Development of High-Speed uST Direction Will Reach New Heights

The high-speed transport sector will gain new opportunities for implementation. The founder of Unitsky String Technologies Inc., GTI Inc., has decided to focus its funding exclusively on urban and cargo uST solutions, which are already entering the market. UST Inc. views this development positively. Strengthening support for these directions at such a crucial time is the most rational decision. At the same time, the development of high-speed transport will enter a new phase, bringing its practical realization closer.

Expanding Horizons

UST Inc. now has an opportunity to obtain more substantial funding for high-speed transport from other sources. For example, negotiations are underway with several companies interested in implementing the technology in the United States. This shift in focus will allow the achievement of set goals to be accelerated.

The high-speed string rail transport has been designed and developed within the limits of available funding. Significant results have been achieved within a constrained budget: key technological solutions have been developed, a prototype uPod has been created, complex tests have been conducted, and an initial (kilometer-long) section of the test track has been constructed. Thus, this direction has reached the stage of designing, producing, and testing prototypes, developing detailed project documentation, constructing test demonstration and certification complexes, and patenting key elements. However, according to UST Inc. specialists, the work done so far constitutes only 1% of what is necessary to realize the technology.

For example, to achieve a cruising speed of 500 km/h, a test track of at least 25 km is required, whereas the current track only allows for speeds of up to 80 km/h. Building this test line will require significant financial investments and land allocation. It is clear that there is a long-standing need for separate funding for the high-speed direction. It is for this reason (as stated in the memorandum) that GTI Inc. has decided to promote the sale of only ready-made products from UST Inc. to expedite the capitalization of assets.

The fee for designing high-speed transport will become an additional source of revenue for UST Inc. This will bring the company closer to the moment when it can start making payments to its founder, related to the commercialization of the technology.

Current Project Status

Until stable project funding tied to specific land plots begins, the designers at the high-speed transport office uST will continue working on creating a prototype self-propelled chassis for uFlash, first presented in 2018. The primary focus is on improving ride characteristics, increasing passenger comfort, reducing noise levels, and ensuring stability and smooth movement.

Specialists are also working on the concept of a test stand for high-speed rail electric vehicle traction trolleys, including the formation of technical requirements, developing descriptions of operating modes, and establishing test parameters.

Furthermore, engineering calculations analysis, smoothness of movement, and noise level assessments have been conducted. All results and recommendations have been handed over to the rolling stock management of UST Inc. for further development.

Comprehensive work has been done on the dual-hull high-speed uPod and the uPod with capacities of 2, 36, and 40 passengers. Activities include developing concepts, technical appearances, layout solutions, and technical requirements, as well as covering the following areas:

• Logistics of the high-speed transport complex.
• Baggage loading and unloading processes.
• Architectural solutions for stations and platforms, as well as passenger service schemes.
• Material and construction studies, including emergency towing devices, damping nose part, and contact conductor network.
• Development of requirements for systems and equipment, including steel wheel suspension options.

Future Prospects

The mission of the high-speed uST transport is to connect local urban networks into a regional and international global system. The current cruising speed (up to 500 km/h) will eventually increase to 600 km/h, and when transitioning to pre-vacuum tubes – up to 1,200 km/h.

The competitive advantages of this uST solution include low construction and transportation service costs, low energy consumption, complete logistics automation, unprecedented safety levels, high speed with low operating costs, the use of renewable energy sources, minimal negative impact on humans and the environment, time savings and cost reductions for passengers, and a quick payback period.

The promising nature of the product is also defined by the characteristics of the rail electric vehicles for high-speed transport:

• Cruising speed – up to 500 km/h.
• Maximum longitudinal track slope – up to 15%.
• uPod capacity: public – from 6 to 48 people, private – from 1 to 6.
• Maximum number of uPods in a coupling – up to 10 (with a total train capacity of up to 480 people).
• Performance – 100 million passengers per year and more.
• Minimum interval between couplings (trains) – 30 seconds.
• Minimum linear interval between trains – 4 km.

High-speed uST technologies are a promising direction capable of fundamentally changing the global transport industry, redefining the very perception of transport, enhancing passenger comfort and safety, and stimulating the economic development of cities and countries.