported.
DARPA wants the new motorcycle to only run on electricity for short periods of time and to run on JP-8 or diesel fuel when that source is not available, Fox News reported. The hybrid will also have 10 percent better fuel consumption than the military's current motorcycles.
Logos and BRD will make sure the bike will have key features such as hybrid propulsion, motor, engine and power control. Once the bike is completed, the military looks to replace their current bikes with the hybrid.
