The Westfield POD is the new incarnation of the Ultra vehicle currently in operation at Heathrow Terminal 5. Comfortable and robust, the Westfield PODs are well-proven, reliable vehicles that are built from off-the-shelf automotive industry components and use advanced technology to provide a unique transport solution.
They feature an aluminium ladder frame chassis onto which the majority of the vehicle propulsion and guidance equipment is mounted. Sitting on top of the chassis is an aluminium honeycomb floor. Above this the vehicle is constructed of a steel frame and either ABS, GRP or carbon fibre panel body that can be fitted with single- or double-side electric doors. This sits on four wheels with rubber pneumatic tyres, with front-wheel steering and conventional damped-spring suspension.
Interior panels vacuum-formed from grey, grained ABS
Wheelchair accessible
Enhanced experience for deaf, hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted (currently under development)
Front and rear facing main seats and two side mounted flip down seats providing flexible accommodation for 4 -6 adults
Illuminating door/control switches
Two-way communications between passengers and control team
Internal and externally releasable emergency exit (locked while vehicle in motion)
Passenger information LCD screens
Internal lighting sufficient for reading
Vehicle signs/symbols and information labels
Non-slip, easy-clean floor covering or luxury carpeting available
Cabin heating, ventilation and air conditioning
Cabin smoke detector and emergency fire extinguisher
Chassis, suspension and steering systems
Fabricated aluminium ‘ladder frame’ lower chassis with structural aluminium honeycomb floor and bulkhead panels
Separate front and rear aluminium fabricated sub-frames with mountings for suspension, steering, motor/transmission and batteries
Bumper structure designed to progressively absorb impact energy
Welded steel tubular upper frame to support exterior and interior bodywork, side doors and front/rear hatches
Double wishbone suspension front and rear using predominantly aluminium machined wishbones, coil over damper units and standard automotive joints, bearings and bushes
Rack and pinion steering gear, operated by automotive electric power steering unit
13” Wheels with automotive tubeless radial (135x70R13) tyres
Exterior body, doors and glazing
Body panels constructed in self-coloured ABS with high gloss acrylic capping, GRP or carbon fibre
Exterior panels bonded to vehicle structure
Twin leaf plug and slide doors
Doors actuated by DC motors through reduction gearbox and locking linkage system
Microprocessor controlled door operation
Vacuum-formed acrylic ‘quarter window’ glazing, available in varying levels of tint to suit your requirements
External vehicle operating and warning lights and programable sound generator
Control and guidance
Autonomous guidance, navigation and control unit using a combination of sensors for navigation
Condition and performance monitoring of vehicle components and systems
Automatic Vehicle Protection System to prevent collision between vehicles and infrastructure
Wireless communication system for 2-way data, passenger communication and command exchange between vehicle and system central control
Fleet Management System (FMS) available if required
Bespoke Builds
The Pods can be adapted both internally and externally to suit a variety applications and environments.
The POD interiors are customisable, with the vacuum-formed grey panels offering a neutral base onto which appropriate designs and graphics can be printed. In addition to these aesthetic styling options, the PODs have many customisable interior features:
The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems which provide passenger comfort during journeys, can be adapted to suit different environmental conditions and extremes of temperature
Interior LCD screens enables the operator to provide the passenger with relevant information about their journey; they can also be used to provide other services, such as advertising local services and amenities
A smart-card system can also be incorporated for destination selection and payment
Exterior Aesthetics
The exterior of the vehicle is formed from vacuum-formed panels, constructed using self-coloured ABS with high-gloss acrylic capping, attached to a tubular steel frame. This setup allows considerable flexibility in design, as each panel, including the windows, can be stylised as required. This enables completely different styles to be implemented in each system without significant delays or design and tooling costs.
The exterior design flexibility enables the client to visually integrate the PODs system with the architecture and location environment. Application of vehicle wraps provide a blank canvas for advertisements and the generating of addition income.
The PODs can also be modified to carry freight, with the flat floor and large door opening, enabling pallet-based goods to be easily loaded and unloaded. They can be adapted for cold storage and waste handling. While in transit, the freight POD will, to the casual eye, look in keeping with the remainder of the vehicles in the fleet, maintaining the prestigious appearance of the fleet in operation.
Vehicle Specifications
The physical specifications for the Ultra pods are given below. The vehicle features a flat floor which aligns accurately with stations to allow safe and easy access for push chairs, wheelchairs, luggage and people and meets the access requirements in both the UK (Disability Discrimination Act, DDA) and the US (Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA).
