SkyCar
It takes two minutes in the SkyCar to reach the top of the arch. A 360º view of Durban awaits you. See all of the city landmarks by day. Breathtaking!
Skycar Closed
Date: Friday 24th May 2013
Time: 08:00 – 13:00
The System
The funicular runs along the length of the north arch from the lower station to the upper station at the SkyPlatform. The gradient
of the arch varies substantially; therefore the funicular is fitted with a hydraulic self levelling floor.
The cabin is framed by glass windows with entrance and exit doors at either end. The roof consists of glass louvres that can be
opened electronically by the driver for ventilation. The passengers travel up the arch in a standing position holding onto the handrail around the perimeter.
The SkyCar is operated by a single driver. He/she drives the SkyCar from the inside of the cabin. The ascent and descent are
started by the press of a button. The opening and closing of the automated doors is controlled by the driver. The braking of
the SkyCar at the lower and upper station is automated. The release of the emergency brake system is also automated, but can also be manually applied by the driver.
The emergency brake system is activated automatically if the SkyCar accelerates to a speed outside normal working parameters
(defined in the technical operations manual).
A trip with the SkyCar runs along the top of the north arch to the SkyPlatform. The SkyCar returns by the same way.
The SkyCar is pulled up the arch by a wire rope. The rope is wound around a drum situated in the engine room below the lower
station. The drum is driven by a motor. The cable runs from the drum along the centre of the tracks to the top of the arch,
where it is returned to run back down the arch by a return wheel. The lower end is fixed to the SkyCar. In this manner the SkyCar is pulled up
the arch by winding the rope around the motorized drum in the engine room.
During descent the SkyCar essentially rolls down the arch in a controlled manner under its own gravity. For this reason the
SkyCar can be returned to the lower station in the event of a power failure. The cable drum and motor are fitted with two brakes,
a service brake and an emergency brake. The SkyCar is also fitted with an emergency brake.
