Maglev — the future of transportation or a technological dead end? Magnetic levitation (maglev) transportation is a technology where the vehicle levitates above the guiding road (rail) and moves due to the interaction of magnetic fields, without mechanical contact with the surface. This principle, which seems futuristic, was first described and patented at the beginning of the XX century (patent of the German engineer Herman Kemper, 1934). However, its practical implementation began only in the 1970-80s. Today, after decades of experiments and pilot projects, the question of whether maglev is the transportation of the future remains open and causes sharp debates among engineers, economists, and urban planners. Principle of operation and key advantages: why "floating"? The technology is based on two main physical phenomena: Magnetic levitation: Electromagnets are used to create a magnetic field that repels the field on the guiding track. This allows the train to float at a height of 10-20 mm, completely eliminating friction between the wheels and the rails — the main source of resistance and wear in traditional railways. Linear motor: Instead of a rotating rotor, a "unfolded" stator laid along the path is used. The magnetic field running along this stator interacts with the magnets on the train, pushing it forward or slowing it down. It is from here that the main advantages of maglev arise: Phenomenal speed. The absence of friction allows speeds of over 600 km/h. The current record — 603 km/h — belongs to the Japanese express L0 Series Maglev (2015). For comparison: the speed of wheel-based high-speed trains (HST) rarely exceeds 350-380 km/h. Low level of noise and vibrations. Movement occurs without the sound of wheels and friction, making maglev environmentally cleaner in terms of noise pollution. High energy efficiency at high speeds. At speeds above 400 km/h, maglev is more economical than HSTs, as the main losses of the latter are related to aerodyna ... Read more