China Shows Off New World’s Fastest Bullet Train

They are speeding toward a fast future in China, thanks to a new model of high-speed bullet trains. Over the weekend, state-owned rail operator China State Railway Group unveiled a prototype for its CR450 train, which it claims will be the world’s fastest commercial high-speed railcar.

As reported by the South China Morning Post, the CR450 will be capable of reaching a top speed of 280mph (450km/h) and will have a maximum commercial operating speed of 250mph (400km/h). For comparison’s sake, the state rail operator’s current CR400 trains run at around 220mph (350km/h). According to the state-owned news agency, the CR450 will be able to complete the 700-mile journey from Beijing to Shanghai in about 2.5 hours. Yicai Global.

Although the CR450 is still in the prototype stage, creating a train capable of that top speed is a technical and engineering achievement. According to a Chinese government press releaseThe CR450 will weigh 10% less than its predecessors and reduce operational resistance – the force required to move the train – by 22%. The train’s compartment enclosure—the structure that covers the wheels—reduces wind resistance at high speeds, and a “low-drag, sharp-nosed front” and aerodynamic windshields help the CR450 maintain its top acceleration.

As impressive as the CR450 promises to be, there is a difference between being capable of certain speeds and actually achieving them. France’s TGV trains Hit 357.2 mph in 2007which remains a record for a conventional wheeled passenger train. But in reality, the TGV average speed is about 175mph. China already operates the world’s fastest commercial train, with several routes Regular hits 217mph. But to push this top speed further, it is necessary to ensure that the tracks are properly aligned to support it.

According to infrastructure consulting firm AECOMThe faster a train goes, the greater the curve radius required to ensure the car can safely turn without significantly slowing down or risking a serious hazard. The radius gets exponentially larger as you go faster. According to AECOM, a curve radius of about 6.2 miles is required to maintain a train speed of 224mph. Bump it up to 250mph, and you’ll need 7 miles to follow the bank without tanking at top speed.

The Chinese government says the CR450 will remain operational.”as soon as possibleMeanwhile, Californians are still waiting for its high-speed rail project—now nearly two decades after it was first approved—to produce its first operational passenger service. Hopefully, the trains will be faster than construction.