Researchers at China’s National University of Defence Technology successfully accelerated a test vehicle weighing about a tonne (about 1,000 kg, or 2204.62 lbs.) to an incredible speed of 700 kph (about 435 mph) in about two seconds, reported NDTV. The test was conducted on Dec. 24 on a 400-meter (1,310-foot) maglev track, and the vehicle was brought safely to a halt. A video of the test shows the vehicle traveling like a silver bullet, leaving a trail of mist behind it.
Li Jie, a professor at the National University of Defence Technology, said, “The successful development of this ultra-high-speed superconducting electric maglev system will accelerate the research and development process of China’s ultra-high-speed maglev transport.”
NDTV reported: “The team behind the current breakthrough has been working on the project for 10 years. Earlier this year, in January, they tested the train on the same track and reached a top speed of 648 km/h.”
