Why Does Time Seem to Fly as We Get Older? Science Has an Answer The T-Flight's success is the culmination of years of R&D, drawing on CASC's expertise in fields like aerospace, missile technology, and high-speed vehicle design. The core innovation lies in magnetic levitation: using a system of magnets, the train is suspended above the rails and propelled through a near-vacuum tube. This setup eliminates friction and greatly reduces air resistance, enabling higher speeds while significantly cutting energy consumption. Additional tests were carried out successfully in August on the same Datong track. While the exact speed wasn't disclosed, developers aim for a top speed of 1,000 km/h—surpassing that of conventional airliners. A 60-kilometer test track is under construction, with the ultimate goal of connecting major cities, like traveling from Beijing to Shanghai in just 1 hour and 30 minutes. Currently, several Maglev lines operate in China, though mainly for short distances, such as between Shanghai and Pudong Airport. Longer routes—up to 2,000 km—are planned, potentially enabling travel from Guangzhou to Beijing in 3.5 hours (down from 7.5) and from Guangzhou to Shanghai in 3 hours (down from 7). Extensions to Macau and Shenzhen are also in the works, with these trains expected to run at a minimum of 600 km/h. Still, the road to widespread Maglev adoption is full of technical, economic, and regulatory hurdles. Construction costs are staggering, given the need for extensive evacuated tube networks, specialized materials, and labor. This infrastructure must support extreme speeds while ensuring long-term safety and sustainability, further inflating costs. With such speeds, even a minor technical issue could have catastrophic consequences, necessitating the highest safety standards. In short, while the future looks fast, it may take time to arrive! Newsletter