Welbike

The Welbike is developed in the years 1942/1943 lighter single-seat scooter that packs in a container could be dropped by parachute. He was. Station by the IX, the Inter Services Research Bureau developed based in Welwyn for the SOE He never came in this special unit used. Many of the vehicles were used in Arnhem during Operation Market Garden by airborne troops.

Specifications

Developed the Welbike of Major John Dolphin. The 3,853 Welbikes were produced by the motorcycle manufacturer Excelsior. The vehicle weighed 32 kg and was able to drive about 140 km with the 3.7 -liter fuel tank. The horizontally mounted Villiers engine had a displacement of 96 cm ³. The top speed was 45 km / h In order to better withstand the impact, the frame was reinforced. The vehicle fit into a standard container with dimensions 1.30 mx 0.38 mx 0.30 cm. Seat and handlebars have been removed.

Use

It was originally intended with this vehicle to increase the action range of the airborne troops. Due to rapid technological progress in the war quickly succeeded to develop larger glider that could also transport motorcycles, SUVs, and even smaller tanks. Thus, the Welbikes were used only sporadically.

The Welbike was used in the invasion of Normandy by the Royal Marine Commandos and in operation " Market Garden " and in the jungles of Malaysia. Also, the First Canadian Parachute Battalion had Welbikes in stock. However, it is not known whether they are used in military operations.

Others

Through the company Brockhouse engineering after the war a little more comfortable vehicles were produced under the name " Corgi". These are now seen as precursors of the Monkeys popular in the 1960s.

The name derives from the development site Welbike, Station IX in Welwyn, from. All projects that flourished there, start with Wel. Other projects included Welman and Welrod.