Model maglev train hits 800 km/h in 5.3 seconds, setting new world record
Hubei's Donghu Laboratory has announced a major breakthrough: on November 24, researchers accelerated a 1.11‑ton high‑speed maglev model car to a peak speed of 800 km/h (497 mph) in just 5.3 seconds. The system's 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time was under 0.7 seconds, setting a new world record for platforms of this type.
According to the research team, the achievement builds on years of work in electromagnetic‑launch technology. The system uses a permanent‑magnet levitation and guidance setup combined with electromagnetic propulsion. The team overcame several technical challenges, including maintaining stable levitation under high‑speed aerodynamic disturbances, suppressing thrust fluctuations in high‑speed linear motors, achieving ultra‑high‑capacity multi‑level frequency‑conversion control, enabling long‑stroke high‑speed position detection with segmented power supply, and ensuring low‑latency, high‑reliability wireless communication between the vehicle and ground systems.
The successful development of these core technologies, along with the construction of a dedicated high‑speed maglev test line, provides a platform for aerodynamic testing, speed calibration, and overload‑impact experiments in open‑air conditions. This lays the groundwork for next‑generation high‑speed maglev transportation, ultra‑high‑speed electromagnetic sled systems, aerospace electromagnetic launch applications, and low‑altitude economic infrastructure.
China has been a global leader in maglev development for decades. Shanghai opened the world's first commercial high‑speed maglev line in 2003, reaching speeds up to 430 km/h (267 mph). Beijing and Changsha also operate medium‑ and low‑speed maglev lines with design speeds of 100 km/h (62 mph).
Donghu Laboratory, located in Hubei Province, focuses on advanced electromagnetic technologies, high‑speed transportation research, and next‑generation propulsion systems. The institution collaborates with academician‑level research teams and plays a key role in China's push toward high‑performance maglev systems, aerospace launch technologies, and large‑scale experimental platforms supporting national strategic projects.
