Ground-effect train

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.

No ground effect train has entered regular commercial service.

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.