Travelling by train at speeds close to a commercial jet sounds like the stuff of dreams for busy commuters.
Now, China is getting closer to making this a reality for its 1.4 billion citizens.
The country has just started construction on a new line for its 'maglev' network – which uses magnets to lift the carriages above the track.
Ultimately, China wants to build a vast network of maglev trains across the country, which would go at more than 621 miles (1,000km) for passengers.
This is pushing towards the speed of a Boeing 737 plane at cruising altitude – mph 560 mph.
These maglev trains will be transported in hyperloops – enclosed tunnels to reduce air resistance and hence let the maglev trains go faster.
However, there is still some engineering work to be done – the fastest trains in history have travelled at under 400mph.
China already has two maglev train lines – Changsha Maglev and Shanghai Maglev – but these only go as fast as 62 mph and 268 mph, respectively.
Costing 10.44 billion yuan (£1.1 billion), it's an extension of the existing Changsha Maglev line, which is China's second maglev line after Shanghai Maglev, the world's first commercially operated high-speed maglev.
Shanghai Maglev, which opened more than two decades ago, is still the fastest commercial train in the world with peak speeds of 268mph (431 km/h).
Source :
Editor: Crystal H
Advertisement
Most Popular
Broke ex millionaire's last possession auctioned off – Sprite
Tourist surge in mysterious "Ailao Mountains" sparks warnings
Lucky Queen wins prizes 500 times in a year worth US$70K reveals
Press "wow"
No comments:
Post a Comment