China has successfully tested a super-high-speed maglev train on a low-vacuum pipeline, according to a report by the Global Times. The state-of-the-art transport system underwent three navigation tests, which were completed in accordance with the test procedure for use of the super-navigation vehicle. All systems were functioning normally even at speeds of over 50 km/h on the 210m test route.
A team of researchers in Datong, Shaanxi Province in central China have announced their plans to develop a high-speed mega-transportation system using a combination of railway and aerospace technologies. The system will involve the creation of an ultra-high-speed train that runs on a low-vacuum pipeline.
• Is the train really will fly on the ground
The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) aims to develop maglev trains that can travel in tubes filled with ultra-thin air, allowing them to reach speeds comparable to airplanes.
Maglev, or magnetic levitation technology, effectively eliminates friction by levitating the train above the track using powerful magnets. Additionally, by running trains in low-vacuum pipelines, resistance and noise are greatly reduced, addressing two common issues in traditional train transportation.
The test was successfully completed in early 2023. The test is China's first full-scale super-navigation test and is a series of key technology verifications, which will primarily determine the accuracy of the high-speed transport system and associated coordination work.
Maglev train technology has been made possible through advancements in industrial materials in China. The country places a high priority on the development of high-speed rail with the goal of connecting not just major cities, but also remote regions, in order to decrease travel time and cost via train.
Currently, China has only one maglev line in commercial use, connecting Shanghai's Pudong Airport with the city's Longyang Road station. The 30 km (19 mi) journey takes about seven and a half minutes, with the train traveling at a speed of 430 km per hour (267 mph). Several new maglev networks are also reported to be under construction. One of these connects Shanghai and Hangzhou and another connects Chengdu and Chongqing.
China is home to the world's only commercial maglev line, connecting Shanghai's Pudong Airport to the Longyang Road station. The 30 km (19 mi) journey takes just 7.5 minutes, with trains reaching speeds of 430 km per hour (267 mph). In addition, several new maglev networks are currently under construction, including a line between Shanghai and Hangzhou, and another connecting Chengdu and Chongqing.