Chinese scientists have set a new global speed record after successfully testing a superconducting maglev train that reached 700 kilometres per hour in just two seconds.
According to international media reports, the experiment was conducted on 25 December by scientists at the National University of Defense Technology.
The test involved a train weighing nearly one ton, which was run on a 400-metre-long specialized track.
During the experiment, the train accelerated to record speed within moments and was then safely brought to a stop. Scientists said this is the fastest superconducting electric maglev train ever tested.
The project has been under development for more than 10 years. Earlier this year, in January, the same train reached a speed of 648 km per hour on the same track. The latest test broke that record by crossing the 700 km per hour mark.
Maglev trains operate without touching the track. Instead, they use powerful magnetic forces to lift and move above the rail, eliminating friction between wheels and tracks. This allows the train to travel at extremely high speeds.
In a video that has surfaced online, the train can be seen racing along the track at lightning speed, with a light mist forming behind it.
Scientists say this technology could also be used in the future for rocket launches. If applied to passenger transport, it could allow travel between major cities in just a few minutes.
