China’s next-generation high-speed train, the CR450, has achieved remarkable speeds during a series of pre-operational tests on a major high-speed railway corridor connecting Shanghai in the east and Chengdu in the west. According to Science and Technology Daily, the cutting-edge train recently reached a top single-unit speed of 453 kilometers per hour (km/h), marking a significant milestone in China’s high-speed rail development.
The trials are being conducted on the high-speed rail line linking Shanghai and Chengdu, as reported by China Media Group (CMG) on Monday. During the most recent test on Sunday, the CR450 not only hit 453 km/h on its own but also set a new record for combined two-train meeting speed at 896 km/h — an impressive demonstration of both individual and relative velocity capabilities.
Advanced Engineering and Rigorous Testing
The CR450 series has been designed with a maximum test speed of 450 km/h and an intended commercial operating speed of 400 km/h. To ensure safety and reliability, the engineering team conducted over 20 months of intensive testing on a bogie rolling test platform. These trials simulated full emergency braking scenarios under diverse conditions to validate advanced systems such as multi-level emergency braking and anti-slip control technologies.
A designer involved in the project explained to the Global Timeson Tuesday that the team focused on quantitative analysis of braking parameters, methodologies, and performance metrics. This research enabled them to achieve precise deceleration and stopping even at extreme velocities. The success was driven by breakthroughs in several key areas:
- Control algorithms
- Material science
- Multi-tiered braking system design
Enhanced Aerodynamics and Traction Power
In addition to superior braking capabilities, the CR450 owes much of its record-breaking performance to reduced aerodynamic drag and enhanced traction.
Compared to its predecessor, the CR400 Fuxing, which runs at 350 km/h, the new model features:
- A longer nose (15 meters vs. 12.5 meters) for better aerodynamic efficiency
- A sharper, more streamlined shape to cut through air with less resistance
- Permanent-magnet traction motors, which are over 3% more efficient than the asynchronous motors used in the CR400 series
- A remarkable total traction power of 11,000 kilowatts
Researchers have also made incremental but impactful improvements to the train’s overall resistance, reducing it by 22% over the past five years — including minute 0.1% gains in drag reduction through meticulous engineering.
Rapid Acceleration and Future Readiness
One of the most notable operational improvements is the CR450’s ability to accelerate from 0 to 350 km/h in just 4 minutes and 40 seconds — a full 100 seconds faster than the current Fuxing trains operating at the same maximum speed.
Before entering passenger service, however, the CR450 must complete an extensive 600,000-kilometer trouble-free trial run, ensuring it meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance.
