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China's Supersonic Sledge Rail Breaks Sound Barrier

1/26/2026

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Story summary
  • The electromagnetic sledge rail system in Jinan, China, has operated for more than two years, accelerating heavy objects beyond the speed of sound.
  • In 2023, it drew attention after one-tonne test vehicles broke the sound barrier.
  • Researchers from the Institute of Electrical Engineering and Advanced Electromagnetic Drive Technology published a paper on control challenges, noting supersonic speeds cause shock-wave disturbances that complicate operation at low altitudes and high speeds.