High-speed passenger train CR450
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High-speed passenger train CR450

At the end of the past year, Chinese railway workers presented everyone with a pleasant surprise. The last Sunday of 2024 was the time to present a new product – a high-speed train, capable of accelerating to a maximum speed of 400 to 450 km/h.


It became a clear confirmation of the achievements of this country and the readiness to "push" competitors not only on asphalt surfaces, but also on steel highways. China State Railway Group Co., Ltd (Chinese Railways) confirmed that the train was able to reach a test speed of 450 km/h. At the same time, the operational speed will be fifty points lower.

High-speed passenger train CR450CR450 AF – one of the future high-speed modifications. Photo: youtube.com

The new model will be noticeably faster than the CR400 Fuxing trains with a maximum speed of 350 km/h. They are currently used extensively by local carriers, but after the improved design is put into commercial operation, travel time should be significantly reduced.

Even faster construction


According to China Railways, assembly of the first prototype began last year, using advanced intelligent manufacturing technologies and rigorous quality control measures to ensure the successful launch of the new train.

The prototype of the high-speed CR450 EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) is an advanced model developed by local experts and debuted in Beijing on December 29, 2024.


During the tests, the train reached the set speed mark, while its key performance indicators set a new international standard. This concerned the following data:

✅ operating speed
✅ energy consumption
✅ internal noise level
✅ braking distances

Thus, engineers from the Celestial Empire demonstrated their capabilities and declared themselves as a future leader in the creation of high-speed railway equipment. Moreover, the high speed of travel did not negatively affect the safety of the train. Good indicators were achieved due to the short braking distance and improved stability of movement. And energy efficiency was optimized due to:

✅ reduction of the level of resistance to movement – ​​by 22%
✅ reduction of the overall weight of the structure – by 10%
✅ other technical improvements

In the future, Chinese passengers can therefore look forward to a faster and more comfortable journey. After all, the noise level in the cabin has been reduced by 2 decibels (68 dB at maximum speed) and the overall passenger space has been increased by 4%. In addition, the CR450 combines intelligent improvements in train control and interaction with the driver.

Comparison of two future modifications. Photo: youtube.com

It also includes safety monitoring and better passenger service. This is, in principle, a significant leap in technological innovation and makes the future train very competitive on the global market. After all, no one can compare with it in terms of speed.

How the CR450 was created


CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd. contributed to the interior design, each striving to present everything in its best light while maintaining the overall focus on comfort and high quality of travel on the CR450.

Its development is the culmination of years of research and technical innovation. It all began back in 2018, when the goal was to create a high-speed train capable of reaching a performance level of 400 km/h.

Luxurious interior. Photo: youtube.com

In the following years, much painstaking work was carried out. The previously developed CR400, designed for use during the Olympic Games, could easily accelerate to 350 km/h. The new design was first tested on high-speed railway lines: Zhengzhou-Wanzhou, Jinan-Zhengzhou, Mile-Mengzi and Fuzhou-Xiamen.

It took more than 200 days and involved 17 test components. And the total length of the test drives was more than 200 thousand kilometers! The prototype went through at least 3000 simulations and 2000 platform tests. All these painstaking actions confirmed its compliance with the strict requirements of operation at speeds of up to 400 km/h.

In addition to purely technical issues, the manufacturers also took care of the comfortable interior of the train carriages. The interior space has been significantly redesigned with the introduction of the latest achievements. This list includes both adjustable luggage racks and a universal storage area suitable for passengers with:

bicycles
✅ wheelchairs
✅ other large items

These innovations anticipate potential changes to passenger transport regulations, and further testing and refinement will ensure that the train is fully fit for commercial use.

China is moving forward


The goal of the creators is to make this advanced technology available to the masses in the nearest future. Here is what Li Yongheng, an official from China State Railway Group, said:

China's high-speed rail system has made a historic leap in recent years, going from a follower to a world leader, and its technology has set a new international standard.


He added that since 2012, China's railway sector has been able to independently develop and introduce a number of scientific and technological innovations. The most striking example was the CR400 Fuxing electric train. But the upcoming CR450 will be another step forward. And the high-speed rail system (HSR) includes:

✅ engineering construction
✅ equipment manufacturing
✅ operations management

Zhao Hongwei, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of Railway Sciences, also agreed with the technological breakthrough of the CR450 design, highlighting the reduction in noise at high speeds (due to the use of high-performance insulation materials) and intelligent merging control technologies.

Comfortable seats in the CR450. Photo: youtube.com

The BJTU team focused on optimizing load-bearing components, especially the bogie and car body, through simulation and bench testing. To reduce weight while maintaining strength, ensuring safety and durability at high speeds, advanced materials such as carbon fiber had to be used.

The tricky part was to achieve the optimal balance between weight reduction and noise control. The team developed integrated composite materials that provide both thermal and acoustic insulation. These innovations reduce costs and complexity while improving passenger comfort through temperature and noise control.

The CR450 EMU has become an example of China's innovation-based development strategy. It demonstrates scientific and technological strength and reflects the advantages of the country's social system. It promotes self-reliance in specialized science and technology, contributing to the modernization of the railway industrial system.

CR450 driver's cabin. Photo: youtube.com

Over the past 15 years, China has built the world's largest and most advanced railway network, spanning more than 160 kilometers. This includes more than 000 kilometers of high-speed lines.
Do you think the future CR450 will be better than the CR400?
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