SilentHawk gets the nod

American company Logos Technologies has received research award to continue the development of the SilentHawk military motorcycle in partnership with California’s Alta Motors (formerly BRD).

The production version of the SilentHawk would allow small military teams to move long distances quickly and stealthily across harsh terrain, meeting the government’s expectations for high performance, efficiency and military utility.

The prototype would combine Alta’s existing RedShift MX electric motocross bike with Logos Technologies’ proven quiet, multi-fuelled hybrid-electric power system which was developed for a separate unmanned aerial vehicle program.

"Quiet, all-wheel drive capability at extended range in a lightweight, rugged, single-track vehicle would support the successful operations in extreme terrain conditions and contested environments,” said Wade Pulliam, manager of advanced concepts for Logos Technologies. “This award enables us to continue to execute a fast-paced development effort that takes advantage of our team’s prior work, superior technical approach, and extensive experience."

During Phase I, which began in February 2014, Logos and Alta conducted extensive performance testing on the RedShift MX in multiple terrains and riding conditions to help understand the requirements for an off-road military motorcycle.

The Logos-Alta team plans to proceed with an aggressive Phase II program plan, with the goal of developing and testing the first operational prototype in only 18 months.

"An innovative design approach, including a unique field-swappable power system concept, will allow unprecedented customisability of the bike while still meeting and exceeding the government’s challenging requirements," added Pulliam. "We also believe that the system resulting from this second phase of the program would have applicability to other ground vehicle systems beyond motorcycles."