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Russian company designs magnetic levitation train prototype

MOSCOW, February 17. /TASS/. The Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology, a Russian engineering and scientific research institute which is part of the Roscosmos space corporation, has designed a magnetic levitation (maglev) train that can operate in an unmanned mode, Chief Designer Yuri Solomonov told TASS.

"The aim of the project is to create <…> a full-scale demonstration model of a train to check and confirm main technical characteristics of new technological solutions related to implementation of the maglev (magnetic levitation) technology," he said.

According to the scientist, the project is an extensive modernization of the monorail transport system, created in early 2000s. The train is to move along a single steel beam. It can operate in an unmanned mode or with minimal human control.

"The tentative timeframe for the start of running tests is the third quarter of this year," Solomonov added.

Following trials, a decision will be made on whether to begin full-scale work to launch the serial production of the new transportation system.

Maglev is a system of train transportation based on two sets of magnets: one set to repel and move the train up off the track, and another - to push the elevated train forward.

The Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology is a developer of Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles, including Topol, Topol-M, Yars and Bulava.

Launch of Russia’s Bion-M biosatellite scheduled for March 25 — manufacturer

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According to the Kazakh Transport Ministry, the plane belonged to Azerbaijan Airlines

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Kazakhstan’s Aktau Airport was aware of oxygen cylinder blast before plane’s crash

KazAeroNavigation’s flight director immediately notified all emergency services

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Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces’ press office said that Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck military targets of the Houthi regime on the west coast and in the interior regions of Yemen

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"We will beat them to the bone until they understand, too," the minister said

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The cause of the damage is still unknown, with operators currently investigating it and conducting repair operations

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The Chinese People's Liberation Army will comprehensively strengthen military training to prevent a separatist plot by supporters of Taiwan independence and interference by outside forces, according to Spokesman Zhang Xiaogang

Azerbaijan Airlines says its ill-fated jet underwent full examination in October

The aircraft’s crew chief, Igor Kshnyakin, clocked more than 15,000 hours of flight time

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Georgian president demands appointing snap elections within week

Salome Zourabichvili also promised to announce her further plans on Monday

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The EEC stressed that the adoption of the document contributes to the development of the union's transit potential, an increase in the level of security of cross-border deliveries and an increase in trade turnover between the countries of the Eurasian Five

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The Cordelia Moon is 274 meters long and 50 meters wide

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Dutch citizen remanded in custody in Moscow on charges of assaulting police officer

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