US military’s 130km/h stealth motorcycles are as quiet as an electric toothbrush

The US military is funding electric stealth motorcycles that would allow riders to sneak up quickly on unsuspecting enemies.

The motorcycles operate at 55 decibels, about the level of an electric toothbrush or typical conversation, and can reach 130km/h. The extreme quiet is due to the use of electric motors.

The motorcycles feature two-wheel drive to improve traction on gravel, sand or any challenging terrain. Their narrow dimensions allow them to be driven in forests or other places some military vehicles can’t go.

“With a skilled rider you can get basically anywhere on the planet,” said Alex Dzwill, the lead engineer for one of the motorcycles, the SilentHawk, from defence contractor Logos Technologies.

The electric motors have limited range: The SilentHawk lasts two hours and the other bike, NightMare, by LSA Autonomy, has 100km of electric power. So the motorcycles are modified with hybrid engines that can burn almost any type of fuel, such as gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene or diesel.

“Out on a mission you’re not always going to have premium gasoline from the Shell station. You’ll be driving through hazardous terrains in different territories,” Dzwill said.