The MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers road racing series has provided an excellent opportunity for American motorcycle manufacturers to showcase their racing skills. One of the most successful companies in this series is Harley-Davidson. In the upcoming 2024 season, the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle factory racing team is prepared to dominate the competition.
Harley-Davidson has announced its team riders for the upcoming season: Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli. Both riders have extensive racing experience, particularly with Harley-Davidson machinery.
Kyle Wyman is one of the most successful racers in the King of the Baggers series. In the 2023 season, he won seven races and a total of 12 races throughout his career. He also holds the title of the 2021 King of the Baggers Champion.
Regarding the upcoming season, Wyman expressed his excitement to continue riding for the Harley-Davidson factory team and his determination to win the championship. He looks forward to starting testing in the coming months.
Joining the team for 2024 is James Rispoli, who currently races for the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team. Rispoli has scored two wins in the current season and sits in second place. He has a successful history of racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles and is known by the nickname “Hogspoli.” Rispoli will replace Travis Wyman, another accomplished racer who has greatly contributed to the team’s success.
In his statement, Rispoli expressed his excitement about joining the Harley-Davidson factory team and fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a factory rider. He believes that with the team’s support, they will be a strong contender in the 2024 season and is eager to get to work.
The 2024 King of the Baggers season will consist of 16 races over eight double-header weekends and will be held alongside the MotoAmerica Superbike Series.
Triumph is known for its premium motorcycles and has a range of models that cater to the affluent two-wheeled lifestyle. However, there is a new trend emerging where premium brands are entering the more affordable price bracket with new models.
A great example of this is Harley-Davidson, who partnered with Hero MotoCorp in India to introduce the X440. BMW also collaborated with TVS for the G 310 series, and KTM and Husqvarna joined forces with Bajaj to produce the 390 and 401 models. Not wanting to be left behind, Triumph teamed up with Bajaj to create the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. These motorcycles generated a lot of excitement when they were unveiled in June 2023. Triumph’s most accessible offering before this was the Trident 660.
After their global launch, the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X started making their way to other markets. India was one of the first countries in Asia to receive these bikes, as they are assembled there. Now, these motorcycles have been launched in the Philippines at a price that is lower than the competition’s. The 400cc models are particularly popular in the Philippines because there is a regulation that prohibits motorcycles with engines smaller than 400cc from entering the freeway. These new Triumph models have the perfect size to access the expressways while also being suitable for commuting in crowded city streets.
The pricing for the Triumph Speed 400 in the Philippines is P299,000, which is approximately $5,260 USD. The Scrambler 400X is priced at P339,000, or roughly $5,953 USD. It is worth noting that in the United States, these bikes are offered at a slightly lower price, with the Speed 400 at $4,995 USD and the Scrambler 400X at $5,595 USD. The variance in pricing between markets is due to local factors such as taxes, import duties, and distribution costs, which can affect the final cost of these motorcycles to consumers.
Both the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X share the same engine: a 398cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine. This engine configuration produces 39 horsepower and 28 pound-feet of torque, making it a versatile choice for beginners as well as more experienced riders.
Ford has already proven its capability in building electric vehicles with the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E, which are both popular and capable electric vehicles. Where can Ford add electric dominance to its already growing stable of EVs? The Ford Bronco makes perfect sense. We’d love to see an all-electric Ford Bronco Lightning arrive before the end of the decade.
Why would Ford electrify the Bronco next? Although some of the road-going SUVs might be more likely to be electrified first, the Bronco should hit the market before Jeep brings a fully-electric Wrangler. The Bronco and Wrangler battle head-to-head for off-road SUV supremacy. If Ford can beat Jeep to an all-electric off-road SUV, the Bronco Lightning could be a dominating force.
Using data from Ford Authority, Car and Driver, and MotorTrend, we bring you ten reasons why we’d love to see the Ford Bronco Lightning offered very soon.
Is Ford ahead of the game with the potential of a Bronco Lighting, or is it behind the time? We already have the GMC Hummer EV and the Rivian R1S, which are impressive off-road SUVs. The Jeep all-electric Recon is on the way to give us an electrified Jeep, although the Recon is not the Wrangler. This means Ford might be a little behind in bringing off-road electric driving to the market.
