China sets world record in superconducting electric maglev propulsion

(ECNS) — China has set a world record in superconducting electric magnetic levitation propulsion after researchers accelerated a ton-scale test vehicle to 700 km/h (435 mph) in two seconds during a recent experiment.

The breakthrough was achieved by a team from the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) following a decade of research and development. The test was conducted on a 400-meter maglev track, where the ton-scale vehicle reached a top speed of 700 km/h before coming to a controlled stop.

The result places China among the world's leaders in ultra-high-speed maglev technology. Researchers said the advance provides future options for the development of vacuum tube maglev transport as well as new technical approaches for aerospace-assisted launches and experimental testing.

Team members indicated their focus would next shift to ultra-high-speed tube maglev transportation, aerospace equipment testing, and electromagnetic-assisted launch technologies.

(By Evelyn)