I has recently got into this: Mag-lev system for Tracks on treaded vehicles like tanks where here's the mechanism behind this: Each sub-unit is similar is dimensions to the above, except the wheel and motor is replaced with a direct drive magnet array. These magnets react with the 'track' to provide a closed loop Mag-Lev system. The tracks on the Mag-Lev system are very thick and robust, with each link fashion like a tooth with a deep root, and counts as full armour plate! Trying to shoot of the tracks on a Mag-Lev is virtually pointless, as even if the links break the track will not come off as each link is treated as an individual unit (a single link will still flow around the Mag-Lev system). The only way to stop is to destroy the Mag-Lev units, which are solid-state and armoured

what do you think?

How much energy does it require to function? Is it practical to generate the needed amount of energy onboard the intended vehicle?

Originally posted by dainoyfb
How much energy does it require to function? Is it practical to generate the needed amount of energy onboard the intended vehicle?

it probably requires less energy that the conventional ones, especially when uses Superconductors, and to generates that needed amount of energy, the engine should run on any fuel

There are a few key problems with the idea.

First, obviously the cost. You retrofit a fully armored tank with a powerful enough maglev system, it's going to significantly increase the cost per unit.

Second, stability. What happens to that magnetic field when you fire the cannon?

Third, survivability. The superconductors in use will always be fragile. Given enough shock damage to the tank, those superconductors will eventually crack and break.

Fourth, power. Just getting the tank to levitate is not the issue. That requires very little constant power. The problem is with propulsion. Getting the tank to move forward at a fast pace is going to require an insane amount of energy.

Fifth, the design. How are you going to keep the tracks attached to the rest of the tank?

Sixth, maintenance. When using a maglev system, it is possible that shrapnel, magnetic sand particles and any other bits of iron bearing material could get in there and clog up the system. An open battlefield is not like a maintained train track.

A 2D side view drawing of a fictional vehicle?
Come on man.

Interesting concept if you could harness the technology and build practical production models.

My main contention is how easy it could be for the enemy to disrupt the maglev system. For instance, you could focus on developing some kind of electromagnetic ray or bomb/shell that could screw up the mechanics itself.

Also, naturally occuring magnetic fields could interfere if you should randomly drive over one.

There are already maglev trains out there that operate on a pre-set path (tracks, of course), so the key would be to make this design mobile... thinking about it, you could "bend" a track into a circle so you're perpetually moving down the track like a train, except the track is moving around the wheel axis, if that makes sense at all.

Originally posted by Dimitri Dzengalshlevi
Interesting concept if you could harness the technology and build practical production models.

My main contention is how easy it could be for the enemy to disrupt the maglev system. For instance, you could focus on developing some kind of electromagnetic ray or bomb/shell that could screw up the mechanics itself.

Also, naturally occuring magnetic fields could interfere if you should randomly drive over one.

There are already maglev trains out there that operate on a pre-set path (tracks, of course), so the key would be to make this design mobile... thinking about it, you could "bend" a track into a circle so you're perpetually moving down the track like a train, except the track is moving around the wheel axis, if that makes sense at all.

Well! in this thread, I'm only talking about Solid-state Tracks(the only moving parts in this type of tracks is tread themselves) that uses similar Technologies to Maglev trains

Not to knock your concept or anything, it was admirable thinking outside the box but I feel that such a system would be improbable for even a light duty civilian vehicle to implement. Now as far as military combat vehicles and especially for a main battle tank I feel that it would be nearly impossible even in the foreseeable future.

The reason I feel that mag-lev cannot be used practically in a non tracked application just hovering over the rail is not nearly stable enough horizontally (i.e. swaying side to side on the track possibly to the point of over-powering the magnetic levitation air cushion thus derailing your high speed train. From my understanding of the mag-lev track systems the track is still "captured" i.e. they have a configuration where you have electromagnets in a "U shaped" configuration with the steel air cushion of the train mating with the U shaped track. This functions in several ways in standard operation it provides the magnetic levitation air cushion for the train to ride on and at the same time vastly increases stability especially horizontally thus preventing possible derailment. Another benefit is if somehow a section of track lost it's power to the electromagnets the train would simply drop on to the bottom of the U and be able to safely slow the train to a stop via the friction and again prevent derailment.

Now for military vehicles it is far to complicated to replace a system that is tried and true, field serviceable conventional road gear for the tracked vehicles. Not to mention it would make any vehicle using the mag lev system COMPLETELY disabled by an EMP as the electromagnets power source and delicate control systems for said system. It would be entirely too sensitive to EMPs and other failures.

/end my $.02