In a groundbreaking event, China has successfully completed the demonstration test of an ultra-high-speed (UHS) maglev transportation system in Shanxi Province. This maglev train is designed to reach speeds of up to 1,000 kilometres per hour (km/h).
The UHS low-vacuum tube magnetic levitation transportation system, developed jointly by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited and Shanxi, showcased its capabilities during a full-size trial project in Yanggao County of Datong City.
Maglev technology utilises strong electromagnets to lift and propel the train forward on a cushion of air. This eliminates friction between wheels and rails, enabling maglev trains to achieve higher speeds with less noise and vibration compared to conventional locomotives.
As per a Global Times report, the test was conducted in a 2-kilometre-long pipeline under low-vacuum conditions, featuring a superconducting maglev vehicle. The results demonstrated controlled navigation, stable suspension, and safe stopping, adhering to the predetermined curve.
The train’s maximum speed and suspension height met preset values, with all systems operating normally and the vehicle’s movement closely matching theoretical predictions.
The test also validated several key technologies, including the creation and maintenance of a long-distance, large-scale vacuum environment and superconducting navigation control.
The coordination between various systems in the low-vacuum environment and the overall performance of the system were confirmed to be successful.
Construction of the UHS maglev transportation system began in Yanggao County in April 2022. The project integrates aerospace technology with ground railway transportation, aiming to achieve unprecedented train speeds of 1,000 km/h.
The first commercially operated high-speed superconducting Maglev train opened in Shanghai in 2004. Similar systems are also in operation in Japan and South Korea. In the United States, several routes are being explored to connect cities, including Baltimore and Washington DC.
A journey from Beijing to Shanghai could be completed in about an hour and a half, transforming the future of intercity travel. This advanced transportation system has the potential to revolutionise travel between China’s megacity clusters, significantly reducing travel time.