US Army Flies 'Hoverbike' Prototype

The Army Research Laboratory and industry partners demonstrated the flying capabilities of a unique rectangular shaped quadcopter during a visit from the Department of Defense officials January 10, 2017.

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Dr William Roper, Director of the Strategic Capabilities Office at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and members of his staff visited the Aberdeen Proving Ground laboratory to see the joint tactical aerial resupply vehicle (JTARV).

Also known as the ‘hoverbike,’ the vehicle may one day make it possible for soldiers on the battlefield to order resupply and then receive those supplies rapidly.

During the visit, Roper told laboratory officials that he is concerned about adapting future technology advances. He said he wants to figure out how to get people to “see something that’s coming on the shelf, immediately identify the use, determine if it’s good enough for rock and roll, get it into the field, but in a way that allows us to keep one-upping it.”