A few days ago we just mentioned about the fascinating fusion of an aircraft and a train – Aero Train. It was only a novel concept back then, but now a team of Japanese researchers led by Yusuke Sugahara at Tohoku University showcased their definitive prototype of a ‘ground-effect vehicle’ at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics in Shanghai, China.
Though the conception may look like a cousin to those Maglev trains (except the conspicuous wings), but there is certainly more than that meets the eyes. In case of Maglev (magnetic levitation) transportation, a significant amount of wind drag can transpire between the bottom of a maglev train and its track, which in effect makes them less efficient. Whereas in this case, the Aero Train takes advantage of this fast-moving air and utilizes a set of proper wings to fly just above the ground, almost like a maglev train without the paraphernalia of magnets. According to the researchers, it will be capable of traveling at 124 miles per hour in a “U-shaped concrete channel.”
Warhammer 40,000 fanboys can surely identify with this (just think of the skimmer ability of Eldar tanks), though it should be duly noted that the prototype is still pretty much in its rudimentary stage. But if the design manages to progress to its advanced level, one can be witness to the unprecedented level of paradigm shift in sustainable transportation, as ‘wheels’ had shown some thousands of years ago. Only this time it would be without wheels!
In any case, please do check out the video for the current state of affairs.
Images Courtesy: Tohoku [Japanese]
Via: Dvice/IEEE Spectrum
