China’s New Levitating Train Breaks 623 Km/Hr Speed Record

The new magnetically levitated (maglev) train developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) broke its previous record of 623 kilometres per hour during tests in a 2 km long low-vacuum tube, reported the South China Morning Post.

The exact speed reached by the test-run maglev train has not been declared.

The reports claimed that for the first time, the ultra-fast hyperloop train achieved stable levitation while travelling in a low-vacuum tube.

This means that in future this train based on maglev technology may travel as fast as a plane. The maglev technology uses magnetism to propel the train forward and “levitate” it above the tracks. The train also travels in a specially designed low-vacuum tube to enhance its speed.

The CASIC said that the latest test not only set a speed record for the system but also validated several key technologies and proved that they work well together. The high-speed flier project integrates aerospace and terrestrial rail transport technologies, with a designed speed of up to 1,000km/hr – surpassing commercial aviation speeds, the agency said.