Editing Maglev (section)

== History ==

=== Development ===
In the late 1940s, the British electrical engineer [[Eric Laithwaite]], a professor at [[Imperial College London]], developed the first full-size working model of the [[linear motor|linear induction motor]]. He became professor of heavy electrical engineering at Imperial College in 1964, where he continued his successful development of the linear motor.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1999/oct/11/timradford |title=Nasa takes up idea pioneered by Briton – Magnetic levitation technology was abandoned by government |date=11 October 1999 |work=The Guardian |first=Tim |last=Radford |access-date=15 December 2016 |archive-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221110116/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1999/oct/11/timradford |url-status=live}}</ref> Since linear motors do not require physical contact between the vehicle and guideway, they became a common fixture on advanced transportation systems in the 1960s and 1970s. Laithwaite joined one such project, the [[Tracked Hovercraft]] RTV-31, based near Cambridge, UK, although the project was cancelled in 1973.<ref>[http://keelynet.com/gravity/laithobi.htm "Obituary for the late Professor Eric Laithwaite"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825091816/http://www.keelynet.com/gravity/laithobi.htm |date=25 August 2010}}, ''Daily Telegraph'', 6 December 1997.</ref>

The linear motor was naturally suited to use with maglev systems as well. In the early 1970s, Laithwaite discovered a new arrangement of magnets, the [[magnetic river]], that allowed a single linear motor to produce both lift and forward thrust, allowing a maglev system to be built with a single set of magnets. Working at the [[British Rail Research Division]] in [[Derby]], along with teams at several civil engineering firms, the "transverse-flux" system was developed into a working system.

The first commercial maglev [[people mover]] was simply called "[[Air-Rail Link#Maglev|MAGLEV]]" and officially opened in 1984 near [[Birmingham]], England. It operated on an elevated {{convert|600|m}} section of monorail track between [[Birmingham Airport, West Midlands|Birmingham Airport]] and [[Birmingham International railway station]], running at speeds up to {{convert|42|km/h}}. The system was closed in 1995 due to reliability problems.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/488394.stm|title=The magnetic attraction of trains|work=BBC News|date=9 November 1999|access-date=28 November 2010|archive-date=6 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706104829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/488394.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== First maglev patent ===
High-speed transportation patents were granted to various inventors throughout the world.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{US patent|3736880}}, 21 January 1972. Page 10, Column 1 Line 15 to Column 2 Line 25.</ref> The first relevant patent, {{US patent|714851}} (2 December 1902), issued to Albert C. Albertson, used magnetic levitation to take part of the weight off of the wheels while using conventional propulsion.

Early United States patents for a [[linear motor]] propelled train were awarded to German inventor {{ill|Alfred Zehden|de| Alfred Zehden|vertical-align=sup}}. The inventor was awarded {{US patent|782312}} (14 February 1905) and {{US patent|RE12700}} (21 August 1907).{{refn|group=note|Zehden describes a geometry in which the linear motor is used below a steel beam, giving partial levitation of the vehicle. These patents were later cited by ''Electromagnetic apparatus generating a gliding magnetic field'' by Jean Candelas ({{US patent|4131813}}), ''Air cushion supported, omnidirectionally steerable, traveling magnetic field propulsion device'' by Harry A. Mackie ({{US patent|3357511}}) and ''Two-sided linear induction motor especially for suspended vehicles'' by Schwarzer et al. ({{US patent|3820472}})}} In 1907, another early electromagnetic transportation system was developed by F. S. Smith.<ref name="US patent|859018">{{US patent|859018}}, 2 July 1907.</ref> In 1908, [[Cleveland]] mayor [[Tom L. Johnson]] filed a patent for a wheel-less "high-speed railway" levitated by an induced magnetic field.<ref name="US patent|1090213">{{US patent|1090213}}, 17 March 1914</ref> Jokingly known as "Greased Lightning," the suspended car operated on a 90-foot test track in Johnson's basement "absolutely noiseless[ly] and without the least vibration."<ref>Johnson, Tom L.. ''My Story.'' B. W. Huebsch, 1911; reprint Kent State University Press 1993. pg. xlv-xlvi</ref> A series of German patents for magnetic levitation trains propelled by linear motors were awarded to [[Hermann Kemper]] between 1937 and 1941.{{refn|group=note|These German patents would be GR643316 (1937), GR44302 (1938), GR707032 (1941).}} An early maglev train was described in {{US patent|3158765}}, "Magnetic system of transportation", by G. R. Polgreen on 25 August 1959. The first use of "maglev" in a United States patent was in "Magnetic levitation guidance system"<ref name="US patent|3858521">{{US patent|3858521}}; 26 March 1973.</ref> by [[Canadian Patents and Development Limited]].

