A silent, nimble, two-wheeled killing machine. That's what Pentagon researchers envision, now that they've greenlighted developing a hybrid motorcycle powered by two sources: an engine that burns several types of fuel and a stealthy, super-quiet electric motor. Imagine an elite U.S. fighting force deployed in a mountainous region of Afghanistan, riding motorbikes that are nearly silent. The loudest sound is tires on dirt as they twist and turn down dried river beds and up narrow goat trails. When they launch their assault on a Taliban stronghold, the enemy is taken by surprise. The Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has tapped defense contractor Logos Technologies and motorcycle maker BRD to design the motorbike.
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The Pentagon is developing a silent, rugged combat motorcycle
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U.S. Marines used dirt bikes in Afghan special ops, says author
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Motorbikes offer tactical advantages to special forces
Taliban
@placeholder have been riding mopeds and motorcycles to attack U.S. forces since the beginning of the war in 2001, said Golembesky.
Marines
Quick access to higher terrain allowed a tactical advantage which was often safer than, say, a low-lying village, where @placeholder might risk getting caught in an ambush.
U.S.
U.S.
@placeholder forces can use the bikes to sneak up behind enemies or block their escape.