Excellent Electric Capability From Ford
When the Ford F-150 Lightning arrived, it simply replaced the gas-powered engine with a set of electric motors. Much of the design and performance elements remained the same. We could expect the same story with a Bronco Lightning. This means we might have 452 horsepower from a Standard Range battery and 580 horsepower with the Extended Range battery. Both could provide 775 lb-t of torque, which is plenty for some off-road fun.
2Roof-Mounted Batteries Change the Game
A New Design With Interesting Qualities
USPTO
If you think Ford will move the entire battery pack to the roof, think again. Electric vehicles have much of their weight in the battery pack, and a roof-mounted unit would make the Bronco Lightning top-heavy. Instead, the idea behind a roof-mounted battery pack is to act as an auxiliary power source when the regular batteries become depleted.
Can The Roof Be Made Strong Enough?
Although a set of auxiliary batteries on the roof could remove range anxiety and provide an extra driving range for anyone spending time on the trails, the extra weight could cause some problems. Added weight on the trails might cause the electrified Bronco to sink deeper in the sand or mud, create a greater risk of rollovers, and include more weight because the roof would need to be much stronger.
3Ford Already Hit A Home Run With the F-150 Lightning
The Bronco Name Carries Respect
Ford
The most popular pickup truck in America is the Ford F-Series, with the F-150 being the most popular of the series of Ford pickups. Tossing the Lightning name on the end of the F-150 brought reminders of a high-powered performance truck from yesteryear, giving this new electric truck the perfect name when it hit the market. The same could easily be true with the Bronco.
Americans Loved The Bronco
Before the Bronco was gone from the market, only to be reborn in its current form, it was the only true competitor to the Jeep Wrangler in the midsize off-road SUV world. As soon as the Bronco name returned, it immediately received admiration, attention, and a strong following that has translated to excellent sales. If it weren’t for supply shortages during COVID-19, the Bronco might be even more popular than it is.
4The Electric Powertrains Already Exist – F-150 Lightning
Swap Bodies, And You’ve Got The Bronco Lightning
Ford
Unlike other automakers that haven’t brought off-road-capable trucks to the market yet, Ford started with the F-150 Lightning, which means the powertrains for a Bronco Lightning already exist. It shouldn’t be difficult for Ford to reconfigure the platform to fit under the full-size Bronco. The smaller Bronco Sport could utilize the Mustang Mach-E setup to provide ample power in this smaller version.
Ford F-150 Lightning Power Specs
Standard Battery 98.0 kWh
Extended Range Battery 131 kWh
Driving Range
240 miles
320 miles
Horsepower
462 hp
580 hp
Torque
775 lb-ft
775 lb-ft
Tow Rating
7,700 lbs
10,000 lbs
It wouldn’t be a stretch to have this same power setup under the Bronco Lightning. The off-road electric SUV might not be capable of the same towing figures, but that also could mean greater driving range if the Bronco Lightning is lighter than the F-150 Lightning.
5The Bronco Lightning Could Be More Affordable Than the GMC Hummer EV SUV
A Smaller SUV For Off-Road Fun
Ford
Although it was easy to admire the GMC Hummer EV SUV, this new high-powered off-road SUV wasn’t practical or affordable for most consumers. Some models of the Hummer EV SUV start at more than $100,000, which isn’t a figure many can shell out for their ride.
The Bronco Lightning Should Use Similar Pricing As the F-150
Although we’ve grown accustomed to the trim names of the current Bronco, which aren’t the same as the F-150 pickup truck, pricing should be similar with base models starting at less than $50,000. The F-150 Lightning reaches $92,000 at the top end, which would be fine for a top-trim of the Bronco Lightning. This would still keep the all-electric Bronco more affordable than the GMC Hummer EV SUV.
6The Bronco Lightning Will Look So Darn Cool
Keeping the Retro Look Is Important
Ford
Too many new electric vehicles present themselves with a stark and sterile look, which was begun by the Tesla Model S. Instead of removing the retro style that we admire, the new Bronco Lightning could embrace its roots and bring us the style we admire. There’s nothing wrong with a ventless grille design, rough wheel wells, and body panels, or the high stance desired.
A Frunk Makes Things Even Better
The new Ford Bronco Lightning won’t have an open bed like the F-150 Lightning, but it still offers the benefits of an impressive frunk to replace the space where the engine would reside in a gas-powered version. We’re unsure whether this frunk will be a powered feature, which is the case in the F-150 Lightning, but it could be a great place for storing wet gear after an adventure of kayaking on the river or swimming in your favorite lake.
