High-Speed Ground Transportation Systems Engineering Study. Tracked Air Cushion Vehicle Systems

摘要

The tracked air cushion vehicle is one of several advanced ground transportation systems being studied by TRW Systems Group for the Department of Transportation as a possible means of providing safe, high-speed, high-capacity transportation along densely populated areas such as the Northeast Corridor. Based on requirements and constraints chosen for an operational system, subsystem alternatives are evaluated and the selected subsystems are synthesized into a TACV system. Cost and performance are estimated over a range of parameters, such as design cruise speed (150 to 350 mph) and vehicle capacity (50 to 150 passengers per vehicle). The configuration defined consists of trainable, electrically powered TACV's which collect power from trackside power rails mounted on the side of a channel guideway. Propulsion is by linear induction motors with variable frequency speed control. Control of the vehicles, singly or in trains, is automated and centralized. The vehicles are supported on and guided by peripheral jet air cushions with high pressure air provided by electrically driven axial flow compressors. (Author)