Researchers at China's National University of Defense Technology accelerated a tonne-class test vehicle to 700 km/h in just two seconds, setting a world record in superconducting electric maglev propulsion. The achievement positions China as a global leader in ultra-high-speed maglev technology and opens possibilities for hyperloop transport.
Researchers at China's National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) have set a world record by accelerating a tonne-class test vehicle to 700 km/h (435 mph) in just two seconds during a recent experiment. The feat was achieved after a decade of research and development on a 400-meter maglev track, where the vehicle reached its top speed before a controlled stop.
State broadcaster CCTV released footage on Thursday showing the vehicle, resembling a chassis, flashing across the track and leaving a trail of mist. It highlighted breakthroughs in core challenges such as ultra-high-speed electromagnetic propulsion, electric suspension guidance, transient high-power energy storage inversion, and high-field superconducting magnets.
This positions China among the world's leaders in ultra-high-speed maglev technology, offering future options for vacuum tube maglev transport, including hyperloop systems. The electromagnetic acceleration also provides new approaches for aerospace-assisted launches and experimental testing.
The team plans to next focus on ultra-high-speed tube maglev transportation, aerospace equipment testing, and electromagnetic-assisted launch technologies, marking a significant leap in high-power control and extreme acceleration capabilities.
