ThyssenKrupp Transrapid GmbH

1934 - 1977 From the idea to the system decision

1934

On August 14, Hermann Kemper receives a patent for the magnetic levitation of trains (DRP 643 316).

1969

The HSR study group begins investigating the development and application of high performance, high speed rail systems under contract to the Federal Ministry of Transport. The high performance, high speed rail study (HSR study) is completed in 1972.

1971

Presentation of the first passenger-carrying principle vehicle by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) on a 660 m trial track in Ottobrunn (Munich).
Commissioning of the Transrapid 02 by Krauss-Maffei.

Principle Vehicle
Technical Data
Empty weight 4.8t
4 Seats
Electromagnetic support and guidance system
Propulsion by asynchronous shortstator linear motor
vmax 90 km/h (55.8 mph)

1972

Development begins on an electrodynamic levitation system (EDS - repulsive principle) using superconducting coils by a project group consisting of AEG-Telefunken, BBC, and Siemens. Construction of a 900 m long, round, test track in Erlangen and construction of the Erlangen Test Vehicle (EET 01) by MAN.

EET 01
vmax 401.3 km/h (249 mph)

1973

Commissioning of the Transrapid 04 by Krauss-Maffei.

Transrapid 04

1974

Thyssen Henschel and the Technical University of Braunschweig begin the development work on longstator propulsion for magnetic levitation systems which at the time was an alternative concept.

The unmanned component test unit (KOMET) by MBB in Manching proves its operational speed of 400 km/h.

KOMET
vmax 401,3 km/h

1975

Development, commissioning, and testing of the first functional facility for longstator maglev technology begins with the HMB 1 test platform at Thyssen Henschel in Kassel.

1976

Commissioning of the world's first passenger-carrying, longstator test vehicle HMB 2 at Thyssen Henschel.

HMB 2
Technical Data
Empty weight 2.5 t
4 Seats
Electromagnetic support and guidance system
Propulsion by synchronous longstator linear motor
Speed 36 km/h (22mph)

1977

The Federal Minister of Research and Technology (BMFT) decides in favour of the electromagnetic levitation system (EMS) with longstator linear motor propulsion. Development of the electrodynamic (EDS) levitation system (Erlangen Test Vehicle) is stopped.

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