CHENGDU, CHINA — Chinese researchers have developed the world's first testing platform for a new maglev train that can run at ultra-high speeds.<br /><br />China Central Television reports that China's super-maglev train uses magnetic levitation technology and vacuum tube transport to run at speeds of 1,000 kilometers per hour, faster than narrow-body Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 jets.<br /><br />To test their prototype, Southwest Jiaotong University scientists led by Professor Deng Xigang constructed a test car and a 45-meter loop with a load capacity of up to one ton.<br /><br />The superconducting maglev system inside the loop allows the test car to be constantly levitated 20 millimeters above the track, according to a study published in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Transactions on Power Delivery journal.<br /><br />Deng and his team are currently conducting trials and aims to complete 400 kilometer per hour runs within the year.<br /><br />They will still need to conduct 1,000 kph trial runs, tackle safety standards, and deal with high construction and maintenance costs before any super-maglev trains can enter commercial service.
