China Sets New Maglev World Record: 700 Km/h in Two Seconds

Dec. 31—Researchers at China’s National University of Defense Technology successfully accelerated a test vehicle weighing about a ton (about 1,000 kg, or 2204.62 lbs.) to an incredible speed of 700 kph (about 435 mph) in about two seconds, reported NDTV. The test was conducted Dec. 24 on a 400-meter (1,310-foot) maglev track, and the vehicle was brought safely to a halt. A video of the test shows the vehicle traveling like a silver bullet, leaving a trail of mist behind it.

Li Jie, a professor at the National University of Defense Technology, said, “The successful development of this ultra-high-speed superconducting electric maglev system will accelerate the research and development process of China’s ultra-high-speed maglev transport.”

NDTV reported: “The team behind the current breakthrough has been working on the project for 10 years. Earlier this year, in January, they tested the train on the same track and reached a top speed of 648 km/h.”

For comparison, a currently suspended route taken by the China Railway K3/4 train from Beijing to Moscow—a route 7,826 km (4,863 mi) long—takes about 131 hours (about 5 1/2—with stops). If this new maglev train were to be used, the journey would take about 11 hours.

However, due to the tremendous g-forces, such a rate of acceleration would be impossible for passenger travel. NewAtlas notes, “While a standing 0-435 mph standing start is impressive, it’s by no means meant as a passenger experience. The g-forces alone wouldn’t quite turn would-be passengers into Jell-O, but it puts it just beyond expert fighter pilot blackout territory at around 10 g. Surprisingly, the stop, as quick as it is, would only be around 5 g. Either way, it would make for a fun amusement park ride that you’ll never remember.”

Magnetic levitation (maglev) is a technology using magnetic fields to suspend, guide, and propel objects without physical contact, eliminating friction for smooth, high-speed motion, famously seen in maglev trains but also used in bearings, displays, and precision systems. It works by creating powerful magnetic repulsion or attraction to counteract gravity, either using superconducting magnets for strong fields (as in maglev trains) or by inducing currents in conductive materials, allowing for quiet, efficient movement.