Prior to 1999

Faculty were involved in a number of projects involving aerospace applications of magnetic suspension and levitation technology, including wind tunnel Magnetic Suspension and Balance Systems (MSBS), space payload pointing and vibraton isolation systems, and magnetic bearings.  ODU assisted with organization of a successful series of International Symposia on Magnetic Suspension Technology (see Publications page).

American Maglev Technology

In late 1999, ODU agreed to act as host site for a technology demostration project led by American Maglev Technology (AMT), funded by a mix of State, Federal and provate funds.  AMT was partnered with Lockheed Martin and Virginia Power. The existing guideway was constructed as part of this effort in 2001. The full-scale vehicle arrived shortly thereafter. Technical problems related to the stability of the vehicle on the guideway slowed progress on the project. In 2002, ODU became involved under FTA funding in an effort to resolve the difficulties. Levitation was achieved but funding ran out before the system could be completed.