Cloud Cars

Cloud cars are medium- and high-atmosphere vehicles that utilize a combination of repulsorlift and ion engine propulsion for speed. They are capable of achieving speeds in excess of 1,500 kilometers per hour, with cruising heights ranging from a few kilometers up to near-space altitudes of over 100 kilometers.

On standard worlds, cloud cars are used as high-altitude patrol and defense craft, keeping incoming ships and super-atmospheric transports in appropriate landing corridors. There are few private owners of cloud cars due to their expense and limited utility.

The major manufacturer of cloud cars is Bespin Motors. Because Cloud City is located within the atmosphere of a gas giant, cloud cars are common transportation there—standard repulsor vehicles do not have the altitude range needed to be useful on the planet. Bespin Motors has designed a wide variety of pleasure craft, air taxis, and other personal vehicles for use on Bespin, though these models are of limited popularity on other worlds.

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Source: REUP:411