Key Takeaways
1. China’s new high-speed train, the CR450, achieved a test speed of 453 km/h (281 mph), exceeding the required safety margin for certification aimed at regular service at 400 km/h (250 mph).
2. German high-speed trains, like the Velaro Novo, struggle to reach speeds above 405 km/h (251 mph), with the current German record set at 406.9 km/h.
3. The CR450 still requires extensive testing, with plans for around 600,000 kilometers (nearly 373,000 miles) of trials before it can be considered for operational use.
4. The CR450 significantly accelerates faster than its predecessor, reaching 350 km/h (218 mph) in just 4:40 minutes compared to the Fuxing train’s 6:20 minutes.
5. There are rumors that China may aim to break the world speed record for trains, currently held by a French TGV at over 570 km/h (355 mph), potentially setting a record for multiple unit trains.
China’s latest high-speed train has recently achieved a remarkable speed of 453 km/h (281 mph) during a test run, as reported by state media outlet China Central Television (CCTV). This accomplishment is a significant milestone toward establishing passenger service at 400 km/h (250 mph). For certification, a safety margin of around 10% above the intended service speed is generally required, making 453 km/h (281 mph) a notable achievement.
German Trains and Their Limits
This speed is something that German high-speed trains can barely reach in theory. Recently, a test train run by DB Systemtechnik nearly set a new record with a Velaro Novo intermediate car, hitting 405 km/h (251 mph). However, due to poor wind conditions, the train did not surpass the German record of 406.9 km/h. Siemens Mobility has stated that the powered bogie of the Velaro Novo was not utilized during this test.
Future of CR450
If the CR450 operates at 400 km/h (250 mph), it would become the fastest train in regular operation. During its test run, the Transrapid, which is the Shanghai Maglev Train, only managed to reach 300 km/h. Still, the Chinese train has a long road ahead before it can enter regular service, as certification demands extensive testing. CCTV reports that about 600,000 kilometers (nearly 373,000 miles) of testing is planned, primarily between Chengdu and Chongqing next year. After this, the CR450 could be considered for operational use.
Enhanced Speed and New Records
The new CR450 trains are faster than their predecessors. CCTV mentions that the CR450 can accelerate to 350 km/h (218 mph) in just 4:40 minutes, whereas the earlier Fuxing train took 6:20 minutes for the same speed. This improvement makes the CR450 more appropriate for services that require frequent stops.
Rumors, as reported by the knowledgeable Bluesky account JR Urbane Network and sourced from Chinese outlets, suggest that China may be aiming for a world speed record with this new train. The current record is held by a French TGV, which surpassed 570 km/h (355 mph) using power cars. In contrast, the CR450 is a multiple unit with distributed traction. Should a record-setting run occur, it would mean that a multiple unit train would then set a record within the wheel-rail category.
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