Photo of China's first high-temperature superconducting electric levitation system. Science & Technology, China
China has completed the demonstration test of a novel ultra-high-speed (UHS) maglev transportation system, marking another milestone for the train that can travel at speeds of up to 621 miles per hour (1,000 km/h).
The demonstration test was carried out in the Shanxi province in north China, according to a report by Xinhua.
The transportation system has been jointly developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited and Shanxi, according to the report.
This was the first full-size trial of the UHS low-vacuum tube magnetic levitation transportation system.
Various reports by China’s dailies have stated that the demonstration test was a success and it achieved the desired results.
The demonstration test
The test was conducted by a superconducting maglev vehicle in a 2-km-long pipeline with a low-vacuum environment, according to the Xinhua report.
It showed that the train was capable of controlled navigation, stable suspension, and safe stopping and could also take care of itself during the route’s curves.
The demonstration test also revealed that the maximum speed and suspension height of the maglev vehicle was maintained and remained in range of the preset values.
The report also states that all systems operated as desired, and the actual movements of the train were in sync with the trajectory, which had been ascertained theoretically in the past.
One of the major feats achieved during the demonstration test was that it proved that a long-distance vacuum environment can be established and maintained at a grand scale. Moreover it also verified the efficiency in operations of superconducting navigation control, and coordination between various systems in a low-vacuum environment.
China began building the UHS maglev transportation system in Yanggao County in 2022. According to the officials, the system aims to integrate aerospace technology with railway transportation system with the goal to run trains at speeds of 621 miles per hour.
China’s Maglev train prototype
China unveiled a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) maglev technology train prototype in 2021. The prototype was unveiled in the Chengdu province and it was said that it was capable of reaching speeds of up to 385 miles per hour (620 km/h).
The HTS maglev train technology was developed at Southwest Jiaotong University.
According to reports, it was free from chemical byproducts and significant noise pollution, the technology also boasted the advantage of being stable, energy-efficient, safe, and having low-operating costs.
China had then said that it was especially well suited for high- and ultra-high-speed lines.
Back then, it was theorized that the same technology could be used to build an ultra-high-speed maglev transportation system that could reach speeds of up to 621 miles/hour (1,000 km/h).
As of today, the country plans to use the UHS maglev transportation system to connect various areas of China. According to estimates, it can complete a journey between Beijing to Shanghai in about 1.5 hours, making it an excellent time-saving system.
‘Maglev‘, short for magnetic levitation, allows trains to hover and move at extraordinary speeds, propelled by powerful magnetic fields.
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Unlike traditional trains that rely on friction-based wheels, maglev trains float above the tracks, eliminating friction. Only China, Japan, and Korea have such trains in service.
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Abhishek Bhardwaj Abhishek brings a wealth of experience in covering diverse stories across different beats. Having contributed to renowned wire agencies and Indian media outlets like ANI and NDTV, he is keenly interested in Tech, Business and Defense coverage.
