China made it to develop MAS-3 maglev train with its own intellectual property rights. The train, 2.63 meters long and 1.25 meters wide, can hold six people. The sample train will be showcased with those from Germany and Japan at the 18th international exhibition on maglev and linear drive in the coming October.

As learned from related departments, with magnetic suspension technology as the core, maglev train is a brand-new means of transportation propped by magnetic force. That is to say, it is the interaction between magnetic bodies in the train and on the rail to levitate the train from the ground, which greatly reduces the frictional resistance in running.

MAS-3 maglev train is invented trial-made by Wei Lehan, chief scientist in magnetic suspension technology at Shanghai Academy of Science and Technology (SAST). With its unique edges, the train is essentially different from Germany's EMS (electromagnetic suspension) and Japan's EDS (electrodynamic suspension) and is called by experts "alternative maglev".

At an appraisal meeting held in Shanghai on the project, Wei's magnetic suspension technology is hailed as "a pioneer with no problem in the principles".

The sample of MAS-3 maglev train produces a suspension force through the attraction and repulsion between the bodies on the train and rail. The suspension force produced is 20 percent greater than EMS and EDS. The cost each kilometer is 330 million yuan for EMS but only 50 million yuan for MAS, which takes up far smaller area.

In addition, compared with EMS and EDS, MAS, with no need in control, features strong suspension force and bi-directional stability. The suspension, driving, and orientation systems are all structurally simple, power-saving, efficient in driving and light in weight. These make MAS-3 a promising new-generation means of transportation for the public.

By People's Daily Online