How steep can it climb?
The vehicle is configured to climb grades in excess of 15% and negotiate switchbacks along the GuideRail route. This capability allows the vehicle to traverse the North American Continental Divide at a number of locations without tunneling. The combination of motorized traction wheels and Ducted Thrust Fans provides the power to move a fully loaded vehicle along rather steep grades even when less than ideal traction conditions are present. This capability provides unparalleled options in GuideRail path sighting and the resulting costs of construction. It has been estimated that a bi-directional tunnel through the Continental Divide for an interstate highway routed high-speed rail system would cost $1 Billion for the tunnel and its approaches. The ATI system does not require this type of construction expenditure.
