China's New Maglev Hits 700 km/h in Under 2 Seconds, Smashing World Record
China's new superconducting maglev has set a world record, accelerating to 700 km/h in under 2 seconds. The technology could unlock new possibilities for hyperloop and aerospace launch assistance.
Zero to 700 km/h in under two seconds. China has just demonstrated a staggering new capability in maglev technology that sets a new global benchmark. The successful test isn't just about raw speed; it's a development that could unlock new possibilities for hyperloop transport and even aerospace applications.
A New Global Benchmark for Speed
Researchers at China’s National University of Defence Technology successfully accelerated a tonne-class vehicle to a record speed of 700 km/h (435 mph) in less than two seconds on a 400-meter test track. According to a December 25th report from state broadcaster CCTV, the test makes it the world’s fastest superconducting electric maglev to date, and it was brought to a safe stop just as rapidly.
Paving the Way for Hyperloop and Space Launch
The achievement marks a leap in extreme acceleration and high-power control. The CCTV report stated that the project resolved core technical challenges, including ultra-high-speed electromagnetic propulsion, electric suspension guidance, transient high-power energy storage, and high-field superconducting magnets. This signals China's entry into the top tier of global ultra-high-speed maglev technology.
The implications are significant. This is a foundational technology for hyperloop systems—vacuum-sealed tubes that could link cities in minutes. Furthermore, the powerful electromagnetic acceleration could provide new methods for aerospace launch assistance, potentially reducing the cost and complexity of sending payloads into orbit.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
The PLA is developing over 10 experimental quantum cyber warfare tools, with testing already underway in front-line units. Discover the impact on global defense.
China accelerates its scientific rise in 2026 with a record-breaking hypergravity machine and a plan to launch 200,000 low-Earth orbit satellites.
In a world-first, surgeons in China successfully reattached a woman's severed ear by first grafting it to her foot. This radical approach to microsurgery could change how severe trauma injuries are treated.
AstraZeneca's $100 million upfront payment to China's Jacobio Pharma for a novel drug signals a major shift. The deal shows China's evolution from a generics maker to a key source of pharma innovation.