7Performance Qualities From the Mustang Mach-E Could Be Included
Could The Bronco Lightning Utilize GT Performance Qualities
The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance can rocket to 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds, making it quick and decisive on any road. This high-powered version delivers 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque to be an electric SUV worthy of the Mustang name. This setup could be good in the Bronco Lightning but might be more fitting in the Bronco Sport Lightning.
Mustang Mach-E Power On A Smaller Scale
The lower trims of the Mach-E provide a power range that delivers 266 to 346 horsepower and 317 to 428 lb-ft of torque. The Mach-E also rides on wheels that range in size from 18 to 20 inches while also delivering the benefits of adaptive dampers among a host of performance features. Will a Bronco Sport Lightning utilize the Mach-E platform? We’ll soon find out.
8An Expanded EV Lineup Pushes the Market Forward
Every New Electric Vehicle Is a Step Forward
Ford
Every decade in the automotive world has something to offer, but the current decade moves faster than any other. Only ten years ago, electric vehicles were regarded as small, limited, and slow. The only exception to this was the Tesla Model S. Today, we have new electric vehicles hitting every part of the market at an extremely rapid pace.
What’s Next For Electric Vehicles?
Adding a Ford Bronco Lightning to the mix brings a popular name to the off-road world and gives us an affordable option for some trail-riding fun. Could the EV world begin to move upmarket to heavy-duty pickup trucks next? Will electric semis become more widespread and popular? Automakers are currently working on solid-state battery technology, which could push the electric vehicle world forward, but every new EV increases the market with more options.
9The Ford Bronco Name Is Respected Among Off-Road Enthusiasts
A Platform Change For The Bronco Lightning
Ford
Ford announced plans to electrify its entire lineup of passenger vehicles in Europe by 2030 or sooner and in North America soon after. This makes it inevitable that we will see an electrified Bronco that could offer the off-road fun we’re after. Utilizing the Bronco name promises certain qualities in this SUV, although the electric model will ride on a new platform.
Several Dedicated Platforms Are Coming
Ford intends to build the new electric Bronco using the TE1 platform instead of the T6 platform shared by the ICE-powered Bronco and Ford Ranger. Several dedicated EV platforms are in the works to be shared among future models, helping bring an electric Ford lineup to the market.
10Beating The All-Electric Jeep Wrangler To Market Is A Big Deal
The Race Is On
Jeep has presented the Magneto models at Easter Jeep Safari events over the last couple of years. The Magneto is supposed to be the all-electric Jeep Wrangler, but it hasn’t been confirmed for sale yet. A Ford Bronco Lightning hitting the market first could do for the Bronco what the F-150 Lightning has done for the F-150.
Will Ford Be First?
Ford has the platform, the electric vehicle success, and the capability to quickly add an all-electric Bronco to the market. In fact, Ford has two platforms to bring both a full-size Bronco Lightning and a smaller Bronco Sport Lightning to the market for off-road enthusiasts to admire and enjoy. Will these electrified Broncos arrive before the electric Jeep Wrangler? That’s the million-dollar question of the day.
The 2023 MotoGP season has been filled with excitement, thrills, and plenty of racing action for fans. The most recent round, held at Misano circuit, attracted thousands of passionate fans from all over the world.
In total, 141,056 MotoGP fans attended the event at Misano, breaking the attendance record set by Mugello earlier in the season. Mugello had 135,670 attendees when Pecco Bagnaia won for Ducati. The Misano round, which concluded on September 10, 2023, saw a total of 141,056 fans over the course of three days, with 21,688 on Friday, 39,944 on Saturday, and 79,424 on Sunday according to Moto.It.
According to the organizers, the success of the 2023 MotoGP Misano round was a testament to its incredible vitality. Misano, along with other international circuits in Italy, has established itself as a prominent destination in the world of motorsports. Italy is known for its passionate racing culture, and the success of MotoGP in the country has boosted tourism as spectators from around the world visit and book accommodations in Italy.
In addition to the racing, the Misano World Circuit, in partnership with Red Bull and Cocoricò, organized a special event called Memorabilia for the Riccione Club at Marco Simoncelli. More than 20,000 people attended the event.
Before the racing started, the Italian Navy showcased their F-35B and AV-8B Harrier aircraft with flyovers above the circuit. This was followed by a rock rendition of the Italian National Anthem performed by Giulio Maceroni and Alberto Saccani.