=== New York, United States, 1912 ===
In 1912 French-American inventor [[Émile Bachelet]] demonstrated a model train with electromagnetic levitation and propulsion in Mount Vernon, New York.<ref>{{cite web|title=Here's an Aerial Vehicle Which Darts Along Poised Above Its Roadway|url=https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030214/1912-06-02/ed-1/seq-21/|work=[[New-York Tribune]] |date=2 June 1912 |pages=5, 7 |access-date=16 July 2023|archive-date=16 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716012839/https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030214/1912-06-02/ed-1/seq-21/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bachelet's first related patent, {{US patent|1020942}} was granted in 1912. The electromagnetic propulsion was by attraction of iron in the train by direct current solenoids spaced along the track. The electromagnetic levitation was due to repulsion of the aluminum base plate of the train by the pulsating current electromagnets under the track. The pulses were generated by Bachelet's own Synchronizing-interrupter {{US patent|986039}} supplied with 220 VAC. As the train moved it switched power to the section of track that it was on. Bachelet went on to demonstrate his model in London, England in 1914, which resulted in the registration of Bachelet Levitated Railway Syndicate Limited July 9 in London, just weeks before the start of WWI.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Macnair |first1=Miles |title=Emile Bachelet (1863–1946): The Showman and the Flying Train |journal=Transactions of the Newcomen Society |date=July 2008 |volume=78 |issue=2 |pages=235–260 |doi=10.1179/175035208X317693 }}</ref>

Bachelet's second related patent, {{US patent|1020943}} granted the same day as the first, had the levitation electromagnets in the train and the track was aluminum plate. In the patent he stated that this was a much cheaper construction, but he did not demonstrate it.

=== New York, United States, 1968 ===
In 1959, while delayed in traffic on the [[Throgs Neck Bridge]], [[James R. Powell (physicist)|James Powell]], a researcher at [[Brookhaven National Laboratory]] (BNL), thought of using magnetically levitated transportation.<ref name='maglevhissummary'>{{cite web |url=http://www.railserve.com/maglev.html |title=Magnetic Levitation for Transportation |publisher=railserve.com |first=Christopher |last=Muller |date=23 January 1997 |access-date=12 October 2007 |archive-date=8 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508232905/http://www.railserve.com/maglev.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Powell and BNL colleague [[Gordon Danby]] worked out a maglev concept using static magnets mounted on a moving vehicle to induce electrodynamic lifting and stabilizing forces in specially shaped loops, such as [[Electrodynamic suspension|figure-of-8 coils]] on a guideway.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bnl.gov/bnlweb/pubaf/pr/2000/bnlpr041800.html |title=Brookhaven Lab Retirees Win Benjamin Franklin Medal For Their Invention of Magnetically Levitated Trains |publisher=Brookhaven National Laboratory |date=18 April 2000 |access-date=13 June 2008 |archive-date=22 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222194752/http://www.bnl.gov/bnlweb/pubaf/pr/2000/bnlpr041800.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> These were patented in 1968–1969.<ref name="Powell & Danby US patent 3470828">{{cite patent | country = US | number = 3470828 | status = patent | title = Electromagnetic inductive suspension and stabilization system for a ground vehicle | pubdate = 1969-10-07 | gdate = 1969-10-07 | fdate = 1967-11-21 | pridate = 1967-11-21 | invent1 = James R Powell Jr | invent2 = Gordon T Danby | url = https://patents.google.com/patent/US3470828A/en}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106222810/https://patents.google.com/patent/US3470828A/en |date=6 January 2022}}</ref>

=== Japan, 1969 ===
{{See also|Chūō Shinkansen}}Japan operates two independently developed maglev trains. One is [[High Speed Surface Transport|HSST]] (and its descendant, the [[Linimo]] line) by [[Japan Airlines]] and the other, which is more well known, is [[SCMaglev]] by the [[Central Japan Railway Company]].

