Outlook of the Superconducting Maglev

The superconducting maglev has been developed as an ultra-high speed mass transport system. It makes use of modern superconducting magnets (SCMs), which enable a large gap electro-dynamic suspension and an efficient linear motor propulsion. Running tests have been conducted smoothly on the 18.4-km-long Yamanashi Maglev Test Line since 1997 and reaped the harvests such as the maximum speed of 581 km/h, relative speed of 1026 km/h on two trains' passing test and on-board high temperature SCM running tests. In March 2005 the Committee under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport appreciated that "all the technologies of the Superconducting Maglev necessary for the future revenue service were established." Based on this situation, JR Central has decided to expand the existing test line as well as renew the existing facilities and equipment into those of the future revenue service level. Furthermore, the company has decided to promote the Tokaido Shinkansen Bypass project utilizing the superconducting maglev system.