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Ground-effect train

Type of train

Wikipedia contributorsAdapted for Fathomly · View authors
1 min read
Source updated November 22, 2025
Image credit is listed at the end of this article.

A ground-effect train is a conceptualized alternative to a magnetic levitation (maglev) train. In both cases the objective is to prevent the vehicle from making contact with the ground. Whereas a maglev train accomplishes this through the use of magnetism, a ground-effect train uses an air cushion; either in the manner of a hovercraft (as in hovertrains) or using the wing-in-ground-effect design.

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The advantages of a ground-effect train over a maglev are lower cost due to simpler construction. Disadvantages include either constant input of energy to keep the train hovering (in the case of hovercraft-like vehicles) or the necessity to keep the vehicle moving for it to remain off the ground (in the case of wing-in-ground-effect vehicles). Furthermore, these vehicles may be drastically affected by wind, air turbulence, and weather. Whereas the magnetic levitation train can be built to operate in a vacuum to minimise air resistance, the ground-effect train must operate in an atmosphere in order for the air cushion to exist.

Development work has been undertaken in several countries since the middle 20th century. No ground-effect train has entered regular commercial service.

Yusuke Sugahara and his team of researchers at Tohoku University, in Sendai, Japan have developed the Aero-Train that uses wings attached to a fuselage to fly inches off the ground. Dubbed a ground-effect vehicle the train is designed to be completely powered by wind and solar energy , making this a true zero-carbon transportation system.

Watch videos about Ground-effect trainExplainers and documentaries on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Sources and credits

This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Ground-effect train”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.

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Ground-effect vehicle

A ground-effect vehicle, ekranoplan (from Russian: экранопла́н "screenglider"), wing-in-ground-effect (WIGE or WIG), ground-effect craft/machine (GEM), wingship, flarecraft, or surface effect vehicle, is a hybrid surface vehicle/aircraft that makes use of wings to generate minimal lift and ground effect, to reduce aerodynamic drag. Ground effect is the interaction between a moving wing and a stationary surface below it.