In the end, Jorge Martin claimed victory for Pramac Ducati, followed closely by Marco Bezzecchi for Ducati, just 1.3 seconds behind. Pecco Bagnaia, despite a major accident the previous week, finished in third place. It was a one-two-three finish for Ducati at one of Italy’s most iconic racing circuits.
The Honda Monkey and Super Cub are two iconic models that have proven to be hallmarks in Honda’s motorcycle lineup for decades now. If before, they were seen as easy-access, beginner-friendly models, these days, they’re seen as lifestyle machines for collectors and enthusiasts. That said, for 2024, Honda has announced updates to the two iconic models.
Let’s kick things off with the Honda Monkey. This pint-sized two-wheeler was first introduced in the 1960s, and was intended to be used in a Honda-owned Japanese amusement park known as Tama Tech. Since then, the charming bike has become a world-renowned icon, thanks to its simplistic and charming nature. For 2024, the bike retains its lovable styling, but infuses modern-day technology. In terms of performance, the 2024 Honda Monkey is equipped with a 124cc single-cylinder engine. To maximize efficiency, the Monkey’s engine gets Honda’s Programmed Fuel-Injection (PGM-FI) technology, while the inclusion of ABS enhances safety.
For the 2024 model-year, the Honda Monkey is offered in two color schemes consisting of Pearl Nebula Red and Pearl Black. It carries an MSRP of $4,299 USD, and availability is expected for September, 2023. If you wish to learn more about the new Monkey, please get in touch with your nearest Honda Powersports dealer.
Alongside the launch of the Monkey, Honda has also revamped one of its most popular models ever, the Super Cub C125. The Honda Super Cub was first introduced in 1958, and played a pivotal role in the brand’s campaign “You Meet The Nicest People On A Honda.” Since then, more than 100 million Cubs have been sold all over the world, solidifying it as the most popular motor vehicle of all time.
For 2024, the Super Cub C125 retains its charming retro styling and easy accessibility. It gets a low, step-through frame, a clutchless four-speed manual transmission, and a lightweight construction. Performance-wise, it gets a 124cc, fuel-injected, single-cylnder engine. On top of that, the bike gets front-wheel ABS for added safety, as well as an electric starter for convenient everyday riding. The revamped Super Cub C125 is offered in a single Pearl Gray color scheme, and carries an MSRP of $3,899 USD. It’s set to be available by October, 2023.
Amazon is currently testing a new rating design that has generated controversy among those who have seen it. Concerns have been raised that this change could mislead customers about the quality of a product. For instance, if a company manages to attract a large number of five-star reviews on its product page, users may focus solely on this positive rating and overlook numerous negative reviews. To mitigate this potential issue, Amazon may consider displaying only the percentage of five-star reviews left by trusted users whose purchases have been verified. It’s worth noting that the test is currently limited and it is unclear whether Amazon plans to implement it on a wider scale in the future.
Given Amazon’s recent announcement of a new feature called AI-generated review summaries, it’s not surprising that the company is testing changes to its rating system. This feature aims to simplify the review process by considering only feedback from trusted customers whose purchases have been verified. Fake and incentivized reviews are a well-known problem on Amazon, as they can easily deceive customers into buying low-quality or counterfeit products. To combat this issue, Amazon has taken steps such as filing lawsuits against fake review brokers.
Ford’s mid-engine recipe has proven the American automaker’s ability to produce high-performing mid-engine supercars. But as the American speed and performance landscape evolves with every new advancement in modern tech and functionality, the race between manufacturers to capture the market becomes more competitive, as having the biggest engine is no longer enough to outsell top brands.
With Ford retiring their mid-engine icon, the Ford GT, the potential for a new model to occupy the mid-engine slot on the Ford roster grows. And where there’s potential, there’s speculation.
Speculation only became more convincing as the Blue Oval recently trademarked the long-discontinued Thunderbird name. For illustration, the Thunderbird was originally set to compete against the Chevrolet Corvette in the mid-50s, actually outselling Chevrolet’s legendary coupe 23:1 on release.
Chevy’s recent transformation of the popular Corvette from front-engine to mid-engine beginning with the eight-gen Vettes was received well by the speed community and supercar fans alike. Watching the C8 Corvette adopt an entirely new appearance and engine layout with the great success gave way to ideas involving other performance vehicles making the mid-engine switch. Among those, is the Thunderbird.
