China is developing a maglev hyperloop train that can travel faster than the current generation of commercial airliners. Designed and developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) – China’s biggest missile manufacturer – the T-Flight maglev train managed to reach speeds over 387mph during its first phase of testing earlier this year in February. As a result, it set a new world record by beating the previous highest-recorded maglev speed of 375mph set by the Japanese L0 Series train.
The state-owned outfit recently revealed that it has successfully conducted another test run of its revolutionary maglev hyperloop project, taking it closer to its claimed top speed of 621mph (1000 km/h).
CASIC built a 1.24-mile-long (2 km) track in a facility in the Shanxi province of China to test the maglev hyperloop train. While the initial test runs were conducted under non-vacuum conditions, the organization completed the recent tests under low-vacuum conditions on that same track.
According to CGTN, “the test showed that the maximum speed and suspension height of the vehicle were consistent with the preset values.” However, when the latest tests were conducted, CASIC didn’t reveal the exact top speed attained by the maglev train or the pressure inside the tube.
The concept of maglev trains is not new; the first patent for a magnetically levitating train was awarded in the 1960s. Maglev trains are already used in China, South Korea, and Japan and are much faster and quieter than traditional trains. These trains use a magnetic-levitation system in which magnets lift the train off the track and propel it forward. However, in the hyperloop concept, these trains will operate inside a tube with a complete vacuum or low vacuum to eliminate the ill effects of air resistance.
Hyperloop One, formerly Virgin Hyperloop, was also working on the same concept, but it had to shut down last year due to a lack of funds. With over $37 billion in revenue, funding doesn’t seem to be an issue for the Chinese company.
CASIC plans to extend the current test track to 37 miles for the second phase of testing, which would be crucial for the T-Flight maglev train to reach 621mph. According to reports, China plans to use the ultra-high-speed train to connect its megacities in the future. At those speeds, the travel time between Shanghai and Beijing will be reduced to 90 minutes. Currently, it takes over 4 hours to travel by bullet train.
For comparison, the T-Flight maglev train would be more than four times faster than the Amtrak Acela train – the fastest train in the US, with a top speed of 150mph. While the Acela takes close to 3 hours to go from New York to Washington, DC, the T-Flight maglev train will be capable of covering the same distance in just 20 minutes. The Chinese hyperloop train can revolutionize the transportation industry as it can travel faster than most commercial jets. The Boeing 747-8 is the fastest commercial aircraft in service, with a top speed of 652mph. Since maglev trains don’t produce direct emissions, they are better for the environment.
