Zhuhai 2016: Electrifying ride for Chinese paratroopers?
Dongguan Greenway Battery commenced selling its crowdfunded Super Soco electricity-powered motorbike in August, and it has already amassed 3,000 civilian sales. However, at the 11th Zhuhai Air Show in China the company was highlighting potential military applications for its popular platform.
The bike that weighs just 55kg is light enough to be dropped from a regular parachute as used by airborne troops, and it is this application that Greenway is pursuing with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
It has not yet been adopted, but John Zeng, CEO of Greenway, was confident it eventually would be after trials are
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
Laser weapon solutions are emerging as Europe confronts air defence cost imbalance
Europe’s air defence debate is increasingly shaped by the blunt economics of the field. While high-value interceptor missiles can effectively shoot down cheap drones, doing so at scale presents cost challenges.
-
ARX Robotics expands in UK following British Army backing for uncrewed platforms
Following an order from the British Army, ARX Robotics has begun manufacturing autonomous ground platforms in the UK. Christopher Foss examines the company's growing range of systems.
-
Textron unveils a smaller, low-cost variant of the Ripsaw family of UGVs
Ripsaw M1 has been designed to support the US Marine Corps’ littoral missions by carrying diverse types of payloads and performing multiple missions. Shephard spoke with Textron to find out more.