Development of high speed surface transport system (IISST)

Our first electromagnetically levitated, LIM-propelled test vehicle, HSST-01, reached a maximum speed of 307.8 km/h on a 1,300-meter long test track in February, 1978, whereas our second test vehicle, HSST-02, has demonstrated manned test flights successfully covering an aggregate total of about 1,500 passengers since April, 1978. The 1-ton HSST-01, designed for high speed testing incorporates eight electromagnets and a LIM with a maximum thrust of 340 kg. The levitation power supply is taken from the vehicle-borne batteries and the 3-phase variable voltage variable frequency (VVVF) power for the LIM propulsion is supplied from wayside power lines. The 9-seat HSST- 02 has a laden mass of 2.3 tons. Additional functions realized in the 2nd test vehicle include: (1) Improved riding comfort achieved through the provision of a mechanical suspension with the electromagnets mounted on the flexible chassis. (2) A rectified power supply to the LIM enabling continuous levitation. Test results have shown that the predicted performances of the magnets, LIM and power collector system have been satisfactorily established. The design of an 80-seat pre-operational test vehicle is now underway, and its test flight is scheduled to be initiated in 1980 at a cruising speed of 300 km/h.