CHENGDU, CHINA — Chinese researchers have developed the world's first testing platform for a new maglev train that can run at ultra-high speeds.
China Central Television reports that China's super-maglev train uses magnetic levitation technology and vacuum tube transport to run at speeds of 1,000 kilometers per hour, faster than narrow-body Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 jets.
To test their prototype, Southwest Jiaotong University scientists led by Professor Deng Xigang constructed a test car and a 45-meter loop with a load capacity of up to one ton.
The superconducting maglev system inside the loop allows the test car to be constantly levitated 20 millimeters above the track, according to a study published in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Transactions on Power Delivery journal.
Deng and his team are currently conducting trials and aims to complete 400 kilometer per hour runs within the year.
They will still need to conduct 1,000 kph trial runs, tackle safety standards, and deal with high construction and maintenance costs before any super-maglev trains can enter commercial service.
