China Showcases New World’s Fastest Bullet Train

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

As reported by the South China Morning Post, the CR450 will be able to reach a maximum speed of 280 mph (450 km/h) and will have a maximum commercial operating speed of 250 mph (400 km/h). For comparison, the state rail operator’s current CR400 trains operate at around 220 mph (350 km/h). The CR450 will be able to complete the 700-kilometer trip from Beijing to Shanghai in about 2.5 hours, according to the state-run press agency. Yicai Global.

While the CR450 is still in the prototype stage, the production of a train capable of those maximum speeds is a technological and engineering achievement. According to a press release from the Chinese governmentthe CR450 will weigh 10% less than its predecessors and will lower operating resistance – the force required to move the train – by 22%. The undercarriage – the frame that covers the wheels – can reduce air resistance at faster speeds, and a “low-drag front end, strong nose” 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 train he hit 357.2 mph in 2007which remains a record for conventional wheeled passenger trains. But in practice, the TGV has an average speed of about 175 mph. China already operates the fastest commercial trains in the world, with many routes that routinely hits 217 mph. But to push those top speeds even higher, you need to make sure the tracks are lined up properly to support them.

According to infrastructure consulting firm AECOMthe faster a train goes, the more turning radius is needed to ensure that the vehicle can take a turn safely without having to slow down significantly or risk a serious hazard. That radius gets exponentially larger the faster you go. According to AECOM, a train traveling at 224 mph requires a curve radius of about 6.2 kilometers to maintain speed. Bump that up to 250 mph, and you need 7 miles to follow the bank without a tank at top speed.

The Chinese government says the CR450 will be in operation”as soon as possible.” Meanwhile, Californians are still waiting for their high-speed rail project – now almost two decades since its first approval – to produce its first operational passenger service. I hope the trains will be faster than the construction.