TUBE VEHICLE SYSTEMS

The tube vehicle class is one of several advanced transportation concepts studies by TRW Systems Group for the Department of Transportation as a possible means of providing safe high speed inter-city transportation along densely populated areas such as the Northeast Corridor. The tube vehicle class consists of those systems requiring a complete enclosure such as a tube or tunnel surrounding the train during operation. The enclosure requirement may come from the need for a reduced pressure or a need for a continuous support for the vehicle suspension. Tunneling to avoid unfavorable terrain or unfavorable community reaction, or to provide all-weather capability does not classify a transportation concept as a tube vehicle system (TVS) although these attributes are characteristic of the class. The TVS class is able to achieve ultra-high speeds (300 to 450 mph) without enormous power plants or large expenditure of energy. Preliminary subsystem elements are considered in the light of the high speed requirements and the TVS class characteristics. A baseline representative TVS is defined evaluating the design characteristics and relative investment and operating costs for alternate combinations of subsystems. The baseline system consists of electrically propelled, mechanically suspended steel wheels on steel rails and travels through an underground guideway which is at reduced pressure. Design solutions for propulsion, braking and suspension are suggested, and R and D requirements are identified. (Author)

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Report on High-Speed Ground Transportation Systems Engineering Study.
• Corporate Authors:

  TRW Systems Group

  One Space Park
  Redondo Beach, CA  United States  90278
• Publication Date: 1970-5

Media Info

• Pagination: 759 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Expenses; High speed ground transportation; Intelligent transportation systems; Interstate transportation; Passenger cars; Passenger vehicles; Pneumatic conveyors; Public transit
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced systems; Tube vehicles
• Subject Areas: Design; Finance; Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039243
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: 06818-6038-RO-00 Final Rpt
• Contract Numbers: DOT-C-353-66
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 24 1973 12:00AM