Official announcements from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. or verified reports in technology and transportation publications

China Unveils CR450 High-Speed Train Prototype: 450 km/h Test Speed, 400 km/h Operational

Dec 29, 2024, 02:09 PM

China has unveiled the CR450 high-speed train prototype in Beijing, marking a significant advancement in rail technology. The train, developed by the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., achieved a test speed of 450 kilometers per hour and is designed for an operational speed of 400 kilometers per hour, surpassing the current CR400 Fuxing trains that operate at 350 km/h. The CR450 prototypes, named CR450AF and CR450BF, feature an eight-car formation and incorporate advanced technologies such as a water-cooled, permanent magnet traction system, a high-stability bogie system, and over 4,000 sensors for real-time monitoring. These innovations aim to reduce operational resistance by 22% and weight by 10% using lightweight materials, enhancing energy efficiency and safety. The train also includes an advanced, multi-level emergency braking system and an over-the-horizon system for improved emergency situation recognition. Additionally, it features aerodynamic windshields and noise reduction technologies, increasing passenger comfort by reducing interior noise by 2 decibels and expanding service space by 4%. The introduction of the CR450 is part of China's broader effort to consolidate its position as a global leader in railway technology, with plans to further test and optimize the train before its commercial launch on its extensive 47,000 km high-speed rail network.