Story perspectives

China's Electromagnetic Launcher Breaks Sound Barrier with Precision

1/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In 2023, China’s electromagnetic sledge system became the first large electromagnetic launcher to break the sound barrier, surpassing Mach 1.
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Jinan developed a sensorless speed estimation method for safe supersonic launches.
The method uses voltage fluctuations in electromagnetic coils to derive speed data, achieving 1.1% accuracy at speeds up to 370 m/s.
The Jinan facility also advances hypersonic flight and aerospace materials.

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Story summary

In 2023, China’s electromagnetic sledge system became the first large electromagnetic launcher to break the sound barrier, surpassing Mach 1.
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Jinan developed a sensorless speed estimation method for safe supersonic launches.
The method uses voltage fluctuations in electromagnetic coils to derive speed data, achieving 1.1% accuracy at speeds up to 370 m/s.
The Jinan facility also advances hypersonic flight and aerospace materials.