This is the first full-size trial of the maglev
system developed jointly by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation
and Shanxi, according to Chinese media. The
test took place in a low-vacuum tube, with the vehicle successfully maintaining
a stable ride and stopping safely. Results showed that the speed and height
of the vehicle above the track were as predicted.
Construction of the test facility started in 2022
and the partners say the successful test has confirmed the viability of
building and maintaining a long-distance, large-scale vacuum environment. The demonstration run proved that the
super-conducting maglev system and other key technologies performed as expected
in the low-vacuum environment.
The next phase of development is
understood to include trial running at full speed, which will require a test
track of at least 60km in length.
The Shanxi system integrates aerospace technology
with conventional rail technology. With a theoretical maximum speed of
1000km/h, maglev trains could connect China’s largest cities and enable a
journey time between Beijing and Shanghai of just 90 minutes.