Novel HTS MagLev System

ABSTRACT: The Holloman MagLev Track (HMT) located at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the premier test facility for applications requiring a low vibration environment, while simultaneously experiencing velocities ranging from sub-sonic to supersonic speeds. The Maglev program began in the mid-nineties as an upgrade to the High Speed Test Track, which previously involved high vibration mechanical steel-on-steel rails. The magnetic systems primary mission is to provide a low vibration magnetic levitation/ suspension to the sled throughout a test flight. High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet system offer the potential to significantly reduce the cost, complexity, and operational logistics of the cryogenic system as well as possible improvement to the electromagnetic (E-M) performance of the system through significantly higher magnetic field strength. E2P proposes a much simplified, lighter weight MagLev system utilizing higher performing superconducting coils. E2Ps proprietary system would eliminate the need for any liquid cryogens to be transported on the rocket sled during it flight, allow for multiple flights per day, subsequently significantly simplify flight logistics and operations.; BENEFIT: One of the most promising features of the Phase I/Phase II proposal is the potential for future commercialization of the technology developed under this SBIR topic. The 2G YBCO magnet technology developed under this topic is directly applicable to aerospace applications current being developed at Boeing. One such area actively being pursued by Boeing is an Electromagnetic Transducer (EMT) system.Boeings HTS based EMT system will be used as a non-destructive, non-invasive aerospace inspection system greatly enhancing capability of conventional non-superconducting systems.The Boeing Company has committed to the pursuit of this commercialization effort in Phase II if funded (see letter of support).