The world’s fastest high-speed train has been unveiled! The prototype of CR450 multiple-unit train with the speed of 400 km/h has been released
I have received information from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as China Railway Group) that on December 29th, a prototype of the CR450 high-speed train was released in Beijing. This marks a major breakthrough in the “CR450 Science and Technology Innovation Project,” which will greatly enhance China’s railway technological innovation capabilities and self-reliance, further consolidating and expanding China’s leadership in high-speed rail technology.
The prototype is known as CR450-AF and produced by CRRC Qingdao Sifang.
According to the Science and Technology Information Department of China Railway Group, the company began exploring the technical “no man’s land” of commercial operation at a speed of 400 km/h in 2018. They studied the basic theory and key technologies of high-speed rail under the condition of 400 km/h operation, accumulating a large amount of technical experience and论证. The “CR450 Science and Technology Innovation Project” was officially launched in 2021, starting the research and development of CR450 high-speed trains and a complete set of technologies for high-speed rail infrastructure. In 2022, the overall technical conditions for CR450 high-speed trains were released, and a series of tests were conducted on the technical parameters and simulation calculations. From 2022 to 2023, the company conducted tests on new technological components of CR450 high-speed trains on the Miji-Mengzi and Fuzhou-Xiamen high-speed rail lines, verifying the performance of key new technologies and components. The prototype production was officially launched in 2024, with intelligent manufacturing technology widely applied to strengthen quality control and ensure the successful launch of the CR450 high-speed train prototype.
The prototype of CR450-AF, produced by CRRC Qingdao Sifang, and CR450-BF, produced by CRRC Changchun, are equipped with advanced features. Their main indicators such as operating speed, energy consumption, noise level, and braking distance are internationally leading. Firstly, they can travel faster with a test speed of 450 km/h and an operating speed of 400 km/h. Once put into commercial operation, they will further compress the time and space distance, making travel more convenient and efficient for passengers. Secondly, they are safer with shorter braking distances and better operational stability, even with increased operating speeds. Thirdly, they are more energy-efficient with a 22% reduction in running resistance and a 10% weight reduction. Fourthly, they offer a more comfortable ride with better comfort indicators, 2 dB lower noise levels inside the cabin, and an increase of 4% in passenger service space, providing passengers with diversified, convenient, and personalized services. Lastly, they are smarter with comprehensive upgrades in areas such as train control, smart driver interaction, safety monitoring, and passenger smart services.
The CR450-AF business class features 300-degree adjustable seat direction, and the business class can also be easily converted into a conference mode. The CR450-AF prototype also features new four-person cabins designed for family trips and group outings. The CR450-BF prototype has bathrooms equipped with baby chairs, and some barrier-free bathrooms are contactless.
