Chinese researchers have successfully accelerated a ton-class test vehicle to 700 kilometers per hour within two seconds on a 400-meter magnetic levitation (maglev) track using a superconducting electromagnetic propulsion system, setting a new world record.

The currently world's fastest acceleration on such a platform was followed by a safe stop, according to the research team at National University of Defense Technology, who made the breakthrough after 10 years of efforts.

The breakthrough addressed several challenges in core technologies, including ultra-high-speed electromagnetic propulsion, electric levitation guidance, transient high-power energy storage inversion, and high-field superconducting magnets.

It makes China a global leader in developing ultra-high-speed maglev systems, offers the country a new option for the future development of vacuum tube maglev transportation, as well as new approaches and new means for aerospace-assisted launch and experimental testing.

The subsequent technological iterations and industrial applications of this achievement will inject new momentum into China's aviation, aerospace and rail transit industries.

"The success of our ultra-high-speed superconducting electric maglev system will speed up the development of China's ultra-high-speed maglev transportation. Next, our team will focus on ultra-high-speed tube maglev transportation, aviation and aerospace equipment testing, electromagnetic launch, and other cutting-edge areas while promoting closer collaboration among enterprises, universities, research institutes and end-users to contribute to independent innovation in defense technology," said Li Jie, a professor at the university.