State of Development of the Superconducting Maglev System

The supeconducting maglev system (JR maglev) was started to be developped in Japan since 1962. Because Miyazaki test track has only 7km length, it is difficult to carry the full-scale tests for practical use. Therefore, the Ministry of Transportation in Japan decided to construct a new test line in Yamanashi prefecture. In order to build up the specifications of test facilities for Yamanashi test line, many technical items were developed and these efforts are rewarded with good results. The beginning of running test is scheduled in 1997 spring, and the performance of these specifications for commercial use will be verified until fiscal 1999.