New Chinese Train Can Reach 500 Km/h

Chinese officials are happy to announce the successful testing of the first high-speed train capable of reaching speeds upwards of 500 kilometers (310.6 miles) per hour. If implemented, this will be the fastest, conventional-wheeled train, exceeded in speed only by Japanese MAGLEV trains.

The recent test took place on a railway in Qingdao, Shandong province. The train has a maximum drawing power of 22,800 kilowatts, which is immense. The second-fastest Chinese train, CRH380, has a drawing power of only 9,600 kilowatts, but travels 200 kilometers (124.2 miles) per hour slower.

According to officials, the new train boasts a number of new technologies and materials, including carbon fiber and magnesium alloys. Sound insulation was also a major issue, and one that was eventually resolved.

In fact, designing the entire train must have been an exquisite engineering challenge, Ubergizmo reports.