The UAE Special Operations Command at the Dubai Air Show showed a Black Hawk helicopter with electric motorcycles suspended on it. As he writes Electrek, now the special services are testing how good this transport combination is in reconnaissance missions.
Electric motorcycles and even bicycles are gaining popularity among the military today. For example, Ubco Bikes are being tested in all branches of the New Zealand armed Forces, and electric bicycles are being tested in the Australian Light Cavalry Stealth Electric Bikes. This transport is much quieter than conventional motorcycles, so it is well suited for reconnaissance missions.
The UAE Special Operations Command is also testing electric motorcycles, and not just like that, but in combination with a Black Hawk helicopter. The special services reported this during an air show in Dubai and showed what a Black Hawk looks like with motorcycles suspended on it. They are mounted on suspensions on the sides.
Dubai Airshow 2021: #UAE showcases Black Hawk-electric motorbike combo for SOF https://t.co/9RQbKa9El7 #DubaiAirShow2021 @DubaiAirshow #Specialoperationsforces pic.twitter.com/UaoDvejTRx
— Janes (@JanesINTEL) November 17, 2021
Judging by the photos, these were Zero FXS electric motorcycles. They are designed for off-road driving and are equipped with electric motors with a maximum rated power of 45 horsepower. Zero FXS can accelerate up to 130 kilometers per hour. Low noise and lack of exhaust odor make them much less noticeable compared to conventional motorcycles.
In addition to Zero FXS, the UAE special services are considering other models of electric motorcycles. They are interested in them for reconnaissance missions. The helicopter makes a lot of noise, so usually special operations teams land at a distance from the target and walk to it. Electric motorcycles can help them move quickly over longer distances along with the payload.
The UAE command is currently testing a scheme according to which two scouts quickly disconnect electric motorcycles from a helicopter, collect data, and after completing the mission arrive at the evacuation point. There, motorcycles are again mounted on a helicopter.
The military is also interested in other electric modes of transport, and some models are created specifically for their needs. For example, TORQ has developed an electric buggy for sappers. It is capable of speeds up to 48 kilometers per hour.
Vasilisa Chernyavtseva