The development of the latter started in 1969. The first successful SCMaglev run was made on a short track at the [[Japanese National Railways]]' (JNR's) Railway Technical Research Institute in 1972.<ref name="usjmaglev">{{cite web| url=http://usjmaglev.com/usjmaglev/History.html| title=History| work=USJMAGLEV| author=U.S.-Japan Maglev| date=2012| access-date=26 December 2014| archive-date=28 July 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728110724/http://usjmaglev.com/usjmaglev/History.html| url-status=live}}</ref> Maglev trains on the [[SCMaglev#Miyazaki test track|Miyazaki test track]] (a later, 7&nbsp;km long test track) regularly hit {{convert|517|km/h}} by 1979. After an accident destroyed the train, a new design was selected. In [[Okazaki, Aichi|Okazaki]], Japan (1987), the SCMaglev was used for test rides at the Okazaki exhibition. Tests in Miyazaki continued throughout the 1980s, before transferring to a far longer test track, {{convert|20|km}} long, in Yamanashi in 1997. The track has since been extended to almost {{convert|43|km}}. The {{convert|603|km/h}} world speed record for crewed trains was set there in 2015.

Development of [[High Speed Surface Transport|HSST]] started in 1974. In [[Tsukuba]], Japan (1985), the HSST-03 ([[Linimo]]) became popular at the [[Expo '85|Tsukuba World Exposition]], in spite of its low {{convert|30|km/h}} top speed. In [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan (1988), the HSST-04-1 was revealed at the Saitama exhibition in [[Kumagaya]]. Its fastest recorded speed was {{convert|300|km/h}}.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sanchanta|first=Mariko|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704762904575024611266446690|title=High-Speed Rail Approaches Station|date=26 January 2010|publisher=WSJ|access-date=8 August 2017|archive-date=13 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813144109/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704762904575024611266446690|url-status=live}}</ref>

Construction of a new high-speed maglev line, the [[Chuo Shinkansen]], started in 2014. It is being built by extending the SCMaglev test track in Yamanashi in both directions. The completion date is unknown, with the estimate of 2027 no longer possible following a local governmental rejection of a construction permit.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/07/a97dfd2524f6-shizuoka-says-no-to-construction-for-new-maglev-train-service.html|title=JR Central gives up on opening new maglev train service in 2027|date=3 July 2020|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=3 October 2020|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930144839/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/07/a97dfd2524f6-shizuoka-says-no-to-construction-for-new-maglev-train-service.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Hamburg, Germany, 1979 ===
[[Transrapid]] 05 was the first maglev train with longstator propulsion licensed for passenger transportation. In 1979, a {{convert|908|m}} track was opened in [[Hamburg]] for the first {{ill|International Transportation Exhibition|de|Internationale Verkehrsausstellung|vertical-align=sup}} (IVA 79). Interest was sufficient that operations were extended three months after the exhibition finished, having carried more than 50,000 passengers. It was reassembled in [[Kassel]] in 1980.

=== Ramenskoye, Moscow, USSR, 1979 ===

In 1979 the [[USSR]] town of [[Ramenskoye, Moscow Oblast|Ramenskoye]] ([[Moscow oblast]]) built an experimental test site for running experiments with cars on magnetic suspension. The test site consisted of a 60-metre ramp which was later extended to 980 metres.<ref>[http://guryevandrey.narod.ru/artikals/Maglev.pdf "Дорога на магнитном подвесе: второе дыхание в России?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810143835/http://guryevandrey.narod.ru/artikals/Maglev.pdf |date=10 August 2013}}, ''РЖД-Партнёр'', 2009-10-01</ref> From the late 1970s to the 1980s five prototypes of cars were built that received designations from TP-01 (ТП-01) to TP-05 (ТП-05).<ref name=Skorenko2015>{{Cite web|url=https://www.popmech.ru/technologies/58629-sovetskiy-maglev-25-let-pod-tsellofanom/|title=Советский маглев: 25 лет под целлофаном|website=Популярная механика|access-date=14 June 2021|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614021901/https://www.popmech.ru/technologies/58629-sovetskiy-maglev-25-let-pod-tsellofanom/|url-status=live}}</ref> The early cars were supposed to reach the speed up to {{convert|100|km/h}}.

