China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation has claimed that its new magnetically levitated (maglev) train has surpassed its previous record of 623 kmph
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This means that China could soon have a train that is as fast as a plane, the South China Morning Post reported
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The train relies on maglev technology, which uses magnetism to propel the train forward as well as "levitate" it above the tracks, thereby minimising friction
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To further boost the speed, the train also travels through a specifically designed low-vacuum tube that reduces air resistance
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The maximum speed of the train makes it the fastest ground vehicle globally, Reuters previously reported
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The CASIC hailed the latest test as "a significant breakthrough"
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Apart from breaking its speed record, the train for the first time also achieved stable levitation while travelling in a low-vacuum tube
Image: Reuters
CASIC said that the latest test also validated several key technologies and proved that they work well together
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The latest test proved that the vehicle tube and track interact well, keeping the heavy maglev vehicles floating steadily, the agency added
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Notably, China has been using maglev technology for almost two decades. Shanghai has a short maglev line running from one of its airports to town