air-cushion train

Air-cushion trains, also known as tracked air-cushion vehicles, are a form of transport that utilizes an air-cushion system to reduce friction. This technology, an application of air-cushion suspension proven in Hovercraft, allows vehicles to travel at high speeds with minimal resistance against a track.

Early development saw a French company create a practical "aerotrain" propelled by a ducted fan, with plans for a high-speed link between Orléans and Paris. In Britain, a "Hovertrain" was developed, using a linear induction motor for propulsion. These trains have the potential to reach speeds of up to 300 miles per hour (480 km/h). The infrastructure costs are relatively low, as the track can be elevated, at surface level, or in tunnels. Countries like Britain, the United States, France, and Germany have explored these vehicles as a way to connect major urban centers and airports.1