China has set a new world record for magnetic levitation (maglev) technology. A 650-ton test vehicle accelerated to 1,1 km/h in just seven seconds on a track just one kilometre long, during a test at the Donghu Laboratory in Hubei Province. This “sprint” approach demonstrates the potential of high-speed electromagnetic propulsion systems over short distances, rather than traditional long test tracks.
Millimetric Control and High Precision
Behind this remarkable success high power linear motor and pole-like magnetic levitation system The vehicle rose from the rail surface without contact and encountered only aerodynamic friction. This enabled both acceleration and braking phases to be controlled with high precision.
Thanks to advanced detection technology, the vehicle's location within a deviation tolerance of four millimeters The vehicle reached its top speed only 200 metres before stopping, state television channel CTGN reported.
800 km/h Target and Cost Effective Approach
The team responsible for developing the test track says that 650 km/h is not the final limit. Laboratory officials say that after the test track is completed in 2025, routine It will be ready for 800 km/h speed tests. He expressed.
The Donghu Laboratory High-Speed Maglev Electromagnetic Propulsion Technology Innovation Center has demonstrated that this short-distance sprint approach is more efficient than traditional test tracks. more frequent trials, lower costs and easier urban integration He emphasised that it provides opportunities.
The Future of Transportation and Expanding Application Areas
The new tests also show that maglev technology is not limited to airport shuttles. China unveiled a high-temperature superconductor (HTS) prototype in 2022 and plans to launch it in 2024 Low vacuum tube concept capable of reaching speeds of 1.000 km/h It is also stated that in-train 5G coverage area studies are continuing in parallel, so that passengers will experience uninterrupted connection even at high speeds.
Maglev technology is no longer limited to ground-based transportation systems. China-based private space firm Galactic Energy is developing a maglev system as an auxiliary system in rocket launches This technology is planned to be operational by 2028.
While maglev initiatives are still in the project phase in countries like the US and Japan, China stands out in the world with its current number of commercial lines and testing capacity. The Shanghai Maglev line still carries passengers at 430 km/h. China’s rapidly developing maglev infrastructure is a significant advantage over Japan’s under-construction superconductor Chūō Shinkansen project and South Korea’s medium-speed lines. In the US, despite planned lines, no commercial service has yet been launched.
The compact and precise testbed provided by Donghu Laboratory could narrow the gap between hyperloop-class transportation and maglev technologies in the future.
