Rights Managed > Historic England > Transport > Airports and airfields
Birmingham Maglev JLP01_09_832036
Filename: jlp01_09_832036.jpg
Size: 6635 x 5237 (8.4MB)
Date: 19th January 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: A© Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Birmingham Maglev JLP01_09_832036
Birmingham International Airport, Elmdon, Birmingham, Bickenhill, Solihull, West Midlands. Workmen inspecting a new Maglev car on the new Maglev system at Birmingham Airport near the end of its construction, with Birmingham International railway station beyond.
The Maglev system at Birmingham Airport was the first commercial Maglev system in the world. It used frictionless magnetic suspension to drive passenger cars along an elevated guideway between the airport terminal and Birmingham International railway station. Three cars were installed, and each could transport up to 32 passengers and their luggage along the 620 metres of track in 1 minute 30 seconds. The Birmingham Maglev was opened in 1984
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24289593
© Historic England Archive
1980s Airport Civil Engineering Construction Engineering Railway Transport Magnetic Levitation Shuttle
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in transportation history - the construction of the groundbreaking Birmingham Maglev system at Birmingham International Airport. In this image, diligent workmen can be seen inspecting one of the new Maglev cars as it nears completion. The futuristic design and advanced technology showcased by this innovative transport system are truly awe-inspiring. The Birmingham Maglev system holds a remarkable distinction - it was the world's first commercial Maglev system. Utilizing frictionless magnetic suspension, these passenger cars effortlessly glided along an elevated guideway between the airport terminal and Birmingham International railway station. With three cars in operation, each capable of accommodating up to 32 passengers and their luggage, this cutting-edge mode of transportation revolutionized travel efficiency. Opened to the public in 1984, the Birmingham Maglev quickly became an emblem of progress and ingenuity within civil engineering circles. Spanning over 620 meters of track, these sleek vehicles completed their journey in just one minute and thirty seconds, offering commuters unparalleled speed and convenience. As we admire this photograph from Historic England Archive, we are reminded not only of its historical significance but also its lasting impact on future transportation systems worldwide. The maglev's successful implementation serves as a testament to human innovation and our ceaseless pursuit of creating more efficient means for traversing our ever-expanding urban landscapes.
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