Ballistic Rapid Transit

by **Purple Puppy** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 2:07 pm

Ballistic Rapid Transit

by Purple Puppy » Sat Jul 25, 2009 2:07 pm

Purple Puppy: White Belt; Posts: 3; Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:26 pm

This novel form of transportation will fire capsules containing humans using a circular track that accelerates the capsule over tens of kilometers to hypersonic speeds with linear induction motors. The capsule would then fly for thousands of kilometers in a quasi-orbital trajectory before landing in a straight track leading to another circular track that deccelerates the capsule. To ensure that the capsule lands precisely on the track without causing great shock to the occupants within, powerful electromagnets outside the track will guide the position of the capsule to within millimeter precision.

Each capsule will be shaped like a golf ball to reduce aerodynamic drag, and contain the pressurized air within for the occupants' comfort. The cabin within the capsule containing the occupants will rotate as needed so as to counter the forces that the capsule is subject to.

This form of transportation would surely render conventional aircraft, high-speed rail, etc obsolete. Such a system may be easily adapted to fire the capsules into outer space, where a number of satellites with electromagnets would further increase or decrease the speed of the capsule, so as to achieve convenient interplanetary travel.

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