First generation maglev systems have been demonstrated in Japan and Germany. The Japanese maglev system, which is based on the original superconducting maglev inventions pioneered by Drs. Powell and Danby, has been very successful.

Maglev 2000 is developing a second generation maglev system that is based on the recent maglev inventions of Drs. Powell and Danby. This second generation system has improved performance capabilities and reduced costs. Maglev 2000 plans to build the first US maglev system in Central Florida. Technical details of the M-2000 system are described in How Maglev Works.

A key feature of the M-2000 System is the use of superconducting quadrupole magnets on the maglev vehicles. The quadrupole configuration enables the M-2000 vehicles to travel on low cost narrow beam guideways, and to smoothly transition to a flat planar guideway whenever it is desired to be able to switch the vehicle to a second guideway. This switching can take place at high speed, i.e., 300 mph, without having to slow the vehicle down. The switching process is electronic and does not require mechanical movement of a section of the guideway.