Coppe UFRJ 50

Maglev Cobra is a compact and light train without wheels that levitates silently over rails. It is driven by electric power, and, unlike vehicles and buses, it does not emit greenhouse gases. The magnetic levitation train developed at Coppe slides over a light bridge and does not compete with the overcrowded space of the big cities. In addition, its construction does not require significant and expensive civil works such as those necessary to build subways and conventional trains. 

Superconductors

The levitating effect is achieved by using superconductors and rare-earth magnets. Designed to run at a speed of 70 kilometers per hour, the train is ideal for urban travels and it can replace vehicles, buses and subways or support these means of transportation. As the Maglev-Cobra was designed in modules, one can use as many modules as needed. Each module has a maximum capacity of 30 passengers.

Although the levitating material of Maglev-Cobra is four times more expensive than the rolling material of the subway, it is worth noting that the civil works, as well as operational and maintenance costs are lower. In order to test and certify the prototype, a 200-meter demonstration line was built in the UFRJ campus to transport up to 30 passengers from the Technology Centers 1 and 2 (CT1 and CT2).  

Learn more: