China launched a prototype magnetic levitation train designed to operate at a top speed of 600 km / h on Thursday in Qingdao city in the east of the country.
The launch and testing of this first Chinese prototype Maglev high-speed train mark a major breakthrough for the country. The engineering prototype is expected to exit the production chain in 2020 before going through comprehensive testing.
A major breakthrough for China … and for Maglev trains
“The prototype has reached static levitation. It is in very good condition, “said Ding Sansan, head of Maglev train research and development. The test prototype had only one vehicle. The manufacturer is also preparing an experimental center and test production center for high-speed trains of the same type. According to Ding, these two projects should be operational in the second half of this year, without further details.
Still according to Ding Sansan, “the Maglev high-speed train can bridge the gap between current high-speed rail services and air transport.” CRRC Qingdao Sifang has launched a key research and development program involving more than 30 companies, universities and research institutes starting in July 2016. The goal is to develop high-speed trains with intellectual property only in China. Chinese high-speed trains now operate at speeds of up to 350 km / h.
Technological advances
Ding also explains that after nearly three years of effort, his team will have achieved “major breakthroughs in technology and sub-technology.” According to him, the communication systems with the locomotives, the traction system and the overall control of the operation are now fully operational.
The Maglev train is characterized by amazing speed, safety, high reliability, and low noise and vibration. Ding believes that they will ultimately be used to connect all major cities (and all city complexes) to “strengthen regional integration”.
Shanghai, China’s financial hub, is the only city in the country with a high-speed commercial line. The Shanghai Maglev train was commissioned in 2003 and 30 km from the city center to Pudong Airport, all at a top speed of 430 km / h.