Maglev

This paper discusses the potential for magnetically levitated (maglev) vehicles as a means of both inter-city travel and a technology option to relieve the growing problem of air traffic congestion. It begins with a brief summary of the two primary maglev concepts: (1) the attractive-force, electromagnetic system (EMS) and (2) the repulsive-force, electrodynamic system (EDS), and continues with a discussion of the advantages, potential for reduced costs and higher reliability, that the newly discovered, high-temperature superconductors offer for EDS maglev vehicles. A summary of the current status of worldwide maglev research is presented, followed by a discussion of the resurgence of U.S. interest in maglev. An analysis of air-traffic congestion suggests that maglev can substitute for short-to-medium distance air travel. By promoting maglev as an airline technology, airlines can retain their familiar hub-and-spoke systems with maglevs an integral part of the spoke portion. Maglev energy consumption would be significantly less and would not have the emissions associated with petroleum fuel. Because maglev vehicles, cruising at speeds of 300 mi/h, are essentially a fuselage without wings, aircraft manufacturers could be the logical industry to build them. Finally, passengers should benefit from maglev technology: travel options will be extended, delays will be reduced, and costs for inter-city travel will be reduced