THE TRACKED RAM AIR CUSHION VEHICLE (TRACV). A SYSTEM DEFINITION STUDY

Recent progress in the study of aerodynamic levitation for high speed ground transportation vehicles (the so-called 'ram wing') has led to the concept of a Tracked Ram Air Cushion Vehicle (TRACV). In this study, the TRACV concept is viewed as an air-supported alternative to the tracked air cushion vehicle, and is seen to be a viable tracked levitated vehicle (TLV) system candidate that offers potential advantages of technical simplicity. The basic principles of dynamic air cushion levitation and guidance and the features of system components are described. Fluid and electromagnetically propelled vehicles are evaluated in terms of a system with 100 passenger vehicles with a 300 mph cruise capability, with emphasis given to the technically more attractive fluid propulsion system. Areas requiring further analysis and development are discussed.

• Corporate Authors:

  Mitre Corporation

  Westgate Research Park
  McLean, VA  United States  22101
• Authors:
  • Fraize, W E
  • Barrows, T M
• Publication Date: 1973-11

Media Info

• Pagination: 224 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: High speed ground transportation; Magnetic levitation vehicles; Tracked air cushion vehicles
• Old TRIS Terms: Ram wing vehicles
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00056904
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: MTR-6554-Rev-1 Tech Rpt
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FR-30015
• Files: NTIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 22 1974 12:00AM