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.