China’s New Maglev Train Can Float In Air

China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) took the veils off the body prototype for the latest high-speed magnetic-levitation (maglev) train in Shandong province last week. The said maglev train would be able to reach a top speed of 373 miles per hour. The maglev train has been slated for launch in 2021, and the company is hopeful that it will transform the rail travel.

We decided to bring to our readers a list of five things that you should know about the maglev train from China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation. Check it out below;

It Will Complete Some Trips Faster Than A Plane

No, it is not as fast as an aircraft, but still, China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation claims that it can complete some of the trips – when you factor the prep time – much quicker than the airborne counterparts. CRRC deputy chief engineer Ding Sansan said, ‘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.’

It Actually Floats In Air

If you have been a fan of the hovercraft, then you are in luck! The train is able to travel at such an amazingly high speed because of the magnetic repulsion that causes it to levitate about two inches from the rails.

It Was Created Within Three Years

The maglev train by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation was announced back in 2015 and has been developed as part of a collaboration between the research institutes, the Chinese government, universities, and thirty businesses that lasted for about three years. According to Ding, CRRC will be testing five different prototypes before it finalizes the design.

A Lot Of Work Still Needs To Be Done

There is still quite a lot of work that needs to be done before passengers can travel within China at speeds that are higher than 370 miles per hour. CRRC needs to achieve the perfect order of stability and precision for maintaining the smoothest possible ride.

Race For The World’s Fastest Train

The maglev train by CRRC is not the only contestant. Japan is also busy building its own maglev train. We will have to wait and see which train is able to take the title of the fastest train with it! For the time being, you can check out the video of China’s prototype maglev train below;