Why Birds Pose No Threat to uST Transport Systems

Bird collisions have long been recognized in aviation as one of the most serious safety hazards. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), tens of thousands of bird strike incidents are recorded annually. Even a small bird entering an aircraft engine can disable it, and for small aircraft, such incidents can have catastrophic consequences. Against this backdrop, a logical question arises: should above-ground transport solutions such as uST string rail systems be concerned about similar threats?

The Primary Threat

Most known bird species fly at altitudes of 400–800 meters, which coincides with the takeoff and landing zones of aircraft. Not every bird collision leads to aircraft failure, but a bird entering a jet engine turbine almost always causes damage. In fact, the annual damage from such incidents is estimated to cost around $2 billion annually in the United States.

Birds also pose a threat to small aircraft, even though these are typically not equipped with jet engines. Since this type of transport moves at relatively high speeds (200–300 km/h), a collision with a large bird generates immense kinetic energy, comparable to being hit by a heavy object. This can lead to serious damage and endanger the lives of crew and passengers.

Fundamental Differences of uST

Although string rail transport is considered an above-ground solution, its design is fundamentally different, making birds largely non-threatening for several reasons.

Firstly, uPods travel strictly along a string rail overpass located at a set height (around 10 meters). Birds tend to avoid static linear obstacles and adapt to their presence over time, as they have with power lines and bridges.

Secondly, uPods have no turbines or propellers in their design. The vehicles are powered by electric traction through wheel pairs, which birds physically cannot enter, eliminating the risk of mechanical disruption.

Thirdly, the shape of uPods is optimized for speeds up to 500 km/h. Their streamlined aerodynamic bodies minimize air resistance and reduce the impact of accidental bird contact. In contrast, airplanes have protruding wings, engines, and flaps, which significantly increase their vulnerability to external influences.

Fourth, birds are highly adaptive and generally avoid active objects in their habitat. uST systems are positioned above roadways but below air traffic corridors. This is a kind of “neutral zone” where bird activity is significantly lower than at altitudes below 100 meters (urban parks, fields, water bodies) or several hundred meters (migration routes).

Safety for Nature and People

UST Inc. engineers consider not only technical but also ecological aspects. The systems are designed with environmental care in mind, reflected in the following:

•    Minimal carbon footprint – electric power and energy efficiency
•    No stress factors for birds – absence of loud engines and sudden airflows
•    Integration into natural landscapes – routes follow the shortest path and avoid creating major barriers for animal migration

A Practical Solution

Unlike airplanes and small aircraft, where birds remain a serious safety hazard, this issue is virtually eliminated in string transport (uST). Contributing factors include the fixed track, absence of turbines, aerodynamic design of uPods, and the ecological orientation of the systems themselves.

Thus, uST represents not only a safe and fast mode of transport but also an example of harmonious coexistence between modern technology and wildlife.