ADF trial of high-speed Stealth B-52 e-bike in North Queensland

The ADF is doing a month-long trial of high-speed e-bikes in Queensland to help ­deliver crucial intelligence across the battlefield without being detected.

The ADF is trialling Stealth Reconnaissance E-Bikes in conjunction with the new Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle in north Queensland Picture: CPL Nicole Dorrett

The Australian Defence Force is looking to ditch eight wheels for two as it hedges its bets on a super quiet e-bike to help ramp up its reconnaissance missions and ­deliver crucial intelligence across the battlefield without being detected.

The Stealth B-52 e-bike has been commissioned as part of a trial for just under a month in north Queensland, rolled out alongside new Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles.

Equipped with a 6.52kW hub motor, the B-52 is just 51km and is said to reach speeds of up to 90km/h across a range of 100km.

The 2nd14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) has commenced trialling Stealth Reconnaissance e-Bikes in conjunction with the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle.

The bike’s ability to travel at high speeds for a long distance were two of the key factors that would help soldiers relay intelligence among patrols and across the battlefield, said Corporal Thomas Ovey, from the 2nd 14th Light Horse Regiment in Townsville.

“It allows us to do safe-handling of information, whether that’s information people have found on the battlefield, or even if one of the troops takes photos on their phone and wants to send it back to headquarters,” he said.

The E-Bikes have a range of up to 100 kilometres, meaning soldiers can travel further in a shorter time frame.

With less of a noise and dust footprint than traditional motorcycles, the E-Bikes help prevent reconnaissance scouts being detected by enemy forces. Picture: Supplied

“We cover more ground much faster, and it saves time instead of waiting for troops to come to us when they’ve found something.”

At 51kg, the B-52 was a lighter and easier to manage alternative to a regular motorcycle. Cavalry would practice deploying the bikes to scout out potential travel routes for the Boxer and identify potential hazards or threats, an ADF spokesman said.

“With less of a noise and dust footprint than traditional motorcycles, the e-bikes help prevent reconnaissance scouts being detected by enemy forces,” he said.

According to Stealth, the bikes produce 65 decibels of noise, slightly louder than a regular conversation but quieter than a standard vacuum.

With a 2000kWh battery ­capacity and a recharge time of three hours, the bikes can quickly be recharged and used again.

The B-52 was previously available for public purchase, but many retailers say they have been unable to order stock for several months. They previously had a retail price of $10,500.

Defence trials of the bike are set to run through to next year.