The construction of a maglev track using the technology from Ramenskoye started in [[Armenian SSR]] in 1987<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.izmerov.narod.ru/monor/monor5.html|title=The unknown russian monorail|website=www.izmerov.narod.ru|access-date=15 October 2018|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428032833/http://www.izmerov.narod.ru/monor/monor5.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and was planned to be completed in 1991. The track was supposed to connect the cities of [[Yerevan]] and [[Sevan, Armenia|Sevan]] via the city of [[Abovyan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://newslab.ru/news/626312|title=Юные красноярские железнодорожники разработали модель поезда на&nbsp;магнитной подушке|website=newslab.ru|access-date=2018-10-15|archive-date=15 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015192521/http://newslab.ru/news/626312|url-status=live |language=ru}}</ref> The original design speed was {{convert|250|km/h}} which was later lowered to {{convert|180|km/h}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://habr.com/ru/company/mailru/blog/410545/|title=Советский маглев: будущее, которое не случилось|website=habr.com|date=2 March 2018 |access-date=14 June 2021|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109023144/https://habr.com/ru/company/mailru/blog/410545/|url-status=live |language=ru}}</ref> However, the [[Spitak earthquake]] in 1988 and the [[First Nagorno-Karabakh War]] caused the project to freeze. In the end the overpass was only partially constructed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://russia-armenia.info/node/35882|title=Как маглев до Еревана не "доехал". Армения могла стать первой в СССР республикой с магнитным монорельсом|date=2017-02-19|work=Центр поддержки русско-армянских стратегических и общественных инициатив|access-date=2018-10-15|archive-date=15 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015192418/http://russia-armenia.info/node/35882|url-status=live |language=ru}}</ref>

In the early 1990s, the maglev theme was continued by the Engineering Research Center "TEMP" (ИНЦ "ТЭМП")<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://erc-temp.ru/|title=ОАО Инженерно-научный центр "ТЭМП"|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=19 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219150450/http://erc-temp.ru/|url-status=dead |language=ru}}</ref> this time by the order from the [[Government of Moscow|Moscow government]]. The project was named V250 (В250). The idea was to build a high-speed maglev train to connect [[Moscow]] to the [[Sheremetyevo airport]]. The train would consist of 64-seater cars and run at speeds up to {{convert|250|km/h}}.<ref name=Skorenko2015/> In 1993, due to the [[Economic history of the Russian Federation#1993|financial crisis]], the project was abandoned. However, from 1999 the "TEMP" research center had been participating as a co-developer in the creation of the linear motors for the [[Moscow Monorail]] system.

=== Birmingham, United Kingdom, 1984–1995 ===
[[File:Birmingham International Maglev.jpg|thumb|The Birmingham International Maglev shuttle]]
The world's first commercial maglev system was a [[AirRail Link#Maglev|low-speed maglev shuttle]] that ran between the airport terminal of [[Birmingham Airport|Birmingham International Airport]] and the nearby [[Birmingham International railway station]] between 1984 and 1995.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/488394.stm|title=The magnetic attraction of trains|work=BBC News|date=9 November 1999|access-date=9 September 2009|archive-date=6 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706104829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/488394.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Its track length was {{convert|600|m}}, and trains levitated at an altitude of {{convert|15|mm|disp=sqbr}}, levitated by electromagnets, and propelled with linear induction motors.<ref>Maglev, A film for The People Mover Group</ref> It operated for 11 years and was initially very popular with passengers,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The World's First Maglev Lines That No Longer Operate |url=https://www.maglev.net/worlds-first-maglev-lines-no-longer-operate |access-date=2022-06-10 |website=www.maglev.net |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128220252/https://www.maglev.net/worlds-first-maglev-lines-no-longer-operate |url-status=live }}</ref> but obsolescence problems with the electronic systems made it progressively unreliable<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goodall|first1=Roger|title=Maglev – an unfulfilled dream?|date=2012|page=6|url=https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/conference_contribution/Maglev_an_unfulfilled_dream_/9552941|access-date=26 July 2021|archive-date=26 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726050823/https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/conference_contribution/Maglev_an_unfulfilled_dream_/9552941|url-status=live}}</ref> as years passed, leading to its closure in 1995. One of the original cars is now on display at [[Railworld]] in Peterborough, together with the [[Research Test Vehicle 31|RTV31]] hover train vehicle. Another is on display at the National Railway Museum in York.

