Science & Technology

Maglev train breaks speed record in Japan

By T.K. Randall
April 23, 2015

Image: AI-generated (Midjourney) Those concerned about the amount of time it takes to complete their daily commute might want to try paying a visit to Japan, a country where high-speed rail services are now the norm.

Particularly impressive are the maglev trains which, with their futuristic bullet-shaped appearance, are able to move across the Japanese countryside at speeds of several hundred kilometers per hour while levitating 10cm above the tracks using magnets.

In a record-breaking stunt this week a seven-car maglev carrying 49 passengers managed to achieve a new world record by reaching a speed of 603km/h. The previous record of 590km/h, which had itself beaten the record of 581km/h set in 2003, was achieved only one week earlier."The ride was comfortable and stable," said Yasukazu Endo, head of the Maglev Test Centre. "We would like to continue analysing data and make use of it in designing the cars and other equipment."

Members of the public are likely to have to wait a bit longer before having the chance to experience such extreme speeds for themselves however as the current models in service are only able to travel at around 320 km/h.

To go faster than that it will be necessary to hold on until 2027 when a new 500km/h service will be available to whisk passengers between Tokyo and Nagoya in the space of just 40 minutes.

Source: The Guardian

Tags: Japan, Maglev, Train