Supersonic Trains in China: The Future of High-Speed Travel
Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
China is set to revolutionize transportation with the development of trains that can reach speeds of 1000 km/h—faster than the speed of sound. These state-of-the-art trains will be equipped with 5G technology, enabling passengers to enjoy ultra-high-definition videos or play online games on their smartphones while traveling at incredible speeds. The trains will operate on magnetic levitation (maglev) technology within vacuum tubes, marking a significant step forward in transportation innovation.
The prototypes for these next-generation trains are being tested by the China Aerospace Corporation (CASC) and the government of Shanxi province. These tests will demonstrate that these trains can travel faster than commercial aircraft, pushing the boundaries of current high-speed rail capabilities. While traditional high-speed trains in China already reach speeds of up to 350 km/h and can connect to 5G services, maintaining stable connections at near-supersonic speeds presents a complex challenge.
The difficulty arises from the fact that when a mobile phone moves at high speeds near a base station, the frequency of the signal changes, which can disrupt stable data transmission. This becomes especially problematic when the train approaches speeds close to the speed of sound, where the rate of signal change becomes more pronounced. Maintaining a high-speed data connection for passengers on such trains is critical, as passengers expect continuous internet access even in remote areas like long tunnels.
One of the major obstacles for this system is the installation and maintenance of base stations inside vacuum tubes. If any component, such as an antenna, becomes dislodged due to vibrations, it could pose a significant risk to the high-speed trains.
In a breakthrough discovery, a research team led by Professor Song Tichen from the National Key Laboratory of Mobile Communications at Southeast University in China found that laying two parallel cables along the inner walls of the vacuum tubes could solve the base station installation issue. These specialized cables emit electromagnetic signals, providing a continuous and stable connection between passengers’ smartphones and the 5G mobile networks. By applying efficient signal coding and fine-tuning critical parameters, they are able to minimize interference caused by signal shifts due to high-speed movement. Preliminary computer models have confirmed that this approach will ensure stable 5G connectivity during data transmission.
The concept of creating maglev trains operating in underground vacuum tunnels was inspired by Elon Musk’s Hyperloop project, which aimed to build similar systems in several countries. Musk’s company designed an experimental vacuum tunnel near Los Angeles, where multiple tests were conducted. Although Musk had promised to build numerous vacuum transportation corridors around the world, including projects in India and Slovakia, the initiative failed to materialize. The Hyperloop One company, which was behind the project, was dissolved last year.
However, China is determined to take this concept to fruition. The Chinese team has already constructed a 2-kilometer vacuum tube in Datong, located in Shanxi province, where they are testing the maglev trains. During the trials, the superconducting trains performed exceptionally well. The magnetic levitation system operated smoothly, with the trains maintaining stability and safely halting as planned. The trajectory of the trains perfectly matched theoretical models, and the Chinese engineers integrated innovative technologies, including superconducting navigation control systems.
Many Chinese cities are now seeking approval from the central government in Beijing to begin building the first commercial vacuum train lines. This project is seen as part of China’s larger vision to create an advanced transportation network that will connect key cities and enhance regional mobility.
Over the past 15 years, China has heavily invested in the development of high-speed rail networks, gaining valuable experience in research, design, and manufacturing of faster trains. Experts are confident that these resources will now be applied to the development of hypersonic trains. Currently, China has maglev train lines operating between Shanghai and Pudong International Airport, covering a distance of 30 km with speeds reaching 430 km/h. In addition, China has two low-speed maglev trains operating at 100 km/h.
Among the potential first commercial lines are routes linking Beijing to Shijiazhuang, aimed at easing congestion around the capital’s transportation networks, and a high-speed line connecting Guangzhou and Shenzhen, two of the largest cities in the Asia-Pacific region. This route could potentially link these cities to the broader global transportation network.
China’s investment in high-speed rail over the years has laid a solid foundation for the development of maglev trains capable of reaching speeds that were once thought to be beyond the realm of possibility.