Several favourable conditions existed when the link was built:{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}
* The British Rail Research vehicle was 3 tonnes and extension to the 8-tonne vehicle was easy.
* Electrical power was available.
* The airport and rail buildings were suitable for terminal platforms.
* Only one crossing over a public road was required and no steep gradients were involved.
* Land was owned by the railway or airport.
* Local industries and councils were supportive.
* Some government finance was provided and because of sharing work, the cost per organization was low.

After the system closed in 1995, the original guideway lay dormant<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[Birmingham Mail]] |url=http://www.birminghammail.net/news/solihull-news/tm_objectid=17662730&method=full&siteid=50002&headline=new-plan-aims-to-bring-the-maglev-back-name_page.html |title=New plan aims to bring the Maglev back |access-date=1 September 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522011843/http://www.birminghammail.net/news/solihull-news/tm_objectid%3D17662730%26method%3Dfull%26siteid%3D50002%26headline%3Dnew-plan-aims-to-bring-the-maglev-back-name_page.html |archive-date=22 May 2011}}</ref> until 2003, when a replacement [[funicular|cable-hauled]] system, the [[AirRail Link]] Cable Liner people mover, was opened.<ref name="dcc-bhx">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcc.at/doppelmayr/references/en/tmp_1_1762145202/Birmingham,_UK_detail.aspx |title=AirRail Shuttle Birmingham International Airport |publisher=DCC Doppelmayr |access-date=16 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531203650/http://www.dcc.at/doppelmayr/references/en/tmp_1_1762145202/Birmingham,_UK_detail.aspx |archive-date=31 May 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arup.com/rail/project.cfm?pageid=2529 |title=Birmingham International Airport People Mover |publisher=[[Arup Group Limited|Arup]] |access-date=11 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071129092006/http://www.arup.com/rail/project.cfm?pageid=2529 |archive-date=29 November 2007}}</ref>

=== Emsland, Germany, 1984–2011 ===
[[File:Transrapid.jpg|thumb|[[Transrapid]] at the [[Emsland test facility]]]]
{{Main|Emsland test facility}}
Transrapid, a German maglev company, had a test track in [[Emsland]] with a total length of {{convert|31.5|km}}. The single-track line ran between [[Dörpen]] and [[Lathen]] with turning loops at each end. The trains regularly ran at up to {{convert|420|km/h}}. Paying passengers were carried as part of the testing process. The construction of the test facility began in 1980 and finished in 1984.

In 2006, a [[Lathen train collision|maglev train accident]] occurred in Lathen, killing 23 people. It was found to have been caused by human error in implementing safety checks. From 2006 no passengers were carried. At the end of 2011 the operation licence expired and was not renewed, and in early 2012 demolition permission was given for its facilities, including the track and factory.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ndr.de/regional/niedersachsen/emsland/transrapid295.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706235158/http://www.ndr.de/regional/niedersachsen/emsland/transrapid295.html|url-status=dead|title=Transrapid-Teststrecke vor dem Abriss, NDR (in German)|archivedate=6 July 2012}}</ref>

In March 2021 it was reported the [[CRRC]]  was investigating reviving the Emsland test track.<ref>{{cite news |title=German maglev test track set for revival? |url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/german-maglev-test-track-set-for-revival/ |access-date=30 June 2021 |publisher=IRJ |date=6 April 2021 |archive-date=7 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073656/https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/german-maglev-test-track-set-for-revival/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2019 CRRC had unveiled its "CRRC 600" prototype which is designed to reach {{convert|600|km/h}}.

=== Vancouver, Canada, and Hamburg, Germany, 1986–1988 ===
[[File:HSST-03 in okazaki minami park.jpg|right|thumb|HSST-03 at Okazaki Minami Park]]
{{Main|High Speed Surface Transport}}

In Vancouver, Canada, the HSST-03 by HSST Development Corporation ([[Japan Airlines]] and [[Sumitomo Corporation]]) was exhibited at [[Expo 86]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans/hsst_his.htm|title=Japanese Maglev System – HSST – History of Development|access-date=23 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017224436/http://faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans/hsst_his.htm|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> and ran on a {{convert|0.25|mi|m|order=flip|adj=on}} test track that provided guests with a ride in a single car along a short section of track at the fairgrounds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trainweb.org/chris/expo86.html |title=A Few Views of Expo 86 in Vancouver, BC. |access-date=23 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527193228/http://www.trainweb.org/chris/expo86.html |archive-date=27 May 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It was removed after the fair. It was shown at the Aoi Expo in 1987 and is now on static display at Okazaki Minami Park.

