China has made a significant leap in high-speed transportation with its ultra-high-speed (UHS) magnetic levitation (maglev) train completing a successful demonstration test in north China’s Shanxi Province. The test marks a critical milestone in developing a train capable of reaching speeds up to 1,000 kilometers per hour.
The UHS low-vacuum tube maglev transportation system, jointly developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited and Shanxi Province, conducted the demonstration test for its full-size trial project in Yanggao County, Datong City. The superconducting maglev vehicle was tested in a 2-kilometer-long low-vacuum pipeline, where it achieved controlled navigation, stable suspension, and safe stopping along a predetermined curve.
According to reports, the vehicle’s maximum speed and suspension height were consistent with preset values, and all systems operated normally. The vehicle’s trajectory closely matched theoretical predictions, showcasing the system’s precision and reliability.
The test also validated key technologies, including the establishment and maintenance of a long-distance, large-scale vacuum environment and superconducting navigation control. It demonstrated effective coordination between various systems operating in a low-vacuum environment and confirmed the overall performance of the UHS maglev transportation system.
Construction of the system began in April 2022, integrating aerospace technology with ground railway transportation. The goal is to revolutionize intercity travel by significantly reducing travel times. In the future, the UHS maglev train could facilitate transportation between China’s megacity clusters, potentially reducing the journey from Beijing to Shanghai to approximately one and a half hours.
Reference(s):
China's 1,000 km/h maglev train completes demonstration test
cgtn.com
