MAGLEV-DERIVED SYSTEMS FOR RAIL 2

The MaDe4Rail 2 project aims to advance the development of Maglev-Derived Systems (MDS) and assess their feasibility for integration into the European railway network. Building on the outcomes of the previous MaDe4Rail project, MaDe4Rail 2 will refine MDS configurations and investigate their compatibility with existing infrastructure, focusing on subsystems such as power, propulsion, levitation and guidance. Through a structured methodology, the project will address key Technical Open Points (TOPs) by developing advanced simulations to analyse vehicle performance, electromagnetic compatibility, and interactions with trackside signalling systems, including Eurobalises, odometry, and radio communication. These studies will be complemented by field testing of core MDS components. Since some performance aspects cannot be fully validated on test tracks, dedicated strategies combining on-field testing and high-fidelity simulations will be used to ensure a robust demonstration and optimal integration. In parallel, a risk and safety analysis will be conducted, and regulatory gaps and standardisation needs will be identified, with particular attention to compliance with the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs). Technical and socio-economic feasibility of deploying MDS on on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) will be assessed. A concept for a full-scale, fully autonomous MDS demonstrator will be designed, with the architecture developed up to TRL 5. The project will then contribute to a European roadmap for MDS implementation, aligning with the System Pillar and future system requirements. The project’s expected impact includes accelerating the deployment of innovative and sustainable solutions, supporting modal shift, and reinforcing rail as the backbone of Europe’s mobility network. A broad consortium of infrastructure managers, authorities, industry, and research organisations will ensure knowledge exchange and foster MDS uptake across Europe.