Future Prospects for Maglev Technology Applications

This paper examines the prospects for the future of maglev technology in general. Future applications will depend on a variety of factors including the extent to which Transrapid or other maglev technologies can be proven superior to its competitors technically, environmentally, and economically. This paper will address the extent to which the potentially beneficial attributes of maglev technology have been realized and what additional developments are required to improve the prospects for future deployment. Past and current proposed maglev projects are reviewed and evaluated from the viewpoint of how they might enhance maglev competitiveness. In view of the recent announcement by the Bush Administration to expand the manned-space flight program, prospects for maglev space applications will also be considered. Proposed concepts for both high-speed and urban transit (low speed) applications, including the use of electromagnetic, permanent and superconducting magnets are reviewed. Recent developments in high temperature superconductivity and their possible advantages for maglev technology will also be considered.