Japan's Maglev Train Breaks World Speed Record

Japan hopes to export the technology to the US and has offered to cover the costs of a line between New York and Washington DC.

12:15, UK, Friday 17 April 2015

The maglev technology could be exported to the US

A magnetic levitation (maglev) train in Japan has broken the world speed record by hitting 366mph.

The Central Japan Railway Company said the seven-car train completed a test run on an experimental track in Yamanashi on Thursday.
It beat the previous record of 361mph set in 2003 - but the new record could be smashed within days.
Another test run is scheduled for Tuesday during which the train's speed could reach 373mph.
The company said 29 technicians were on board the maglev, but added that the speeds won't be as high when the new line between Tokyo and Nagoya comes into service in 2027.
It said trains will travel at around 314mph, meaning the 178-mile journey will take around 40 minutes.
The speeds are twice as fast as today's bullet trains.
By comparison, Britain's HS2 rail line will run at just 224mph.
Maglev trains use a magnetic charge to lift and move the train cars above a guideway.
Japan is hoping to export the technology to the US and has even offered to part-cover the costs of a new line between New York and Washington DC.