A Novel High Temperature Superconducting Maglev Vehicle with a Propulsion Engine

High temperature superconducting (HTS) magnetic levitation (maglev) vehicle is a fascinating transportation tool due to its unique inherent stability. In order to improve performance of present HTS maglev vehicle system, a novel HTS maglev vehicle (aero-vehicle) utilizing aerodynamic designs from modern aircraft is proposed, which is driven by an engine positioned on the top of the car body. The aerodynamic designs of the aero-vehicle include the wings and the empennage, and these new designs are used to adjust and control the pitch, roll, and yaw of the car body. To analyze the feasibility of the aero-vehicle, its characteristics are investigated in the paper. Depending on ailerons of wings, elevator and rudder of the empennage, the aero-vehicle is capable to advance safety and ride comfort of present HTS maglev vehicle.