China shows off the world’s new fastest high-speed train

China’s high-speed bullet train is coming soon, thanks to a new model. Over the weekend, state railroad operator China State Railway Group unveiled a prototype of its CR450 train, which it claims will be the fastest commercial high-speed railcar in the world.

According to the South China Morning Post, the CR450 will be able to reach a peak speed of 280 mph (450 km/h), with a maximum commercial operating speed of 250 mph (400 km/h). For comparison, the current CR400 trains operated by the state’s railroad operator reach speeds of about 220 mph (350 km/h). The CR450 will be able to cover the 700-mile journey from Beijing to Shanghai in about 2.5 hours, according to state-run news organization Yicai Global.

Although the CR450 is still at the prototype stage, the production of a train capable of reaching such high speeds is a technological and engineering achievement. According to a press release from the Chinese government, the CR450 will weigh 10% less than its predecessors and reduce operational drag – the force required to move the train – by 22%. The train’s bogie body – the frame that covers the wheels – can reduce air resistance at higher speeds, and the “low-drag sharp nose” and aerodynamic windshields help the CR450 maintain peak acceleration.

As impressive as the CR450’s promise is, there is a difference between being able to reach certain speeds and actually achieving them. In 2007, the French TGV train reached a speed of 357.2 mph, which remains a record for conventional wheeled passenger trains. But in practice, the average speed of a TGV is about 175 mph. China already operates the fastest commercial trains in the world, with several routes regularly reaching speeds of 217 mph. But in order to raise this speed even higher, it is necessary to ensure that the tracks are properly aligned so that they can support it.

According to the consulting company AECOM, the faster a train is moving, the larger the curve radius needed to allow the vehicle to safely make a turn without having to slow down significantly or be in serious danger. This radius increases exponentially the faster you go. According to AECOM, a train traveling at 224 miles per hour needs a curve radius of about 6.2 miles to maintain speed. Increase the speed to 250 mph and it would take 7 miles to travel along the coast without refueling at top speed.

The Chinese government says the CR450 will be put into service “as soon as possible”. Meanwhile, Californians are still waiting for their high-speed rail project – almost two decades after it was first approved – to start carrying its first passengers. Hopefully, the trains will be faster than the construction.