=== South Korea, 1993–2023 ===

{{See also|Incheon Airport Maglev}}
[[File:ECOBEE.jpg|thumb|South Korea's [[Incheon Airport Maglev]], the world's fourth commercially operating maglev<ref name="The Korea Times">{{Cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/06/113_197061.html|title=S. Korea launches maglev train service at main airport|date=2 February 2016|website=koreatimes|access-date=14 June 2021|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614021850/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/06/113_197061.html|url-status=live}}</ref>]]

In 1993, South Korea completed the development of its own maglev train, shown off at the [[Expo '93|Daejeon Expo '93]], which was developed further into a full-fledged maglev [[UTM-02]] capable of travelling up to {{convert|110|km/h}} in 2006. This final model was incorporated in the [[Incheon Airport Maglev]] which opened on 3 February 2016, making South Korea the world's fourth country to operate its own self-developed maglev after the United Kingdom's Birmingham International Airport,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yfGfrY6BMUQC&pg=PA25 |title=Birmingham maglev off to flying start |last=Hamer |first=Mick |date=1984-03-15 |work=New Scientist |pages=25–27 |access-date=2016-06-14}}</ref> Germany's Berlin [[M-Bahn]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qP9fvo9OLIwC&pg=PA97 |title=Magnetic train |last=Sponseller |first=Michael |date=December 1988 |work=Popular Science |pages=97–98 |access-date=2016-06-14}}</ref> and [[Japan]]'s [[Linimo]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/news/realestate/view/2016/02/94104/|title=도시형 자기부상철도 3일 개통…세계 두번째|date=2 February 2016|website=매일경제|access-date=14 June 2021|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614021853/https://www.mk.co.kr/news/realestate/view/2016/02/94104/|url-status=live}}</ref> It links [[Incheon International Airport]] to the Yongyu Station and Leisure Complex on [[Yeongjongdo|Yeongjong island]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rki.kbs.co.kr/english/economynit/econit_issue_detail.htm?No=2402 |access-date=2010-09-26 |title=KBS WORLD}}</ref> It offers a transfer to the [[Seoul Metropolitan Subway]] at [[AREX]]'s [[Incheon International Airport Station]] and is offered free of charge to anyone to ride, operating between 9{{nbsp}}am and 6{{nbsp}}pm with 15-minute intervals.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2016/02/01/0200000000AKR20160201203400003.HTML|title = 인천공항 자기부상철도 3일 개통…무료로 운행한다| work=연합뉴스 |date = 2 February 2016|access-date = 2 February 2016|archive-date = 5 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160205051155/http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2016/02/01/0200000000AKR20160201203400003.HTML|url-status = live | author1=성혜미 }}</ref>

The maglev system was co-developed by the South Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) and [[Hyundai Rotem]].<ref name=":3">{{cite web |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/07/113_5419.html |access-date=2010-09-26 |title=Maglev Train to Debut at Incheon in 2012 |date=26 June 2007 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212438/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/07/113_5419.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hyundai-rotem.co.kr/Common/uFileDownload.asp?Idx=13&Fgbn=1&Brd=EngWebzine |title=Webzine |publisher=[[Hyundai Rotem]] |access-date=2 February 2016 |archive-date=22 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722135634/http://www.hyundai-rotem.co.kr/Common/uFileDownload.asp?Idx=13&Fgbn=1&Brd=EngWebzine |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2989159&cloc=rss%7Cnews%7Cjoongangdaily |title=Magnetic levitation train to operate in July |date=14 May 2014 |access-date=3 October 2014 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006115721/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2989159&cloc=rss%7Cnews%7Cjoongangdaily |url-status=live}}</ref> It is {{convert|6.1|km}} long, with six stations and a {{convert|110|km/h}} operating speed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/airport-maglev-demonstration-line.html |access-date=2010-09-26 |title=Railway Gazette: Airport maglev demonstration line |archive-date=15 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615143432/http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/airport-maglev-demonstration-line.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Two more stages are planned of {{convert|9.7|km|0}} and {{convert|37.4|km}}. Once completed it will become a circular line. It was shut down in September 2023.

