Ground Support Vehicle

A Ground Supported Vehicle, or GSV, was a class of vehicle that is supported above the ground by wheels. It was first introduced by Polaris Hovercaraft Ltd., the year is uncertain. A GSV, was powered by a internal combustion engine that burned refined crude oil and was injected into the engine, the oil, usually called petroleum, was than ignited via an electric spark that caused the oil to explode and push a piston in a chamber that turned a wheel that connected to a shaft to the rear two wheels. This system was called the "Transmission", and this transmission system had 3-6 modes, depending on the vehicle's power. The modes were gears that were activated by engaging the drivetrain's clutch that allowed a shift stick to move freely at high speeds, once the clutch is released, the shift stick is moved into a proper position, or the next mode, and the clutch is released allowing the vehicle to move faster. To drive one of these required some skill, and in 5 BBY, a automated transmission was invented by Aldamare, another GSV Manufacturer.

Advantages
GSV's were very powerful, but could not reach speeds that flying vehicles could, but the GSV was able to carry tons of cargo over long distances safely, and was able to provide travel between places that had no places to land flying vehicles, such as places like Chyornija on Advan.

Disadvantages
Among their first years of existance, a GSV was a symbol of a person's Wealth, owning a large 12-piston GSV meant you were rich. But by the 10th year of their existence, they were Dirty, Loud, Dangerous, and Required much maitainance, although the latter was always common, these first generation GSV's were known as "Oilers", since they required oil to run, oil to lubricate mechanized parts, which the first were all mechanized, and needed special oils to operate certain things. But by the 11th year, all the hassle was put aside by producing less brittle mechanic systems bu using higher quality metals and elements like Aluminum that needed less oiling. But these brought problems to GSV owners, since it costed more for high quality parts than standard parts. Even though it required less maintenance, it required more oil when maintainance was done. Thus making it more expensive. But people avoided this by putting something called "Tracer" in the mechanics system. And how complex it may seem, Tracer was nothing but animal fat boiled at high temperatures and let dry, making a soft greasy substance that lasted longer than oil. For several years this was commonly made in home, but a company took notice and produced animal-based products made especially for GSV's.

Popularity
By their 50th year, they were owned by everyone on Mid-rim planets near Advan. But they were always welcome on Advan. New things like chromium-plated trimmings, white-sided wheels, bright colors, and even retractable roofs. 2-way and 1-way radio devices were also more common, and they were very big, compared to earlier and later models of GSV. Racing, shows, and customizing became a reason for these showy parts, legal and illegal races were held, and both always had an audience. There were even people making up their own models and companies. This era spawned renowned companies like Delva, Janin, Microat, and Star-Nikka.