• On MovieTome: The 10 worst movies of 2009 so far!
February 10, 2007 7:45 PM PST

The Shadow knows hybrid tech and Rat Patrol styling

by Mark Rutherford
  • Font size
  • Print
  • 3 comments
(Credit: Army Technology)

From Basra to Kabul, no environmentally aware burkha babe is going to be able to resist this 4x4, turbo-charged, hybrid, diesel-electric recon hotrod.

Created by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS,) the Shadow RST-V (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Vehicle) boasts stealth, survivability and low mileage. That's big, considering that about half the military's money--and a third of its manpower--is devoted to hauling stuff around, 70 percent of that stuff being fuel.

The aluminum-bodied RST-V seats four (seating by Oregon Aero), does 70 mph and has a 470-mile range. Bulletproof windows and armor are optional. Weaponry includes your standard machine gun and grenade launcher, topped off by the Javelin anti-tank missile mounted on the roof. Recommended are the radar/laser warning receivers, likewise the GPS.

The electric stealth mode not only makes for a quiet ride, it also reduces the heat signature, allowing you to elude the infrared.

Narrower than a jeep, the Shadow still has a Hummer's cargo capacity, thanks to a patented, folding suspension system. It also puts out 30kw of electric power; enough to fire up a decent base camp at Burning Man. Did we mention it's a hatchback?

In the works since 1997, the RST-V should be ready in time for Iran.

Mark Rutherford is a West Coast-based freelance writer. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and is not an employee of CNET. Email him at markr@milapp.com. Disclosure.
Recent posts from Crave
Audio-Technica sets its sights on fashionable females
Digital City No. 58: Apple vs. Psystar; our fave laptop backpack; and New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Vizio's entry-level LCD not especially green, but still a good bargain
When BlackBerry developers play with robots
Microsoft opens app store to more phones
Mad Catz to offer cheaper muliplatform Wireless-N adapter for gaming
Toshiba LCD produces (slightly) deeper black levels
Android in the kitchen
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
Iran...lol
by mayhakjm February 10, 2007 9:38 PM PST
Oh wow that was perfect timing......
Reply to this comment
... iran? you better be kidding me...
by smokeonit February 10, 2007 11:21 PM PST
1st, if iran is attacked, we have a 3rd world war on our hands...

2nd: it looks like this is more of a german contract work, http://www.magnet-
motor.de/ look at the pictures of the 4x4 jeep, looks pretty much like the
finished project pictured here on crave....
Reply to this comment
Stealth for Surburbia?
by sfarch February 11, 2007 7:09 AM PST
Hopefully there are plans for the US market - Then you wouldn't have to worry about your vulnerable suburban HumVee at night. It could finally fit in the garage.
Reply to this comment
(3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next

About Crave

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about gorgeous gadgets and other crushworthy stuff. If you would like to contact Crave with a tip or comment, please write to: crave@cnet.com

Add this feed to your online news reader

Crave topics

A CNET Conversation with Eric Schmidt

CNET's Tom Krazit and Molly Wood sit down with Google CEO Eric Schmidt to discuss the future of Android, the Chrome OS, the problem of real-time search indexing, and more.

Verizon tests sending RIAA copyright notices

The No. 2 phone company, known for its reluctance to intervene in antipiracy cases, strikes an agreement to forward copyright notices on behalf of the music industry.