A stealthy motorcycle funded by the Pentagon that could provide special operators with a lightweight and relatively quiet mode of transportation is moving closer to reality, according to the manufacturer.
Logos Technologies — a science and technology company based in Fairfax, Virginia — is working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop the SilentHawk, one of two militarized hybrid off-road motorcycle prototypes.
The prototypes, which are being funded by the agency through small business innovation research grants, can each run on a combination of electric and heavy fuel sources. They have a range of at least 120 miles and can reach a top speed of 80 miles per hour. While in electric mode, the motorcycle runs at about the noise level of a conversation, according to DARPA.
Since unveiling an initial prototype at the 2016 National Defense Industrial Association’s Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa, Florida, Logos has begun work on a new model and additional features ahead of reaching a prototyping contract, said Doug Rombough, vice president of business development. Once finalized, this will be the second Phase 2 proof of concept contract with DARPA for the SilentHawk, he noted.