SMT
The SMT is the Transrapid that has run in commercial regular service in Shanghai since the end of 2003. It is based on the Transrapid 08 and reached 501.5 km/h.
The Transrapid in everyday use
Every day since the end of 2003, the SMT has proven in Shanghai that the Transrapid works.
In 2002 the SMT ran for the first time on the 29.9-kilometer Shanghai Maglev Train line, and it has been in commercial regular service since the end of 2003. It has been in constant use ever since, without any technical problems attributable to the system.
Three vehicle units were built on the model of the Transrapid 08. In passenger service the SMT ran at up to 431 km/h; its top speed is 501.5 km/h. You can find more about the line under Routes.
Key facts
- Year built
- 2002–2003
- Operation
- 2002–present
- Company
- ThyssenKrupp Transrapid
- Route
- 29.9 km Shanghai Maglev Train
- System
- Synchronous long-stator linear motor
- Air gap
- 10 mm
- Rated speed
- 550 km/h
- Maximum speed achieved
- 501.5 km/h
- Operational top speed
- 431 km/h
- Vehicle units built
- 3
- End sections built
- 6
- Middle sections built
- 9
- Empty weight
- 256.7 t (5 sections)
- Payload
- 60.8 t (5 sections)
- Seats
- 464
- Standing places
- –
- Length
- 128.8 m
- Width
- 3.7 m
- Height
- 4.2 m
Differences from the TR08
- Levitation skids made of CFC material
- adapted air conditioning
- side panels of the car body gray instead of yellow
- no toilet
- Chinese operations control technology
- no glass accents as in the TR08
- VIP class with light brown leather seats
- lighter-colored levitation and guidance magnets
The first car body built in China
In 2010 a fourth vehicle with four sections was built. For the first time, manufacturing took place in China, though only the car body, based on patents from a licensing agreement. It is said to be lighter than the original TR08 car body.
The magnetic chassis, by contrast, was built in Germany and exported to China; reportedly it is the TR08 magnetic chassis. Externally, vehicle no. 4 differs in its taillights. It also runs with an 8 mm air gap instead of 10 mm, although this is merely a setting that can be changed at any time.
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