Flying low with Maglev

A new transportation system is on the horizon--the first in the history of man in which electrical and electronics engineering seems destined to play the dominant role. Successful magnetic-levitation (Maglev) high-speed ground transportation now appears almost certain for a variety of reasons. There is no fundamental flaw in using magnetic forces for both suspension and propulsion, and various technological options are available for optimizing system design. The system can operate with a relatively soft large-clearance suspension that has no contact with the ground, not even for power pickup. Energy consumption can be less than that for jet aircraft, even at Maglev speeds of 500 km/h (311 mi/h).