Ground-effect train

In both cases the objective is to prevent the vehicle from making contact with the ground.

The advantages of a ground-effect train over a maglev are lower cost due to simpler construction.

Whereas the magnetic levitation train can be built to operate in a vacuum to minimise air resistance, the ground-effect train must operate in an atmosphere in order for the air cushion to exist.

Yusuke Sugahara and his team of researchers at Tohoku University, in Sendai, Japan have developed the Aero-Train that uses wings attached to a fuselage to fly inches off the ground.

Dubbed a ground-effect vehicle the train is designed to be completely powered by wind and solar energy – making this a true zero-carbon transportation system.