The Russian government has classified magnetic levitation (lifting an object using a magnetic field) as a promising transport technology. This is stated in the concept of scientific and technological development of transport approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
Magnetic levitation trains (maglevs) are already running in China, Japan, and South Korea. Strong magnets are installed on the train and railway tracks, which repel each other, and the magnetic field creates traction and acceleration. Thus, the train silently "floats" above the rails, reaching speeds of over 600 km/h.
What other technologies are recognized as promising in Russia:
- suspended rail systems
- vacuum-pipeline transport
- ekranoplans and covertoplanes
- vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft
- supersonic civil aircraft
- airships for passenger and cargo transportation
The concept also includes means of aeromobility, vehicles operating in various environments. This refers to air, land, and underwater vehicles.
