Two wheel drive, hybrid technology, and 250 km range
It can run on petrol, diesel and even jet fuel. That’s when it doesn’t go in the all-electric Stealth mode which makes it a bit louder than a deadly whisper.
The Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is funding the SilentHawk project – a stealth dirt bike than can enable special forces to operate in hostile terrain.
SilentHawk features a hybrid engine that can run on petrol, diesel and even jet fuel. It also comes with an electric engine and batteries for stealth operation and a two-wheel drive system.
According to its creators, when running in electric mode, the loudest sound is made by the chain – 55 dB – the volume of a conversation.
The estimated range is over 270 km, and the maximum speed is 128 kph. The weight – 158 kg.
Besides the SilentHawk, there is one more similar project called Nightmare that features the same characteristics – two-wheel-drive and hybrid technology. Unlike the SilentHawk, this one comes with a belt instead of a chain. This final transmission choice makes it more silent, but the belt drive is not the best option for rough terrain use.
Both products were presented as prototypes.