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Thursday, April 23, 2015

Japanese train sets world speed record at over 373 miles per hour — further humiliating the US rail industry

Japan's seven-car maglev, short for "magnetic levitation" train, set a world speed record Tuesday in a test run near Mount Fuji, clocking more than 373 mph (600 kph).

The record came less than a week after the company clocked 366 mph (590 kph), then breaking its own 2003 record of 361 mph (581 kph).

The maglev hovers 4 inches above the tracks and is propelled by electrically charged magnets.

Central Japan Railway wants to have a train in service in 2027 plying the route between Tokyo and the central city of Nagoya, a distance of 177 miles (286 kilometers).

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8 comments:

Anonymous said...

More evidence that the U.S. has lost it's way. We could have a rail system that could be the envy of the world. Eliminate the need for most flights and travel in real comfort like they do in Europe and in Asia. It's a shame this country doesn't invest in infrastructure, but instead dumps money into countries that hate us, and fight wars in countries we have no business getting involved with in the first place!

Anonymous said...

Not sure that I want to ride in something hovering 4 inches off the ground and going almost 400 mph. Pretty cool though.

Anonymous said...

With a total land mass less than the size of Montana,why? It appears that Japan has had a contempt for the US every since we disrespected them following WW1,during which they were among our allies.The old saying about history repeating itself is especially true when it comes to how other countries view us.As much as I love the US,we have done some terrible things to other countries.Why wouldn't they try to show us up with every opportunity?

Anonymous said...

Well not something built here and managed by Amtrak BMS neither.

Anonymous said...

8:50 AM "Why wouldn't they try to show us up with every opportunity?"

This is the first time I have heard of innovation simply to make other countries look bad. That is a political motivation. Believe it or not many people responsible for these innovations are simply trying to make the world a better place. Its not until blowhards and war hawks see the innovation that they immediately turn things into weapons, either physical or ideological.

Science, exploration and innovation for the betterment of the planet is where we should be spending most of our money not building a better widget to show up our alleged enemies. That is simply a waste of energy and resources.

Anonymous said...

The US needs to stop wasting money trying to buy friends from countries which want to see our down fall and spend it where it is needed most here at home! There is no reson anyone in this country should be going hungry or homeless with all the empty buildings around this country. Especially our veterns, many would be happy to live in some of the unused barracks on closed bases!

Anonymous said...

These kind of projects cost a LOT of money. As long as we are hell-bent on reducing taxes and avoiding any infrastructure spending, you'll never see advanced projects like this in the US.

Anonymous said...

8:50 get off the shore much?
The japanese are one of our truly reliable allies! They much admire and respect us! You really ought to get out more!