Get ready, rail fans! 🚄 The CR450, now the world’s fastest electric multiple unit (EMU), is kicking off trials on the Shanghai–Chongqing–Chengdu high-speed rail line on the Chinese mainland.
After months of stress-testing since its prototype launch, the CR450 nailed a top speed of 450 km/h. To earn its spot in daily service, it still has to clock 600,000 km of flawless runs—no sweat for this speed demon!
So, what gives it such crazy speed? It all boils down to snazzy design tweaks:
- Longer nose cone: 15 m vs. 12.5 m to slice through the air
- 22% drag cut: fully covered bogies and lower skirt panels
- Slimmer profile: 20 cm shorter and 50 tonnes lighter
These race-car vibes let the train rocket from 0 to 350 km/h in 4 minutes 40 seconds—over 1 minute faster than today’s top EMUs! 💨
China’s transport network is already the world’s largest, with 6 million km of roads and rails. The CR450 project, launched in 2021, has set new speed records, including a jaw-dropping 453 km/h and a passing speed of 896 km/h. Talk about next-level travel! 🌏
Reference(s):
CR450: World's fastest bullet train hits track for trials in China
cgtn.com
