It was developed in West Germany in the late 1970s. Introduced in 1979, it marked a major milestone in the evolution of maglev technology and demonstrated the practical application of electromagnetic suspension (EMS) for high-speed rail transport.

Built by Krauss-Maffei and powered by technology from Siemens, the TR05 was designed primarily as a test and demonstration vehicle. It operated on a 908-meter test track in Hamburg during the International Transport Exhibition (IVA 79), where it carried over 50,000 passengers and attracted global attention. The train floated approximately 1 cm above the guideway, using electromagnets to both levitate and guide the vehicle without physical contact with the track.

Although it was limited to speeds of about 75 km/h (47 mph) due to the short track length, the TR05 was a fully functional proof of concept. It featured a lightweight aluminum body, a sleek futuristic design, and a compact interior cabin with seating for about 25 passengers. The TR05 used a linear induction motor for propulsion, embedded in the guideway, offering quiet and smooth acceleration.

The Transrapid 05 did not enter commercial service, but it laid the foundation for all subsequent Transrapid models, including the TR06, TR07, and beyond. It proved that maglev technology could be safe, efficient, and operational for public use.

Today, the Transrapid 05 is preserved as a historical exhibit at the Deutsches Museum Bonn, symbolizing the early vision and innovation behind magnetic levitation transportation.