# Supersonic Levitating Trains The Chinese 'Super Maglev' Train Will Travel in a Vacuum Chamber By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-05-23 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-maglev References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/1800mph-maglev/32213/) & [english.swjtu.edu.cn](http://english.swjtu.edu.cn/public/viewNews.aspx?KEYWORD=deng,zigang&ID=154) Scientists at [Southwest Jiaotong University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southwest-airline) in China have built a 'Super Maglev' train that could reach mind-blowing speeds of 2,900 km/h. Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains use electromagnetism to lift the train off a track so that it seemingly levitates, and to propel it forward. By removing the need for physical contact via wheels, friction is reduced and speed can be increased. The current [fastest maglev passenger train](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e10-shinkansen) is the Shanghai Maglev Train, which can travel at up to 431 km/h. At speeds like these, air resistance become a problem. To get around this problem, the Super Maglev train would travel in a [vacuum tube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maritime-transportation-system), making it faster and more energy-efficient. Project leader Dr. Deng Zigang believes this incredible technology could have military and space launch applications. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Supersonic Levitating Trains:** The development of 'Super Maglev' trains that can reach speeds of 2,900 km/h and travel in a vacuum chamber presents disruptive innovation opportunities in transportation. - **Magnetic Levitation Technology:** The advancement of magnetic levitation technology in trains eliminates the need for physical contact via wheels, reducing friction and enabling higher speeds. - **Vacuum Tube Transportation:** The implementation of vacuum tube systems for transportation offers a solution to reduce air resistance, resulting in faster and more energy-efficient travel. ### Where This Applies - **Transportation:** The transportation industry can explore the potential of supersonic levitating trains to revolutionize high-speed travel and improve energy efficiency. - **Engineering:** The engineering industry can leverage magnetic levitation technology advancements to develop innovative transportation solutions with reduced friction and increased speed. - **Space Technology:** The space technology industry can consider the application of 'Super Maglev' technology for military and space launch purposes, potentially improving launch velocity and efficiency. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bullet Train-Inspired Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mitsubishi-shinkansen.md) - [High-Speed Californian Electric Trains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brightline-rail.md) - [Panoramic Open-Air Roof Trains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-train.md) - [Carbon Fiber Subway Trains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cetrovo-10-carbon-star-rapid-rail.md) - [Proposed Spanish Speed Trains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spanish-speed-train.md) - [Small-Profile Bullet Trains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/small-bullet-trains.md) - [Ultra-Fast Charging Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/byd.md) - [Ultra-Fast One-Person Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airspeeder-mk4.md) - [Magnetic Wall-Scaling Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trois-mobility-concept.md)