Skimmers: The Future of Mass Transit

Picture this: A bustling cityscape where vehicles hover inches off the ground, gliding effortlessly along the asphalt. A radiant display of dynamic colors zips by, each vehicle more vibrant than the last. Welcome to the world of Skimmers, the revolution in urban mass transportation.
Skimmers, a sci-fi fan's dream come true, are AI-operated vehicles primarily used in large cities and highways. These wondrous machines levitate just a tad above the road, thanks to superconducting units that repulse against specific materials in the roadway. By doing so, they manage to avoid causing any wear and tear on the roads, significantly reducing the maintenance costs.

How Do They Move?

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Repulse Plate

Superconductive Repulse Plate commonly used in Skimmers.

The secret sauce lies in the modulation of power output and the angling of pads underneath the Skimmers. It is this technology that allows the Skimmers to accelerate, brake, and make turns just like their wheeled counterparts. But here's where it gets interesting – these advanced vehicles do not require fuel, tires, lubricants, or coolants, significantly cutting down on both maintenance and environmental costs.

Mass Transit, Made Personal

You might be wondering how one might go about using these floating marvels. The Skimmer system operates on a subscription basis, offering plans ranging from basic to premium, with a skimmer to match every taste and need. From the utilitarian to the extravagant, the fleet of Skimmers offers options aplenty.
Need a high-speed, luxurious ride for a meeting across town? Grab a 'Business Class' Skimmer. Or perhaps you're looking for an economical commute? A 'Standard Class' should suit your needs. The options even extend to the dynamic paint jobs on the Skimmers. From the city's gleaming skyline to a psychedelic explosion of colors, your ride can be as unique as you.
However, there is always the adventurous adolescent who gets a hold of the paint job controller and gives the town a rather... eye-opening ride.

Rovers: The Rural Cousin

Now, let's journey to the areas that haven't yet embraced the road materials necessary for Skimmers. For these regions, traditional tires – think rubber-band material with flexible wheel housings – are the go-to. These AI-operated 'rovers' offer manual control for off-road adventures, making them a popular choice in smaller towns and rugged terrains.

The Skimmer Spectrum

Skimmers come in various shapes and sizes, and just like cars, there are different models for different needs. The Single User Skimmer is perfect for the solo commuter, while the 2 User, 6 User, or 12 User options are suitable for group travels.
Need to transport some goods? There's a 'Cargo Only' model. Looking for a mix? The 'Passengers + Cargo' Skimmer will do the job. The 'Long Distance' Skimmer is perfect for interstate journeys, while 'Sport' and 'Supersport' classes will give you the adrenaline rush you desire. And let's not forget the 'Luxury' class for those seeking elegance and comfort.
These Skimmers, whether sleek or blocky, represent a new wave of innovation from numerous companies that manufacture them. And as we inch towards a future with sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced transportation, it seems that the world of Skimmers is just getting started. Fasten your seatbelts, or rather, your hover-belts – it's going to be an exciting ride!

Power Generation

The juice that keeps these Skimmers afloat comes from a power source as innovative as the vehicles themselves. Nestled within the robust frames of these vehicles lie high-density battery units, the lifeblood of Skimmer operations. The design of these powerhouses is a testament to engineering genius, crafted for durability, efficiency, and rapid charging.
The capabilities of these batteries push the boundaries of what we've come to expect from electric vehicles. They are the endurance runners of the power world, capable of propelling Skimmers throughout the day under normal conditions without batting an energy eyelid. So, whether it's a quick trip to the grocery store or an all-day adventure across town, these batteries have got your Skimmer covered. Power outages are so last century!

Propulsion

In the world of Skimmers, wheeled vehicles have taken a unique spin on an age-old method of propulsion. Magnetic motors, the go-to choice for these vehicles, apply torque to their tires, setting them in motion. This ingenuity is what makes the journey on these vehicles a smooth glide, no matter the twists and turns on the road.
However, magnetic motors are not the only kids on the block. The repulse plates, constructed from a superconductive material, come in as the second most used propulsion system. When electrified, they repel against certain materials embedded into roadways, providing the thrust needed for motion. The beauty of this system lies in the ability to angle these plates, which in turn enables acceleration, braking, and turning— a functionality that brings an added layer of precision to Skimmer navigation.  
There's a third, albeit less common, mode of propulsion: propellant. Operating either under pressure or by combustion to generate thrust, this method offers a unique capability— short-distance flight! However, the use of propellant propulsion is closely regulated, requiring special licenses. This niche form of propulsion adds a fascinating dimension to Skimmer mobility, taking transport literally to new heights!

Weapons & Armament

Skimmers do not have any weapons or armament options. There may be some that have modifications but it is illegal.

Armor and defense

Some of the high end models for VIP passengers offer bullet proof options, electronic countermeasures, and military grade AI piloting.

Communication Tools & Systems

All skimmers are controlled by an AI piloting them. This AI is tied into the main transportation system for the sector. This allows all vehicles to be in constant communication with each other. They can move much faster and cordinate movement and emergency data at computer speeds.

Sensors

Skimmers have the ability for see in many different spectrums. They can operate at high speeds in many weather conditions, in the daylight, and at night. They are awar of what is happening around them at all times and can avoide people, obstacles, road hazards, collisions with other skimmers. It is very rare for there to be an accident, though equipment malfunctions have been known to occur.

Hangars & docked vessels

Most skimmers will auto-dock at a nearby charge station when needed. It is an automated process at takes only a few minutes to get a full charge and be back on their way.

Important Skimmers

Finian Rist