A new floating bullet train capable of hitting the speed of 600km/h is one step closer to reality in China. Developed by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), the train is scheduled to go into commercial production in 2021 following tests. Those involved with the project are optimistic it will completely transform China's travel landscape, filling the gap between high-speed rail and air transportation. "Take Beijing to Shanghai as an example, it takes about 4.5 hours by plane, about 5.5 hours by high-speed rail, and would only take about 3.5 hours with the new high-speed maglev," said Ding Sansan, head of the train's research and development team, in a statement.
While the speed of an aircraft is 800-900km/h, at present trains on the Beijing-Shanghai line have a maximum operating speed of 350km/h. Maglev trains use magnetic repulsion both to push the train up from the ground, which reduces friction, and to send it forward. So what comes next? CRRC Qingdao Sifang is constructing an experimental center and a high-speed maglev trial production center, which are expected to begin operating the second half of this year.
It won't be the first train to surpass the 600-kilometer mark when it hits the testing track. A Japan Railway maglev achieved a top spot of 603km/h on an experimental track in Yamanashi in 2015, setting a new world record. Japan is now developing a new Chuo Shinkansen maglev line, with trains set to hit top speeds of about 500km/h. The first phase of the project, connecting Tokyo and Nagoya, which is scheduled to be completed in 2027 and is expected to cut traveling time between those cities by half.
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