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  4. China's new 'air train' runs using an overhead magnetic track, never touching it as it glides through the air 30 feet above the ground — see photos

China's new 'air train' runs using an overhead magnetic track, never touching it as it glides through the air 30 feet above the ground see photos

China's new 'air train' runs using an overhead magnetic track, never touching it as it glides through the air 30 feet above the ground — see photos
Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images
  • A new train in China is said to be the world's first suspended maglev train system that uses permanent magnets.
  • In other words, it can operate without power, gliding through the air without ever making contact with the track above it — and there's no rail underneath it.

A new train just unveiled in China doesn't quite operate how you'd expect.

A new train just unveiled in China doesn
Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images

It's called the Red Rail.

It
Hu Chenhuan/Xinhua via Getty Images

It's said to be the world's first suspended magnetic levitation, or "maglev," train system that uses permanent magnets.

It
Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Traditional maglev train systems use electromagnets, which require electric current to get things moving.

Traditional maglev train systems use electromagnets, which require electric current to get things moving.
Hu Chenhuan/Xinhua via Getty Images

The Red Rail is different.

The Red Rail is different.
Photo by Jiang Tao/China News Service via Getty Images

It uses permanent magnets that contain rare earth metals, of which China is the world's biggest supplier.

It uses permanent magnets that contain rare earth metals, of which China is the world
Photo by Hu Chenhuan/Xinhua via Getty Images

This allows it to run without electricity.

This allows it to run without electricity.
Photo by Zhang Chang/China News Service via Getty Images

This also means it has the potential to save energy and be more environmentally friendly than many other modes of transportation.

This also means it has the potential to save energy and be more environmentally friendly than many other modes of transportation.
Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images

The train never has physical contact with the rail as it moves.

The train never has physical contact with the rail as it moves.
Photo by Jiang Tao/China News Service via Getty Images

It's located in Xingguo county, Jiangxi province, which is in southern China.

It
Photo by Hu Chenhuan/Xinhua via Getty Images

Construction of the train wrapped up on August 9, according to state-run media.

Construction of the train wrapped up on August 9, according to state-run media.
Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Source: Xinhua

The train still has to go through some test runs, one of which happened after construction concluded last week.

The train still has to go through some test runs, one of which happened after construction concluded last week.
Hu Chenhuan/Xinhua via Getty Images

The Red Rail glides through the air suspended about 10 meters, or 33 feet, above the ground.

The Red Rail glides through the air suspended about 10 meters, or 33 feet, above the ground.
Photo by Hu Chenhuan/Xinhua via Getty Images

It has two cars that can carry 88 passengers total.

It has two cars that can carry 88 passengers total.
Photo by Jiang Tao/China News Service via Getty Images

In this experimental phase, the track is 800 meters long, or roughly 2,620 feet.

In this experimental phase, the track is 800 meters long, or roughly 2,620 feet.
Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images

The train can reach speeds of up to 80 km per hour, or about 50 miles per hour.

The train can reach speeds of up to 80 km per hour, or about 50 miles per hour.
Photo by Hu Chenhuan/Xinhua via Getty Images

After test runs are finished, the plan is for the track to be extended to 7.5 km, or almost 4.7 miles.

After test runs are finished, the plan is for the track to be extended to 7.5 km, or almost 4.7 miles.
Photo by Zhang Chang/China News Service via Getty Images

At that point, the train will also be able to travel as fast as 120 km per hour, or nearly 75 miles an hour.

At that point, the train will also be able to travel as fast as 120 km per hour, or nearly 75 miles an hour.
Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images

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