China’s record-smashing maglev achieves 0-700km/h acceleration in less than 2 seconds
Feat seen to catapult China into global top tier of ultra-high-speed maglev technology and unlock new possibilities for hyperloop transport
Researchers at China’s National University of Defence Technology have successfully accelerated a tonne-class vehicle to a record speed of 700 km/h (435mph) within just two seconds on a 400 metre (1,310-foot) magnetic levitation test line, and brought it safely to a stop.
The test speed has set a new global benchmark, making it the world’s fastest superconducting electric maglev to date.
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China unveils maglev marvel, redefining the future of high-speed rail transport
Footage of the test released by state broadcaster CCTV on Thursday showed a vehicle resembling a chassis flashing across the maglev track, leaving a trail of mist in its wake. It achieved extreme acceleration almost instantly and came to an equally rapid stop at the end of the line.
The test marks a leap both in extreme acceleration capability and high-power control.
“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,” according to the CCTV report.
It said the feat signalled China’s entry into the global top tier in ultra-high-speed maglev technology and unlocked new possibilities for vacuum-pipeline maglev or “hyperloop” transport in the country.
Electromagnetic acceleration technology could also provide new methods for aerospace launch assistance and testing.