Earlier at ScientiaWeb we introduced the Japanese plans of world’s fastest bullet train at 310 mph. Here we introduce the fastest train so far in operation in China. The China Railways CRH380A
The CRH380A is a high-speed electric bullet train designed by China South Locomotive & Rolling Stock Corporation Limited (CSR) and manufactured by CSR Qingdao Sifang Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co., Ltd. The CRH380A is designed to operate at a cruise speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) and a maximum of 380 km/h (236 mph) in commercial service.
The original 8-car train-set recorded a top speed of 416.6 km/h (258.9 mph) during a trial run and the longer 16-car train-set holds the world record for the fastest production train at 486.1 km/h (302.0 mph). (via Wikipedia). Distance around 1000 kilometres can be covered in 3 hours. During the test, It traveled 220 km (137 mi) in 34 minutes, at average speed of 388 km/h (241 mph)
Specifications
| Train length | CRH380A: 203 m (666 ft) CRH380AL: 401.4 m (1,317 ft) |
|---|---|
| Width | 3,380 mm (11 ft 1 in) |
| Height | 3,700 mm (12 ft 2 in) |
| Platform height | 1,250 mm (4 ft 1 in) |
| Maximum speed | 380 km/h (236 mph) (operation) 480 km/h (298 mph) (testing) |
| Traction system | IGBT VVVF inverter control |
| Power output | CRH380A: 9.6 MW (12,900 hp) CRH380AL: 20.44 MW (27,410 hp) |
| Power supply | Overhead catenary |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV 50 Hz AC |
| Current collection method | Pantograph |
| Braking system(s) | Regenerative, electronically controlled pneumatic brakes |
via Wikipedia
Other Key Facts
- The coefficient of aerodynamic drag is only 0.13 due to streamlined nose at front. The normal road cars have this coefficient between 0.25-0.30
- The train is made up of 9t Aluminum alloy
- The noise level is at 67dB – 69dB when running at 350 km/h. This has been achieved using materials which capture the noise inside the train.
- The train’s Regenerative braking has a maximum energy feedback rate of 95%. With each stop nearly 800 kWh of electric power can be fed back to the electric grid.
- Highly pressure tight body. The pressure change rate inside the train is less than 200 Pa (0.029 psi)/s, with the maximum pressure change inside the train remaining below 800 Pa (0.12 psi) compared with the standard value of 1,000 Pa (0.15 psi). This ensures good ride quality at high speed.
Coach Types
- SW – Business Class Coach
- ZY – First Class Coach
- ZE – Second Class Coach
- CA – Dining Car
- ZEC – Second Class Coach／Dining Car
- ZYG – First Class Coach／Sightseeing Car
- ZEG – Second Class Coach／Sightseeing Car
See more images of the train on next pages 2 and 3
The picture is wrong. It is a CRH2.
I love Fastest things…