The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) has claimed that their new magnetically levitated (Maglev) train has shattered all the previous speed records. Reaching a speed of up to 623 kmph (around 387 miles per hour), the train broke its previous record during tests in a low-vacuum tube stretching over 2 km. Based on the reports of the South China Morning Post, the exact speed of the train has not been disclosed.
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The development comes in the form of a significant achievement as this is the first time the train managed to have stable levitation while speeding in a low-vacuum tube. The Maglev trains work on the principles of magnetism and can gain high speed by levitating above the tracks because of the magnetic forces.
This helps in reducing the energy lost because of friction. Additionally, the speed can be increased if the train is travelling in a controlled environment like a low-vacuum tube. This further reduces the resistance caused by air at high speed.
As per the report, CASIC says the most recent test not only broke the system’s speed record but also validated a number of important technologies and demonstrated their use when put together. With a planned speed of up to 1,000 km/hr, the high-speed flier project combines technologies from the fields of aircraft and terrestrial rail transportation, hence aiming to beat the speeds of commercial flying.
The outlet claims that the most recent test presented an example of how well the vacuum tube and track work together to maintain the massive maglev cars’ steady floating. Both the robust mobility mechanisms and the general safety controls operated as anticipated.
These developments improved the system’s overall technical maturity and established a strong technical basis for upcoming tests at higher speeds and the development of a national transport network.