This paper presents the performance analysis of a linear synchronous motor which employs high-temperature superconducting (HTS) bulk magnets on the mover and normal copper windings on the stator. The linear motor is designed to drive a prototype HTS maglev vehicle in which the mover is suspended by the levitation force between HTS bulks on the mover and permanent magnets on the ground. Finite element magnetic field analysis is conducted to calculate the major parameters of the linear motor and an equation is derived to calculate the electromagnetic thrust force. Theoretical calculations are verified by the measured results on the prototype.