SOFINS 2025 – Spectre, the tactical electric motorcycle for special forces
Unveiled at Eurosatory last year, at SOFINS the Spectre tactical electric motorcycle, developed by Etendard, part of the French MCE5 group, found itself in its ideal environment, that of Special Forces
MCE5 was founded in the year 2000 with the ambition to accelerate the introduction of new technologies. The first was to feasibility studies and preliminary tests of VCRi technology. The Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology put together all available technologies leading to a reduction in fuel consumption is from 20 percent for small vehicles, up to 45 percent for high performance ones.
Beside the involvement in high efficiency engines, the company launched the Etendard brand, which specialised in two- and four-wheel high mobility vehicles, its portfolio including two tactical motorbikes and one quad. Of these products two are powered by diesel engine, the Foudre and the Furie, respectively a motorbike and a quad, while the third one, the Spectre, is an all electric motorbike.
Light and stealth, it is designed to carry a single operator in the last phase of an approach, its 45 km range in cross-country being more than sufficient for such task. Born to operate on difficult terrains, when the driver mostly does not seat on the saddle, the latter is not present, the driver standing on two side platforms, a further move to reduce mass, which is only 63 kg. Such a light platform has a maximum payload of 160 kg, sufficient to carry a fully equipped operator.
The Spectre is 1,950 mm long, 1,170 mm high and 340 mm wide, but to reduce its size for transport the rear wheel can be flipped up thanks to the foldable rear swingarm, considerably reducing length. The wheelbase is 1,320 mm, the Spectre having a 250 mm ground clearance. It can reach a maximum speed of 50 km/h, climb a 100% slope, and overcome a 400 mm vertical obstacle. It is fully submersible, the system sealing being IP67 equivalent, which means it can be temporarily immersed in water. This allows an operator to ford a river as long as he is able to estimate depth to avoid sinking.
The chassis has a welded tubular frame made of high strength aluminium, fitted with a front hydropneumatic fork and a rear hydromechanical monoshock swingarm, both suspensions having a 150 mm travel at wheel. Front and rear e-brakes are identical, with four pistons and a 220 mm diameter floating disc, and can be adjusted as they are electromagnetically actuated. The handlebar can be turned 80° right and left, and is adjustable in height and depth to better fit the driver posture. The brake levers are protected by a metal structure. The stem can be disengaged for flat vehicle packing. The Spectre is fitted with 19-inch anti-puncture wheels filled with foam, and it is equipped with front and rear fenders.
As said, the Spectre is a fully electric two wheel drive motorbike; overall continuous power is 8 kW, the front electric motor providing 2 kW and the rear one 6 kW, both motors working at 72 V tension, cooling being ensured by dielectric fluid. The two-wheel drive offers optimal off-road performances compared to those of two-wheel platforms powered by internal combustion engines, where only the rear wheel is providing traction. Each motor has its controller, three torque modes and three speed modes being available to the driver, who can see all information on the LCD colour screen on the handlebar. As the motors are located front and rear, no chain and gearbox are present which not only increases reliability but also reduces noise.
Etendard selected a nickel-manganese-cobalt to power its Spectre, with a working tension of 72 V and a 2,160 Wh capacity. The battery pack is installed along the frame and can be quickly removed and replaced with a new one fully loaded, reloading time being 90 minutes either on board or when installed on a charging rack. An extra battery tray can be installed on request, increasing the Spectre range. The battery management system is based on a CANBus smart 20S. Maximum temperature reached by motors and battery is 65°C, considerably lower than that of an internal combustion engine, thus also reducing thermal signature, further contributing to stealthness.
The Spectre motorcycle can be transported by helicopter, tactical boat, or land vehicle. At SOFINS the Spectre was obviously displayed on the Etendard stand, but was also visible loaded at the back of the Defenture GRF air-transportable 4×4 light vehicle exhibited on the S2M Equipment stand. According to Etendard, the e-motorbike can also be dropped by parachute.
Designed for Special Forces operations, its lightness, ease and flexibility of use widen the use of the Spectre to conventional forces, for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Provided in black colour as standard, the customer can select its preferred colour at order. EDR On-Line understood that the Spectre has been tested by several potential customers, some feedback having already led to some improvements.
Photos by J. Roukoz and P. Valpolini
