By AJ Dellinger Published December 30, 2024 | Comments (0) | Mechanics check the conditions of high-speed trains at a maintenance base FANG DONGXU / Feature China/Future Publishing via Getty Images Theyre speeding toward a faster future in China, thanks to a new model of high-speed bullet train. Over the weekend, state-owned rail operator China State Railway Group unveiled a prototype for its CR450 train, which it claims will be the fastest commercial high-speed railcar in the world. As reported by the South China Morning Post, the CR450 will be able to reach peak speeds as high as 280mph (450km/h) and will have a top commercial operating speed of 250mph (400km/h). For comparisons sake, the states rail operators current CR400 trains operate at about 220mph (350km/h). The CR450 will be able to complete the 700-mile journey from Beijing to Shanghai in about 2.5 hours, according to state-owned news organization Yicai Global. This photo shows the driving cab of the CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]While the CR450 is still in the prototype stage, producing a train capable of those top 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 will lower operational resistancethe force needed to move the trainby 22%. The trains bogie enclosurethe framework that covers the wheelscan reduce air resistance at faster speeds, and a low-drag, sharp-nosed front and aerodynamic windshields help the CR450 maintain its peak acceleration. As impressive as the CR450 promises to be, there is a difference between being capable of certain speeds and actually achieving them. Frances TGV train hit 357.2 mph back in 2007, which remains a record for conventional wheeled passenger trains. But in practice, the TGV averages speeds of around 175mph. China already operates the fastest commercial trains in the world, with several routes that routinely hit 217mph. But to push those top speeds even higher, it requires ensuring that tracks are properly aligned to support it.This photo shows an interior view of the economy class carriage of the CR450AF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]According to infrastructure consulting firm AECOM, the faster a train goes, the more curve radius is needed to ensure the vehicle can safely take a turn without needing to either significantly slow down or risk serious danger. That radius gets exponentially bigger the faster you go. Per AECOM, a train going 224mph requires a curve radius of about 6.2 miles to maintain speed. Bump that up to 250mph, and youll need 7 miles to follow the bank without tanking at top speeds. The Chinese government says the CR450 will be in operation as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Californians are still waiting for its high-speed rail projectnow nearly two decades since its first approvalto produce its first operational passenger service. Hopefully, the trains will be faster than construction. This photo shows an interior view of a business class carriage of the CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Passant Rabie Published December 26, 2024 By Margherita Bassi Published December 20, 2024 By Matt Novak Published December 19, 2024 By Matt Novak Published December 4, 2024 By Todd Feathers Published November 25, 2024 By Matt Novak Published November 12, 2024