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What is the story about?
China has achieved a groundbreaking feat by accelerating a one-tonne train to a record speed of 700 km/h (435 mph) in just two seconds.
The test, conducted on a 400-meter (1,310-foot) magnetic levitation test line, demonstrated not only unprecedented acceleration but also precise control during an equally rapid deceleration back to a full stop.
This achievement of Researchers at China's National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) sets a new global benchmark for superconducting electric maglev technology, positioning China at the forefront of ultra-high-speed transportation. The test demonstrates the potential for revolutionising hyperloop travel, with vacuum-sealed tubes linking cities in minutes.
Footage of the test shared by CGTN showed a vehicle resembling a chassis zipping across the maglev track, leaving a trail of mist behind. It accelerated quickly and came to a sudden halt at the end of the line.
“It resolves core technical challenges including ultra-high-speed electromagnetic propulsion, electric suspension guidance, transient high-power energy storage inversion, and high-field superconducting magnets,” it reported.
The technology could also have significant implications for aerospace, providing new methods for launch assistance and testing. Electromagnetic propulsion could reduce rocket and aircraft fuel use by helping with take-offs, lowering costs during the key launch phase. It may also enable ground-based simulations of ultra-high-speed flight to test specialised equipment.
Thirty years ago, the same university built China's first manned single-bogie maglev train, making it the world's third country to master maglev train technology. China now leads the world in this field.
The NUDT team has dedicated a decade to this project.
In an interview with CCTV, Li Jie, a National University of Defence Technology professor, said, "The successful development of this ultra-high-speed superconducting electric maglev system will accelerate the research and development process of China’s ultra-high-speed maglev transport."
The country's high-speed maglev train, the Shanghai Maglev, connects Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road Station, reaching speeds of 268 mph (431 km/h).
China's aggressive approach to maglev development is expected to transform passenger commutes, with plans to extend the technology to achieve speeds of 1,000 km/h (621 mph).
As China continues to push the boundaries of transportation technology, the future of high-speed travel looks set to change dramatically.
The test, conducted on a 400-meter (1,310-foot) magnetic levitation test line, demonstrated not only unprecedented acceleration but also precise control during an equally rapid deceleration back to a full stop.
This achievement of Researchers at China's National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) sets a new global benchmark for superconducting electric maglev technology, positioning China at the forefront of ultra-high-speed transportation. The test demonstrates the potential for revolutionising hyperloop travel, with vacuum-sealed tubes linking cities in minutes.
Footage of the test shared by CGTN showed a vehicle resembling a chassis zipping across the maglev track, leaving a trail of mist behind. It accelerated quickly and came to a sudden halt at the end of the line.
“It resolves core technical challenges including ultra-high-speed electromagnetic propulsion, electric suspension guidance, transient high-power energy storage inversion, and high-field superconducting magnets,” it reported.
The technology could also have significant implications for aerospace, providing new methods for launch assistance and testing. Electromagnetic propulsion could reduce rocket and aircraft fuel use by helping with take-offs, lowering costs during the key launch phase. It may also enable ground-based simulations of ultra-high-speed flight to test specialised equipment.
Thirty years ago, the same university built China's first manned single-bogie maglev train, making it the world's third country to master maglev train technology. China now leads the world in this field.
The NUDT team has dedicated a decade to this project.
In an interview with CCTV, Li Jie, a National University of Defence Technology professor, said, "The successful development of this ultra-high-speed superconducting electric maglev system will accelerate the research and development process of China’s ultra-high-speed maglev transport."
The country's high-speed maglev train, the Shanghai Maglev, connects Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road Station, reaching speeds of 268 mph (431 km/h).
China's aggressive approach to maglev development is expected to transform passenger commutes, with plans to extend the technology to achieve speeds of 1,000 km/h (621 mph).
As China continues to push the boundaries of transportation technology, the future of high-speed travel looks set to change dramatically.
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