How loud is SkyTran?
SkyTran is probably the quietest transportation system ever invented. All the noisiest parts of conventional vehicles are replaced by no-contact magnetic levitation and linear electric motor drive. There is no engine and no tires; hardly any moving parts at all except the car riding its magnetic cushion down the guideway. The only noise source is air friction — like the silence of a sailplane ride. The minimal frontal area and aerodynamic streamlining that give SkyTran 200+ MPG efficiency mean even this noise will be minimal. Most of the wind noise of a 30-MPH glider are from its wings; so since SkyTran’s lift is magnetic, even a 100 MPH SkyTran car may be quieter. On the street 20 feet below, think of the “whoosh” of a bicycle going by (but without the racheting gears) — almost unnoticeable.
