15.1Technical Inspections:
Hybrid PT compliant vehicles will be required to pass technical inspections (“Tech Inspections”), every time a vehicle enters onto the Grid Approach Rail. Most of the inspection will be by way of electronic communications between a vehicle’s sensors and the main Grid computer, however, a visual inspection by sensors will be required to insure a vehicle is not damaged or modified as Grid vehicles may run as close as a few inches apart at high speeds and can not have loose bumpers, protruding dents or other hazzards.
15.2Retirement of Timed-Out Components:
While aircraft have strict life time limits for many parts such as turbine blades and hoses (Life-Limited Parts), and require extremely detailed documentation as to replacement dates and servicing facilities, Grid vehicles will be less documented but equally protected from overworked components. Within the Grid vehicle will be a computer which will record each Life-Limited Part’s usage and know when it requires replacement (or is “Timed-Out”). A vehicle which enters the Grid Approach Rail with any Timed-Out parts will be rejected and Booted before reaching the Main Grid Lane.
15.3Thrust Plate:
The most important component of a Grid compliant vehicle will be the vehicle’s Trust Plate (see Section 9.1 and 11.7 “Thrust Plate”), which carries the weight of a Grid vehicle when in transit. The Thrust Plate, with its series of small solid wheels made of plastic, stainless steel or rubber will require replacement at 10,000 mile intervals reaching 50,000 mile intervals within a few years of development. Normal items such as brake linings and ball joints will require replacement. In the design phase, a mechanism which allows for quick removal of one Thrust Plate, and installation of another, is of critical importance. These plates will be interchangeable in about the same amount of time as a typical oil change or tire replacement, and will be mass produced to a single design dimension to take advantage of bulk pricing. To keep costs low, thrust Plates will be replaced through an exchange program and rebuilt by various certified shops located at convenient locations.
15.4Electric Motor Replacement:
Changing of electric motors will be more involved and water cooling may be incorporated to cool windings and lengthen service life at high speeds. Power may switch back and forth between front and rear engines to further avoid sustained high temperatures. Temperature monitors will advise the operator and Grid control in the event of “hot” motors and the vehicle will be automatically slowed, disconnected from other vehicles and Booted at the next exit.
15.5Little Remaining Maintenance Expense:
A Grid vehicle will require little other maintenance expense as there will be no oil to change, and relatively few moving parts. Grid vehicle repair facilities will be located at vehicle dealers as well as Grid Approach Lanes and Departure Lanes.
Thomas Pumpelly (Email)