Aérotrain Prototypes #1 and #2

The Aérotrain was a Hovertrain developed in France from 1965 to 1977. Similar to a magnetic levitation train - the train rode on an air cushion to reduce resistance. Project abandoned in 1977 due to lack of funding

Aérotrain 01 was a 1/2 scale prototype. It was originally propelled by a three-bladed reversible-pitch propeller. The air cushion is maintained by two 50 horsepower compressors. It had room for four passengers and two crew.

Aérotrain 02 was another sub-scale prototype, seating two crew. This one was powered by a turbojet.

December 16, 1965: first prototype completed

February 21, 1966: official inauguration of the 6.7 km trial track for Aérotrain 01 between Gometz-le-Châtel and Limours

December 23, 1966: Aérotrain 01 reaches a speed of 303 km/h using a rocket

November 1, 1967:Aérotrain 01 reaches a speed of 345 km/h using a jet engine

May 1, 1967: tests start with Aérotrain 02. 300 km/h is attained.

January 22, 1969: Aérotrain 02 reaches the record speed of 422 km/h with a rocket