Abstract

A compact magnetic levitation vehicle or car provides passenger comfort consistent with automobiles and travels suspended on ferromagnetic rails in evacuated tubes of minimal radial dimension extending between vehicle loading and unloading stations or at atmospheric conditions. A pair of guides extend outwardly along opposite sides of the vehicle and contain magnetic elements. Electrically conductive, ferromagnetic, magnetic, or electromagnetic sections in the rails correspond to the magnetic elements in the vehicle guides. Linear motors or controlled interaction with rail members provide propulsion and braking. Extensive portions of the evacuated tubes are provided with two sets of rails, one set of rails functionally located above the other. Rail switching is accomplished by selectively interacting with alternative levitation rails which are located at switching locations. Tube evacuation may be supplemented by vacuum pumps on the vehicle to draw in air during travel. The vehicle may have turbines which draw in air and exhaust compressed gases into cylinders.