700 km/h in 2 seconds: China sets new maglev speed record
What's the story
China has set a new global record in maglev (magnetic levitation) technology, accelerating a ton-scale test maglev to a speed of 700km/h in just two seconds. The feat was achieved on a 400-meter test line by the maglev team at the National University of Defense Technology. This makes it the fastest superconductive electric maglev system in the world, as per China Central Television.
Technical triumph
Maglev team overcomes core technical challenges
The maglev team has been working on this technology for a decade, overcoming major technical hurdles such as ultra-high-speed electromagnetic propulsion, electric suspension guidance, transient high-power energy storage inverters, and high-field superconducting magnets. These advancements have not only made this record-breaking speed possible but also put China at the forefront of ultra-high-speed maglev technology globally.
Future prospects
Breakthrough opens new avenues for transportation
This breakthrough in maglev technology provides a fresh perspective for the future development of vacuum tube maglev transportation systems in China. It also opens up new possibilities for aerospace boost launches and experimental testing. The future technological iterations and industrial applications of this achievement are likely to give a major boost to China's aerospace and rail transit industries.