THE AIRTRAIN: AN AIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGY GROUND TRANSPORTATION

This article describes the airtrain, a new form of high speed ground transportation in intercity travel. Since speed is a prime factor in the public's acceptance of an intercity travel mode, the airtrain would be feasible, providing a safe, weather protected, ground level transportation system. The technology of the aircraft industry has made this concept possible. Aerodynamic estimates are given, and airbearing studies are detailed with explanatory figures. A table is also given comparing the airtrain with other transporting systems. Because of its promising potential, testing will continue on development of the airbearing, on wind tunnel scale models, and an economic feasibility study will be undertaken.

• Corporate Authors:

  Planning Transport Associates, Incorporated

  P.O. Box 4824, Duke Station
  Durham, NC  United States  27706
• Authors:
  • Lehl, E L
  • Zumwalt, G W
• Publication Date: 1974-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 10-15
• Serial:
  • High Speed Ground Transportation Journal
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue Number: 2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; Aircraft; Gas bearings; Ground transportation; High speed ground transportation; Innovation; Intercity transportation; Intercity travel; Technology; Transportation; Urban transportation
• Old TRIS Terms: Future concepts; Transportation technology
• Subject Areas: Planning and Forecasting; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00096099
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 10 1975 12:00AM