=== Germany/China, 2010–present ===
[[Transport System Bögl]] (TSB) is a driverless maglev system developed by the German construction company [[Max Bögl]] since 2010. Its primary intended use is for short to medium distances (up to 30&nbsp;km) and speeds up to 150&nbsp;km/h for uses such as [[airport shuttle]]s. The company has been doing test runs on an 820-meter-long test track at their headquarters in [[Sengenthal]], [[Upper Palatinate]], [[Germany]], since 2012 clocking over 100,000 tests covering a distance of over 65,000&nbsp;km as of 2018.

In 2018 Max Bögl signed a joint venture with the Chinese company Chengdu Xinzhu Road & Bridge Machinery Co. with the Chinese partner given exclusive rights of production and marketing for the system in China. The joint venture constructed a {{convert|3.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} demonstration line near [[Chengdu]], China, and two vehicles were airlifted there in June, 2020.<ref name="EVEN TRAINS CAN FLY">{{cite news |title=EVEN TRAINS CAN FLY |url=https://www.airlineratings.com/news/industry-news/even-trains-can-fly/ |access-date=30 June 2021 |publisher=Airline Ratings |date=1 July 2020 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182110/https://www.airlineratings.com/news/industry-news/even-trains-can-fly/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2021 a vehicle on the Chinese test track hit a top speed of {{convert|169|kph|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-11 |title=TSB knackt 169 km/h – MagnetBahn |url=https://magnetbahn.org/news/tsb-knackt-169-km-h/ |access-date=2023-11-23 |language=de-DE}}</ref>

=== China, since 2000 ===
According to the International Maglev Board there are at least four maglev research programmes underway in China at: [[Southwest Jiaotong University]] (Chengdu), [[Tongji University]] (Shanghai), [[CRRC Tangshan|CRRC Tangshan-Changchun Railway Vehicle Co.]], and [[Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Maglev Research Programmes |url=https://www.maglevboard.net/en/facts/20-maglev-research-programmes |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721052729/https://www.maglevboard.net/en/facts/20-maglev-research-programmes |url-status=live}}</ref> The latest [[CRRC Maglev|high-speed prototype]], unveiled in July 2021, was manufactured by [[CRRC Qingdao Sifang]].<ref>{{cite news |title=1st high-speed maglev train rolls off production line |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202107/20/WS60f6d11fa310efa1bd6632dd_3.html |access-date=21 July 2021 |work=[[China Daily]] |date=20 July 2021 |archive-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721032426/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202107/20/WS60f6d11fa310efa1bd6632dd_3.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Low-to-medium speed ====
Development of the low-to-medium speed systems, that is, {{convert|100-200|kph|mph|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite web |title=Green Locomotive Global Network |url=https://www.crrcgc.cc/Portals/22/Uploads/Files/2014/5-8/635351369890628619.pdf |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721034550/https://www.crrcgc.cc/Portals/22/Uploads/Files/2014/5-8/635351369890628619.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> by the [[CRRC]] has led to opening lines such as the [[Changsha Maglev Express]] in 2016 and the [[Line S1 (Beijing Subway)|Line S1]] in Beijing in 2017. In April 2020 a new model capable of {{convert|160|kph|mph|abbr=on}} and compatible with the Changsha line completed testing. The vehicle, under development since 2018, has a 30 percent increase in traction efficiency and a 60 percent increase in speed over the stock in use on the line since.<ref name="160TestPassed">{{cite news |title=China's new maglev train passes speed test at 160 kph |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202004/28/WS5ea7e4d2a310a8b241152614.html |access-date=21 July 2021 |work=China Daily |date=28 April 2018 |archive-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721034550/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202004/28/WS5ea7e4d2a310a8b241152614.html |url-status=live}}</ref>  The vehicles entered service in July 2021 with a top speed of {{convert|140|kph|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=New maglev train improves service in Hunan |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202107/02/WS60deca0da310efa1bd65f702.html |access-date=21 July 2021 |work=China Daily |date=2 July 2021 |archive-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721034550/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202107/02/WS60deca0da310efa1bd65f702.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive said in April 2020 it is developing a model capable of {{convert|200|kph|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="160TestPassed"/>

