U.S.-based bike manufacturer Lightning Motorcycles has unveiled the Tachyon Nb, a bike prototype destined to set a new world record in acceleration by smashing through 404 km/h. The name is not coincidental. The tachyon is a hypothetical nanoparticle capable of exceeding the speed of light. ‘Nb’ stands for niobium, a rare metal. The prototype was co-designed with the largest manufacturer of LM bikes, CBMM.
Niobium finds use in the brake rotors
here, which improves their efficiency at higher temperatures. It is also
present in the on-board charger device, improving its reliability and
efficiency, as well as in some of the chassis parts, where it helps reduce
weight while maintaining rigidity.
According to Richard Hatfield, the CEO and
founder of the company, the innovative charger alone helps shed 9
kilograms of weight while eliminating overheating risks and preserving power. The
aerodynamic profile was perfected by another company, Corbin. The bodywork is
all-carbon with a tiny 2.5-cm gap between the front wheel shroud and
the front splitter. Drivers can conceal themselves fully behind the windshield
to stay safe at extreme speeds, and there is a droplet-shaped cowl in the back
to minimize turbulence.
It remains to be seen when the first test
drive will take place and where.
