Hybrid electric dirtbike would allow small military teams to move quickly and quietly.
According to technology website Defense Tech (defensetech.org), the US military has issued a grant for the development of a stealth dirtbike to better mobilize smaller personnel units that are far away from logistical support.
The key factor in the proposed dirtbike’s stealth capability is a hybrid-electric engine that would theoretically allow the rider to drive for long periods on rough terrain and escape easy detection because of a lack of engine noise.
Fairfax, Virginia-based Logos Technologies (www.logos-technologies.com), a defense contractor that “delivers innovative technology and program solutions enabling critical mission operations for our government (defense, intelligence community (IC), and civilian agencies) and commercial clients” has been tasked with building the engine—the first hybrid-electric dirt bike engine ever built, according to the company. Logos Technologies has released the following press release to discuss the project:
Logos Technologies Receives DARPA Award to Develop Silent-Capable Hybrid-Electric Military Motorcycle
FAIRFAX, Va. – April 10, 2014– Logos Technologies has received a small business innovation research (SBIR) grant from DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to develop a military-use hybrid-electric motorcycle with near-silent capability. When fully matured, the technology will allow small, distributed military teams to move long distances quickly and stealthily across harsh enemy terrain.
Developed in partnership with San Francisco-based all-electric motorcycle producer BRD, the platform will combine Logos Technologies’ quieted, multifuel hybrid-electric power system with a cutting-edge, off-road electric motorcycle platform developed by BRD. This initiative will be the first time that a two-wheel-drive, multifuel hybrid capability has been integrated into a full-size off-road motorcycle.
Photo courtesy of 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,” 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.”
Beyond the efficiency and mobility improvements the design aims to bring, the hybrid-electric approach also allows for extended periods of near-silent, electric-only-propulsion as well as the generation of supplemental electric power for use by personnel in the field.
“Our advanced yet affordable offering will provide operators the near-silent capability and ease of operation, of an all-electric vehicle along with the adaptable power generation and extended range of a multifuel internal combustion engine,” continues Pulliam. “By utilizing our team’s experience developing similar hybrid-powered projects and first-in-class electric motorcycles, the Logos Technologies-BRD partnership seeks to deliver a highly capable low-risk and proven product.”
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