The trademarking of the Thunderbird name and discontinuing of the GT, as well as Chevy converting the Corvette to mid-engine, adds fuel to the rumors of a modern mid-engine potential face-off between the rival automakers in the near future.
Ford’s mid-engine design proved to be a groundbreaking innovation when introduced in the 1960s, with the Ford GT40 dominating Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. When introduced to the public in the form of the 2005 Ford GT, the initial responses were mixed, with the high-dollar price tag putting a barrier between the average consumer and the product.
Nevertheless, the mid-engine icon went on to become one of the most beloved and sought-after supercars of the 21st century. The prospect of a mid-engine Mustang or Thunderbird could remove the barrier presented by the Ford GT by offering a more accessible and affordable mid-engine sports car, potentially drawing the same amount of attention, and sales, as the popular C8 Corvette.
The mid-engine Corvette has captured the attention of enthusiasts, with its many trim levels offering a wide array of optional and standard features, many of which improve driving experience.
Meanwhile, Ford’s most recent performance model, the seventh-generation S650 Mustang, hit markets with upgrades of its own, including a race-oriented Dark Horse Model boasting aftermarket brakes, tires, dampers, gearbox, and suspension, among others.
Notable 2024 Mustang Dark Horse Aftermarket Upgrades:
The Mid-Engine Mustang Would Challenge The C8 Corvette
Yasid Design / TopSpeed
Though it’s not highly likely that Ford will convert the Mustang to a mid-engine layout, the Dark Horse’s naturally aspirated fourth-gen Coyote engine could potentially outpace the C8 Stingray’s 495-horsepower LT2 engine, if given the proper environment (i.e., Ford’s proven high-performance touch).
And while the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter unit in the 2023 Ford GT pumps out 660 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque, for Ford to truly improve its mid-engine recipe enough to compete with the competition, a less exotic engine option would need to be considered, at least for an affordable base mid-engine model trim.
Chevrolet
As observed in the eighth-gen Corvettes, the mid-engine layout accommodates more engine room, particularly engine height, meaning the idea of an even bigger naturally aspirated mill, possibly even a variant of the 3.5-liter V-6 featured in the 2022 Ford GT, in a mid-engine Mustang, or Thunderbird, isn’t out of the question.
Renderings of a mid-engine Mustang inspired by the Ford GT bring the idea to life as familiar features from both icons shine through this futuristic design. Resembling the supercars of today, including the C8 Corvette, Ferrari 360 Modena, and of course, the GT, this rendering gives us a potential platform in which to build speculation about the attributes of a future mid-engine Ford.
The active aerodynamics in the rendering call back to Ford’s innovative designs that have been refined over decades of wind tunnel testing, including the famous teardrop body style, the large air dams, and aggressive diffusers. Though not exclusive to the Blue Oval, the race-inspired functional design of the body is something that Ford excels at.
Powertrain-wise, Ford’s mid-engine powerhouse design is far and above the most refined of any American automaker, with the GT consistently outperforming top American competitors including the C8 Corvette.
That’s not to say that a mid-engine Mustang or Thunderbird would instantly capture the top spot, however, the inspired design and forward-thinking nature of Ford’s high-performance department almost guarantees a seat at the table.
When talking about realistic Ford mid-engine candidates, the Thunderbird name rises above the chatter. With Ford recently taking interest in the discontinued name, along with track testing the mid-engine C8 at their test facilities in 2021, enthusiasts and internet sleuths have pieced together speculative signs of a Thunderbird revival, possibly mid-engine.
The Future Of Ford’s Mid-Engine Options Could Include Thunderbird
Yasid Design/TopSpeed
Whether Ford moves forward into the future with their refined Mid-engine recipe is all speculation at this juncture, yet many can’t help but visualize the direction they’d take.
With the mid-engine Mustang, the idea of converting such a familiar front-engine muscle car to a mid-engine layout is enough to put Ford in the headlines. And with the Thunderbird, speculation, and evidence of Ford’s interest in reviving the name has the internet re-imagining the discontinued model as a modern mid-engine weapon.
And though the Thunderbird, before its dissolution, took the luxury route, many speculate that if Ford moves forward with the mid-engine layout in mind, the future Thunderbird could emerge with an entirely different attitude and purpose.
