China Unveils Train Prototype Projected to Reach 600Kph

On Thursday, China unveiled a testing prototype magnetic-levitation train, in the eastern city of Qingdao, that can reach a top speed of 600 kilometers per hour.

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The train is developed by China’s state-owned China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) and is China’s first high-speed maglev train. The train is expected to eventually transport passengers at speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour and cutting travel between Beijing and Shanghai by one hour.

"Take Beijing to Shanghai as an example -- counting preparation time for the journey, it takes about 4.5 hours by plane, about 5.5 hours by high-speed rail, and [would only take] about 3.5 hours with [the new] high-speed maglev," CRRC deputy chief engineer Ding Sansan, head of the train's research and development team, said in a statement.

Currently, the testing prototype can check and optimize the key technologies and core system components of the high-speed maglev system and lay a technological basis for the forthcoming engineering prototype, the chief engineer said.

"Now the prototype has achieved static levitation and is in good condition," Ding further explained.

CRRC is currently building an experimental center and a trial production center for the high-speed maglev trains, Ding also noted.

According to a CGTN report, the research and development of a five-carriage engineering prototype are going smoothly and the engineering prototype is scheduled to roll off the production line in 2020.

Comprehensive tests to finish integrated verification should be completed and full production expected in 2021, CGTN said.

China already has the world’s fastest commercial maglev service in operation, which reaches 431 kilometers per hour.