General Atomics Linear Motor Applications: Moving Towards Deployment

This paper discusses a number of unique potential applications of linear synchronous and linear induction motors that have resulted from General Atomics' work on the Navy EMALS project for electromagnetically launching planes, and the Urban Maglev project, which uses a long-stator permanent magnet linear synchronous motor. The paper provides an overview of the linear motor technologies being used in these projects, including some of the technical challenges. Potential applications include the use of maglev technology to move cargo in and out of the ports, all-electric trucks which use the energy provided by the linear motor to charge onboard power, and retrofitting linear motors on existing rails to relieve pollution involved in moving cargo in urban settings.