China's supersonic train to compete with Musk's Hyperloop

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Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group announced on Tuesday they will work with China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC) on supersonic trains development and other tech-based programs like Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) at China Airshow in Zhuhai.

The framework agreement, signed by the two parties, is designed to develop the ultra-fast train by combining two technologies magnetic levitation to eliminate ground friction, and vacuum tubes to reduce air resistance to achieve a “hypersonic” mode of transportation, Geely said in a statement.

According to CASIC, they will work on a system that can shuttle trains at a maximum speed of 1,000 kph (620 mph) and studying technologies that could go as fast at 4,000 kph in the future, a move to contend against Elon Musk's Hyperloop which promises to carry passengers at speeds of 700mph.

Hyperloop /VCG Photo

Making the hi-tech more independent

The supersonic train is a significant part of China's space commercial program and is a new try of the collaboration between space and transportation industry.

The cooperation signals China is looking to build its own supersonic transport network after one of the local governments in southwest China's Guizhou Province inked a deal with the US company on a Hyperloop project in July.

Li Shufu, CEO of Geely Holding Group said at the Airshow: "Core technology can't be bought. The more you use others' technology, the more reliant you become. We have to innovate on our own. The journey will be tough, but the prospects are promising."

[With input from Reuters]