China’s record-smashing maglev achieves 0-700km/h acceleration in less than 2 seconds

Researchers at China’s National University of Defence Technology have successfully accelerated a tonne-class vehicle to a record speed of 700 km/h (435mph) within just two seconds on a 400 metre (1,310-foot) magnetic levitation test line, and brought it safely to a stop. The test speed has set a new global benchmark, making it the world’s fastest superconducting electric maglev to date. This same force that flung a sledge down a short track could fling a rocket into the sky. It could even...