Silent Walk: a hybrid motorcycle for the US military

The US defense research agency DARPA has just unveiled the first prototype of a hybrid motorcycle intended for military use, called the Silent Hawk.

If a hybrid motorcycle is not yet available to “everyone,” it appears to be of interest to US soldiers preparing to test the Silent Hawk, a new type of motorcycle capable of running on gasoline or electricity.

In addition to the environmental aspect, the choice of a hybrid has primarily a tactical advantage for the American army. Once its electric propulsion system is on, the Silent Hawk is limited to only 55 decibels, or the simple sound of rolling on gravel. Enough to make it practical for infiltration missions or stealthily travel through enemy territory. And if you need to get away quickly, Silent Hawk can count on its heat engine, which can instantly accelerate it to a speed of 130 km / h when recharging lithium-ion batteries.  

The Silent Hawk, developed by electric motorcycle manufacturer Alta Motors in partnership with other American companies, weighs just 160 kg, making it easy to transport and even drop by plane. Delivered into the US Army for a short year, it will first have to prove itself in the first phase of testing before being deployed to enemy territory.