Last update 2005/02/01

History of Maglev R&D


Year Month Subject
1962 Research of linear motor propulsion and non-contact run started.
1970 Study of electrodynamic levitation systems using superconducting magnets started formally.
1972 LSM-propulsion experimental superconducting Maglev test vehicle (LSM200) succeeded in levitated run.
LIM-propulsion experimental vehicle (ML100) succeeded in levitated run.
1975 LSM-propulsion experimental superconducting magnet test vehicle (ML100A) succeeded in perfect non-contact run.
1977 Apr.
Jul.
The Miyazaki Maglev Test Center opened.
Test run of ML-500 inverted-T guideway started at the Miyazaki Test Track.
1979 Jan.
May.
Dec.
Simulated tunnel run tested.
Run with helium refrigerator on-board tested (ML-500R).
517 km/h run attained.
1980 Nov. Test run of MLU001 on U-type guideway started on the Miyazaki Maglev Test Track.
1981 Nov. 2-car train test run started.
1982 Sep. Manned 2-car train test run started.
1986 Dec. 3-car train registered 352.4 km/h run.
1987 Jan.
Feb.
Apr.
May.
Unmanned 2-car train attained 405.3 km/h.
400.8 km/h run of manned 2-car train attained.
Railway Technical Research Institute reorganized as a foundation, taking over the R&D work so far pursued by JNR.
Test run of MLU002 started.
1988 Dec. Substation cross-over test carried out.
1989 Mar.
Nov.
Aerodynamic brake system tested (MLU001).
394 km/h run attained (MLU002).
1990 Mar.
Nov.
Test of traverser-type turnout started.
Start of initial phase in construction of the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line celebrated.
1991 Jun.
Jun.
Oct.
Test run using sidewall levitation system started.
Test run energized by inverters started.
MLU002 burned down in a fire accident.
1993 Jan. Test run of MLU002N started.
1994 Feb. MLU002N attained 431 km/h.
1995 Feb. MLU002N attained 411 km/h (manned).
1996 Jul.
Nov.
The Yamanashi Maglev Test Center opened.
Tractor-pulled running test of MLX01 on the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line started.
1997 Apr.
Dec.
Dec.
Running test of MLX01 on the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line started.
MLX01 attained 531 km/h (manned).
MLX01 attained 550 km/h (unmanned).
1998 Dec. Test of two trains passing each other at a relative speed of 966 km/h.
1999 Mar.
Apr.
Nov.
MLX01 arranged in a five-car train set attained 548 km/h (unmanned).
MLX01 arranged in a five-car train set attained 552 km/h (manned).
Test of two trains passing each other at a relative speed of 1,003 km/h.
2000 Mar.
Aug.
The Committee of the Ministry of Transport of Japan concluded "Maglev has the practicability for ultra high speed mass transportation system."
Cumulative traveled distance exceeded 100,000 km.
2001 Jan. Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino experienced Maglev trial ride.
2002 Feb.
Mar.
Jul.
Cumulative traveled distance exceeded 200,000 km.
Number of passengers for Maglev trial ride exceeded 30,000 persons.
Test run of new train set including MLX01-901 started. 
2003 Mar.
Jul.
Nov.
Dec.
Longer traveled distance 1,219 km in a day was attained.
Cumulative traveled distance exceeded 300,000km and the number of passengers for Maglev trial ride exceeded 50,000 persons.
Longest traveled distance 2,876 km in a day was attained.
MLX01 arranged in a three-car train set attained 581 km/h (manned).
2004 Aug.
Oct.
Nov.
Number of passengers for Maglev trial ride exceeded 80,000 persons.
Cumulative traveled distance exceeded 400,000 km.
Test of two trains passing each other at a maximum relative speed of 1,026 km/h.
2005 Jan. His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito experienced Maglev trial ride.

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