JR-Maglev superconducting train. A maglev is a magnetically levitating train, which is very fast and quiet compared with traditional wheeled mass transit systems. This maglev train was developed by the Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) and uses high temperature superconductor (HTS) electromagnetic coils to levitate the train approximately 10 centimetres above its track. On 2nd December 2003 it achieved a record speed of 581 kilometres per hour (361 miles per hour) on the Yamanashi test line. Photographed at Yamanashi, Japan.