==== High speed ====
[[File:Maglev on Tongji Apr. 2014.jpg|thumb|right|Maglev on the Tongji University test track]]
There are two competing efforts for high-speed maglev systems, i.e., {{convert|300-620|kph|mph|abbr=on}}.
* The first is based on the [[Transrapid]] technology used in the [[Shanghai maglev train]] and is developed by the [[CRRC]] under license from Thyssen-Krupp.<ref name="ReOpenEmsland">{{cite news |title=German maglev test track set for revival? CRRC could use the Transrapid Emsland track to test maglev vehicles. |url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/german-maglev-test-track-set-for-revival/ |work=International Railway Journal |date=6 April 2021 |access-date=30 June 2021 |archive-date=7 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073656/https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/german-maglev-test-track-set-for-revival/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
** In 2006 the {{convert|500|kph|mph|abbr=on}} CM1 Dolphin prototype was unveiled<ref>{{cite news |title=1st High-speed Maglev to Take a Trial Run |url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/scitech/157842.htm |access-date=21 July 2021 |website=china.org.cn |date=13 February 2006 |archive-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527220917/http://www.china.org.cn/english/scitech/157842.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> and began testing on a new {{convert|1.5|km|mi|adj=on}} test track at [[Tongji University]], northwest of Shanghai.
** A prototype vehicle of the {{convert|600|kph|mph|abbr=on}} CRRC 600 was developed in 2019 and tested from June 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=China's super fast 600km/h maglev train performs its first test run |url=https://www.scmp.com/abacus/news-bites/article/3090079/chinas-super-fast-600km/h-maglev-train-performs-its-first-test |access-date=21 July 2021 |website=SCMP |date=22 June 2020 |archive-date=23 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623171732/https://www.scmp.com/abacus/news-bites/article/3090079/chinas-super-fast-600km/h-maglev-train-performs-its-first-test |url-status=live}}</ref>
** In March 2021 a {{convert|300|kph|mph|abbr=on}} model began trials.<ref>{{cite web |title=The medium-speed maglev prototype is out of the warehouse for the first time |url=https://nmtc.tongji.edu.cn/index.php?classid=6802&newsid=10524&t=show |website=National Maglev Transportation Engineering Technology Research Center |access-date=21 July 2021 |date=8 March 2021 |archive-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721123537/https://nmtc.tongji.edu.cn/index.php?classid=6802&newsid=10524&t=show |url-status=dead}}</ref>
** In July 2021, the [[CRRC Maglev|CRRC 600 maglev]], planned to travel at up to {{convert|600|kph|mph|abbr=on}}, was unveiled in Qingdao.<ref>{{cite web |title=China gets rolling on new superfast maglev train |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3141769/superfast-maglev-train-key-chinas-smart-transport-network-rolls |website=South China Morning Post |access-date=24 July 2021 |date=20 July 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115192833/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3141769/superfast-maglev-train-key-chinas-smart-transport-network-rolls |url-status=live}}</ref> It was reported to be the world's fastest ground vehicle.<ref>{{cite web |title=China unveils 600 kph maglev train – state media |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-unveils-600-kph-maglev-train-state-media-2021-07-20/ |website=Reuters |access-date=24 July 2021 |date=20 July 2021 |archive-date=24 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724093833/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-unveils-600-kph-maglev-train-state-media-2021-07-20/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
** A high-speed test track is under development in China and also, in April 2021, there was consideration given to re-opening the Emsland test facility in Germany.<ref name="ReOpenEmsland"/>
* A second, incompatible high-speed prototype was constructed by [[Max Bögl]] and Chengdu Xinzhu Road & Bridge Machinery Co. Ltd. and unveiled in January 2021. Developed at [[Southwest Jiaotong University]] in Chengdu, the [[Super Bullet Maglev]] design uses high-temperature superconducting magnets, is designed for {{convert|620|kph|mph|abbr=on}} and was demonstrated on a {{convert|165|m|yd|adj=on}} test track.<ref>{{cite news |title=China reveals 620km/hr high-temp electric maglev train |url=https://thedriven.io/2021/01/21/china-reveals-620km-hr-high-temp-electric-maglev-train/ |access-date=21 July 2021 |work=The Driven |date=21 January 2021 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121015733/https://thedriven.io/2021/01/21/china-reveals-620km-hr-high-temp-electric-maglev-train/ |url-status=live}}</ref>