China's High-Speed Maglev Train Could Rival Air Travel, Says CASIC

China's Maglev Train Projected to Reach Speeds of 1,000 km/hr

China's China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) has broken its own speed record with a new magnetically levitated (maglev) train that reached speeds surpassing 623 kilometers per hour (387 miles per hour) during tests in a 2 km long low-vacuum tube. While the exact speed achieved remains classified, CASIC has hailed the test as a significant breakthrough, marking the first time the ultra-fast hyperloop train achieved stable levitation in such conditions.

The maglev train relies on magnetism to propel itself forward and levitate above the tracks. Traveling through a specially designed low-vacuum tube further enhances its speed potential. CASIC stated that the recent test not only set a speed record but also validated key technologies, demonstrating their successful integration. The project aims for a designed speed of up to 1,000 km/hr, surpassing commercial aviation speeds.

The successful test indicates progress in integrating aerospace and terrestrial rail transport technologies. The system's tube and track interactions, as well as its movement systems and safety controls, performed as expected, enhancing the system's technical maturity. These advancements lay a solid foundation for future higher-speed tests and the construction of a national-level transport network.