Because of their size and efficiency Ogura air blowers are being
used to provide the lift for shuttle trains. Similar to a hover
craft these hover trains are lifted by an electric motor turning
the Ogura air blower. Each blower powers a number of the 86
individual air pads. There are two trains per system connected
via a cable. Once the blowers are energized and the trains lift
off the track the force to pull the cable is relatively small,
for the weight of the train, because the air pads eliminate any
surface or rolling friction. The trains are normally used for
short runs, such as airport satellite terminals to a main
terminal, but can operate effectively up to one mile apart.
Because there are no wheels, gas or diesel engines or direct
drive electric motors, the system is very quiet and the ride is
extremely smooth. Since there are no elements in the drive train
that have rolling friction, lubrication needs are minimized, so
both maintenance and oil and grease consumption are reduced.