Stingray-inspired Maglev train zooms riders into the future of transportation

The future of public transportation is going to be dominated by less energy-consuming solutions – the likes of magnetic levitation that we already see on the Maglev trains in Japan, China, and South Korea. Drawing inspiration from the energy-efficient propelling technology, designer Darina Shi has designed her own version of the future of how we move from one place to the other.

She calls it “Spacetrain” which is inherently inspired by the magnificence of nature – its dynamics, fluidity, and intrinsic patterns. The basic skeleton of the concept train takes the shape of a stingray – the front and side sections bear stark resemble the mouth and fins of the majestic sea creature. Similarly, the hues of cool white with bluish tint emulate the different forms of liquid – ice and flowing water. To reduce drag and improve aerodynamics, Spacetrain has a fluidic design – showing the roots of its origin with biomimicry. As proposed by Darina, Spacetrain will be 25 meters in length and 3.4 meters wide. The transportation module moves inside a Hyperloop-like tunnel to reduce wind drag for maximum speed and efficiency. The passengers will get panoramic views as they sit inside the two-seater rows (each having individual infotainment systems) on either side of the module that has full view windows on the ceiling.

The passengers complete their journey to alight the train at the respective stations which are equally awe-inspiring to match the mode of transport. They have a minimalist architecture honed by the matching cool blue and white colors of the train itself. Waiting sections of the stations have a good mix of ecology and modern elements. For the safety of the passengers, the track is protected by fencing to prevent accidental falls and only falls back when the train is stationary. Above the main platform for boarding trains, there is a lounge section for dining and relaxing. Truly, the concept is intriguing and gives a sneak-peak into the aspired future for smart cities and the way we’ll commute in daily life.

Designer: Darina Shi

The Almost Supersonic Supertrain

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SpaceTrain concept pays homage to the legendary project of the Aerotrain, an avant-garde achievement of the engineer Jean Bertin and his team who were active in the 50s and 60s. The modern Spacetrain aims to connect and exceed the same 12 mile line of the Aerotrain located between the French cities of Saran and Ruan that remains currently unused.

The subterranean train system would circulate in a system of tunnels operating in a low pressure atmosphere at near-supersonic speeds. This innovative tunnel system isn’t just ideal for speed, it also prevents vibration and noise that would otherwise disrupt nearby neighborhoods and the environment. The first prototype is said to use a hydrogen turbine engine and be constructed in carbon fiber with graphene carbon breaks, graphene batteries, fuel cells and a myriad of other technologically advanced features. In short, it’s a mesmerizingly fast people mover with a whopping top speed of 745 mph!

Designer: Daryna Shyrchenko

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Length: 25 m
Width: 3.4 m
Height: 3.08 m
Weight: 7800 kg
Variation of lift: 2 to 3 mm
Average speed: 150 m /s (540 km/h)
Maximum speed: 200 m/s (720 km/h)
Power training maximum: 35 KN
Acceleration time from 0 to 540 km/h: 20 seconds
Distance-acceleration from 0 to 540 km/h: 1500 m
Distance-acceleration from 0 to 720 km/h: 2660 m
Acceleration time from 0 to 720 km/h: 26 seconds
Acceleration at start-up: 7.5 m/s
Braking Distance: 800 – 1500m
Passengers: 20 to 40
Noise level: 40 dB
Air pressure in the cushions is of 40 g/cm2
Combined power of Fan: 300 kW

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Move Over Metro!

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In the realm of rail vehicles, we don’t often think of monorails as being particularly fast, but the Spacetrain is transforming our preconceptions about this particular form of transportation. A challenger to Hyperloop, the air-cushioned Spacetrain aims to deliver passengers at a whopping 745 MPH!

Set to test in 2019, the first prototype will use a hydrogen turbine. Made entirely of carbon fiber and CNT, the interurban shuttle will use graphene carbon breaks, graphene batteries, fuel cells, and other state of the art space technologies…. hence the name!

Designer: SPACETRAIN SAS

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