In a hurry? China’s ‘electromagnetic sledge’ cruises at nearly the speed of sound

Name: Italian astronaut goes viral for sharing ancient poem and pictures above China in space
Uploaded: 2022-10-20T22:00:11.000Z
Duration: 1 min 28 s
Description: Italian astronaut goes viral for sharing ancient poem and pictures above China in space

World’s most powerful magnetic propulsion system could help scientists solve problems holding back ultra high-speed transport

Researchers say recent achievements may herald a new age of maglev trains

Reading Time:2 minutes

Why you can trust SCMP

The world’s most powerful magnetic propulsion system could soon help scientists solve problems holding back ultra high-speed transport, and usher in a new age of maglev trains. Photo: CCTV

Zhang Tongin Beijing

Published: 6:00am, 21 Oct 2022

China has launched the world’s most powerful magnetic propulsion system, capable of accelerating a carriage to 1030km/h (640mph), just under the speed of sound, state media reported on Thursday.

The “electromagnetic sledge”, built in Jinan, Shandong province by the Institute of Electrical Engineering under the Chinese Academy of Science, will “provide test conditions and support Chinese research in advanced materials, aerospace and ultra high-speed transport,” an article on the Jinan government website said.

01:28

Italian astronaut goes viral for sharing ancient poem and pictures above China in space

Unlike a previous rocket sledge, the carriage on the electromagnetic sledge does not have to carry fuel, and boasts better response times and controllability.

The facility offers scientists the chance to solve problems that have plagued high-speed travel, such as material properties, aerodynamics and control system calibrations.

The advancements that produced the new speed record will boost the development of new transport technology, including trains and planes, according to a report on China Central Television.

The “electromagnetic sledge”, recently set a record speed for magnetic propulsion. Photo: CCTV

The Jinan site is the world’s first ground-based, ultra high-speed test facility using electromagnetic fields, the report said.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x