Turbolift
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A turbolift ("turbo-elevator" in some sources) is a highspeed human transport device in the Star Trek universe which is similar to an elevator. Turbolifts travel through so-called 'Turboshafts' built into starships or buildings both horizontally and vertically to reach designated destinations.
It is a part of the United Federation of Planets starships infrastructure. A Galaxy class starship has a number of turbolifts, and the ship's computer adjusts the number of cars in service based on demand. In some older designs, such as the Constitution class, there was exactly the same number of turbolift cars as terminal stations, and a lift car would normally be replaced with the lift car from its destination.
Turbolifts are airtight, watertight, and vacuum resistant. Turbolifts are considered a non-vital system on a starship as all decks can also be accessed via Jefferies tubes if the turbolifts are inoperative. They also have an emergency braking system to keep a turbolift stationary in the event of a system failure. Turbolifts are usually supplied with emergency escape hatches in the ceiling, which lead directly into the turboshaft.
Turboshafts are tubes that run horizontal or vertically throughout the starship, and allow turbolifts to reach almost any part of a starship. Vertical turboshafts have an emergency ladder running along the side near the doors, and manual releases are built into the shaft to allow people to manually open doors to escape a shaft. Instances where turboshafts have been seen used are "Disaster", when used by Captain Picard, and "Macrocosm", used by Captain Janeway. In The Final Frontier Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Doctor McCoy take a turboshaft closed for repairs to avoid capture by Sybok's forces.
Turbolifts were originally operated via a tactile interface, whereby the crewperson would squeeze a handle which protruded from the wall at around waist height, and announce the deck which they required. Since the 2270s the handle is no longer needed, and it is enough to just say the required deck.
[edit] External links
- Turbolift article at Memory Alpha, the Star Trek wiki.
