China could soon have a train that is as fast as a plane.
The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, or CASIC for short, just announced its new magnetically levitated (maglev) train soared to over 387 miles (623 km/h) during testing. It is the fastest speed ever achieved by a superconducting maglev vehicle, according to the state-owned outfit.
CASC designs, develops, and manufactures everything from spacecraft to missiles, but it’s currently working on a hyperloop. The company has built a section of low-vacuum tube that is roughly 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) in a facility in the Shanxi province of China, according to New Atlas. It has conducted numerous tests over the past several months, but this is the first time its T-Flight train has broken a record. The “high-speed flier” reportedly eclipsed the highest-recorded maglev speed of 375 mph (603 km/h) set by the Japanese L0 Series train, though CASIC did not disclose the exact top speed.
So, how does the train work? As its moniker implies, the magnetic-levitation system uses magnets to push the train up off the track and propel it forward. This means the train floats off the rails and rides along a cushion of air. As such, maglevs are both quicker and quieter than conventional trains. Since they don’t create direct emissions, they’re better for the environment, too. Maglev trains are already used in China, South Korea, and Japan, but they operate at slower speeds.
So, how does the train work? As its moniker implies, the magnetic-levitation system uses magnets to push the train up off the track and propel it forward. This means the train floats off the rails and rides along a cushion of air. As such, maglevs are both quicker and quieter than conventional trains. Since they don’t create direct emissions, they’re better for the environment, too. Maglev trains are already used in China, South Korea, and Japan, but they operate at slower speeds.