Transrapid/German
Transrapid is a German high-speed monorail train using magnetic levitation. Based on a patent from 1934, planning of the Transrapid system started in 1969. The test facility for the system in Emsland, Germany was completed in 1987. In 1991, the technical readiness for application was approved by the Deutsche Bundesbahn in cooperation with renowned universities.
Its current application-ready version, the Transrapid 09, has been designed for 500 km/h (311 mph) cruising speed and allows acceleration and deceleration of approx. 1 m/s2 (3.28 ft/s2).
In 2004, the first commercial implementation was completed. The Shanghai Maglev Train connects the rapid transit network 30.5 km (18.95 mi) to the Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The Transrapid system has not yet been deployed on a long-distance intercity line.
The system is developed and marketed by Transrapid International, a joint venture of Siemens and ThyssenKrupp.
At the end of 2011, the operation license has expired, and the test track has been closed. Early 2012, the demolition and reconversion of all the Emsland site, including the factory, has been approved.
Read more about Transrapid/German: Alleged Theft of Transrapid Technology, Development History and Versions, See Also
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