Turbolift

Intraship personnel transport on board starships and starbases is provided by the turboelevator (commonly known as turbolift) system. This network of inductively powered transport tubes allows high-speed personnel movement throughout the habitable volume of the vehicle.

Each turbolift car consists of a lightweight duranium composite framework supporting a cylindrical personnel cab fabricated from microfoamed duranium sheeting. Motive force is provided by three linear induction motors mounted longitudinally within the cab's exterior frame. These induction motors derive power from the electromagnetic conduits located along the length of each turboshaft and are capable of accelerations approaching 10 m/sec^2. For crew comfort, an internal damping matrix at the base of the cab reduces (but does not eliminate) the acceleration effects of turbolift motion.

An auditory pickup within the cab provides the ability for crew to vocally command the operation of the turbolift. Upon receipt of the destination instructions from a passenger, the individual car queries the network control computer and recieves instructions on optimal routing. Such route instructions take into account other turbolift cars currently active within the network. The voice pickup also allows automatic voiceprint identification of passengers, permitting inobtrusive screening of unauthorized personnel to restricted areas.

During alert status or reduced power scenarios, turbolift usage may be restricted or completely prohibited at the discretion of the Commanding Officer. In such cases, personnel movement among decks is still possible because of a secondary network of vertical ladder passageways and Jefferies tubes.

While docked at a starbase, the turboelevator system can be linked directly to the support facility's own turbolift system. This is accomplished by means of a connect terminus located adjacent to the main bridge of most starships. When so linked, turbolift cars can travel freely between the starbase and the ship.