The U.S. military is investing in near-silent, hybrid dirt bikes for stealth rides across enemy territory.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, recently gave a grant to the Fairfax, Va.-based company Logos Technologies to research a
lightweight part-electric motorcycle that could be used by combat troops traveling over rugged terrain.
Officials with Logos Technologies said the covert bike would combine the company's quieted, hybrid-electric power system with an off-road electric
motorcycle made by the San Francisco-based company BRD.
"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," Wade Pulliam, manager of advanced concepts at Logos
Technologies, said in a statement. "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."
The Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from DARPA is worth $100,000 and will allow Logos Technologies to investigate the
feasibility of its concept, Wired reported.
When DARPA solicited proposals for the new bike design last year, military officials said they wanted the motorcycle to use traditional heavy fuels
to give it a longer range, but to be capable of switching to electric power for short periods. The hybrid bikes eventually could replace the diesel
motorcycles the military uses today, like the M1030M1.
Follow Megan Gannon on Twitter and Google+. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science.durrelllrobert - 5-3-2014 at 11:07 AM
Based on my experience with DARPA and SBIR awards $100k doesn't go far in the R& world but a Phase I SBIR is only to "INVESTIGATE" feasibility. A phase II award will be for a lot more money to cover further research and
(possibly) a prototype but not full scale development.willardguy - 5-3-2014 at 11:12 AM
martin eberhard of Tesla fame, and later VW has his fingers deep in this. just think, if JZ would have been on one of these that old bat wouldn't have
come after him wielding a rolling pin! tripledigitken - 5-3-2014 at 11:39 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by TW
US Military Seeks Quiet Motorcycles
By by Megan Gannon, News Editor3 hours ago
....... Officials with Logos Technologies said the covert bike would combine the company's quieted, hybrid-electric power system with an off-road
electric motorcycle made by the San Francisco-based company BRD....
This BRD seems like a pretty impressive performer..
world but a Phase I SBIR is only to "INVESTIGATE" feasibility. A phase II award will be for a lot more money to cover further research and
(possibly) a prototype but not full scale development.