In the early years of the 21st century, China did not have high-speed trains, and a journey from Beijing to Shanghai could be considered a true odyssey. Currently, the country has the largest high speed network in the world: more than 40,000 kilometers of lines connect its main cities. This momentum, which began in 2008, does not stop. The Asian giant continues to strengthen its railway infrastructure.
CRRC Corporation, a renowned state-owned Chinese rolling stock manufacturer, has unveiled the first prototype of the CR450, an electric multiple unit train capable of reaching 450 km/h in tests, but limited to a maximum operating speed of 400 km/h. h. As we can see in the images, it is a beast of the roads that stands out, among other things, for its arrow-shaped design.
Another piece of China’s commitment to high speed
The model presented this Monday incorporates a variety of improvements that go beyond its high operating speed, a key element to reduce travel times. The company says it has been working on security systems to offer a reduced braking distance and greater stability. The resistance of the train has also been reduced by 22% and the weight by 10%, which would allow the carbon footprint to be optimized.
CRRC assures that it has also worked on passenger comfort. Not only are there more comfortable seats, but the service space has been expanded and cabin noise has been reduced by 2 decibels, compared to previous models. At an operational level, the new systems promise to facilitate the driver’s task while monitoring different train parameters that help ensure travel safety.
The origins of this train project we found them in 2018when The China State Railway Group began exploring the advances necessary to introduce high-speed trains (without magnetic levitation) that reached 400 km/h. The Maglev reaches 600 km/h, but it is a magnetic levitation train. Years later, in 2021, the CR450 project began, and in 2022 the technical specifications of the future train were published. Simulated tests were carried out for almost two years and this year manufacturing began.
It is not yet clear when these new units would enter service, but the Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning Post says that they are expected to begin operating in 2025. In any case, China is demonstrating that it has great capacity to rapidly develop its rail transport system. . The advances we are witnessing in recent years do not go unnoticed.
Images | CRRC Corporation (1, 2)
In WorldOfSoftware | | China is on the verge of breaking another milestone with the electric car in 2025. It is bad news for European manufacturers