Ford
Ford’s modern accessories, including aftermarket performance upgrades and top-of-the-line tech, could take their mid-engine recipe to the next level, as many of the modern amenities offered by the competition are omitted from Ford’s mid-engine GT to put focus on the performance. Many of the complaints surrounding the GT are of passenger space and lack of creature comforts.
Some speculate that, with premium amenities and optional upgrades, such as those offered in the latest seventh-generation Mustangs, Ford’s decked-out mid-engine option would attract more consumers looking for a proper daily driver and a weekend track weapon, similar to the Corvette fan base.
Even though the interest is real, everything involving the mid-engine Mustang and Thunderbird revival is all speculation for now. Regardless, the potential for a new mid-engine model from Ford continues to draw in enthusiasts, each with their own take and opinions on the matter.
Benelli, the Italian motorcycle brand now owned by Chinese motorcycling conglomerate Qianjiang, is making waves in the global motorcycle market. With its extensive resources, Benelli is considered one of the reputable players from China. The brand is now entering the middleweight adventure (ADV) segment with the all-new TRK 700 platform.
The middleweight adventure bike category has gained popularity, thanks to the success of bikes like the Yamaha Tenere 700 and Aprilia Tuareg 660. Can the new Benelli models compete with established players in this segment? The TRK 700 boasts a brand-new parallel-twin engine, with a displacement of 698cc. This liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine features a standard 180-degree crankshaft, delivering similar sound and performance to the Kawasaki Versys 650. The TRK 700 produces 70 horsepower and 50 pound-feet of torque.
In terms of design, the TRK 700 follows a familiar frame setup, with a steel trellis frame that utilizes the engine as a stressed member. This not only reduces weight but also improves rigidity, resulting in better handling on both on and off-road terrain. The bike is equipped with 50-millimeter inverted front forks with 140 millimeters of travel, and a preload adjustable rear monoshock. Dual 320-millimeter front disc brakes and a single 260mm disc brake at the rear provide stopping power.
The TRK 700 and TRK 700X differ in their wheel setups. The TRK 700 is designed for road use and features standard wheels, while the TRK 700X is more rugged and equipped with wire-spoked wheels. Both models have 19-inch front wheels and 17-inch rear wheels.
In terms of technology, both the Benelli TRK 700 and TRK 700X come with modern features commonly seen in this category. They feature a five-inch full-color TFT display with Bluetooth smartphone pairing. Heated grips and saddles are available as optional extras. The bikes also come with full-LED lighting, a tall windscreen, and modern bodywork that resembles the styling of the previous version of the Ducati Multistrada.
Benelli has announced the launch of the TRK 700 and TRK 700X in the European market, with a price tag of 7,740 Euros (approximately $8,618 USD). The launch date for the US and other markets has not been confirmed yet.
Press Release: FXR has launched a new moto apparel brand called FTA, which incorporates FXR’s trusted platforms, materials, and quality. The brand aims to inspire and connect with riders who want to stand out from the crowd. FTA embodies the excitement of adrenaline, speed, riding, and racing. It celebrates the thrill of speed, conquering challenges, and achieving the perfect ride. FTA represents the art of maximizing power, suspension setup, and balance. It combines creative vision, passion, inspiration, and a strong connection with the rider. FTA is all about embracing risk and pushing the limits. If you identify with these values, welcome to your new apparel brand.
The sinking of the Kursk submarine was initially attributed to a collision with NATO forces, but it was later revealed that faulty equipment played a major role in the disaster. According to a report by The Guardian, a faulty torpedo containing a substance called HTP caused a hydrogen peroxide explosion on board the Kursk.
Russian Prosecutor General Vladimir Ustinov explained that the explosion was triggered by an unusual sequence of events involving the oxidizing agent reserve of the torpedo. These findings were shared with reporters.
The seismic activity resulting from the explosion was detected by both American Intelligence and Norwegian monitoring systems, as reported by The New York Times.
The Navy Times reported that 95 sailors perished instantly when the Kursk’s hull ruptured and the submarine was flooded. The remaining 23 sailors managed to survive the initial blast and sought refuge in non-flooded sections of the vessel. Tragically, they eventually succumbed to suffocation when rescue forces failed to reach them in time. An emergency marking buoy, which could have facilitated their rescue, was not deployed. It took a week for Norwegian divers to reach the damaged submarine and gain access, but by then, all 118 crew members had lost their lives.
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