Japan's Record-Breaking Commuter Train

ALL ABOARD THE FASTEST TRAIN YET

A. SPOILERS

In the event of an earthquake or similar emergency, two spoilers slide from the roof of each car, slowing the train by air resistance. The first-of-a-kind components are automatically deployed using compressed air and, combined with conventional brakes, allow the train to stop quickly, the way slower trains do.

B. PASSENGER CAR

Each car is fitted with active suspension. Electromagnets absorb vibration, and air pressure inclines the entire car by up to two degrees on curves, cushioning passengers against centripetal force.

C. AERODYNAMIC NOSE

Engineers used computer simulations to develop two different prototype nose cones, one sharply pointed and the other gently curved [shown]. Each cone is optimized to reduce air drag at high speeds, as well as to decrease noisy micropressure waves inside tunnels. At 52 feet, the cones are the longest in the world. Further testing will determine which design works best.

LOCOMOTION

Current bullet-train cars require two pantographs, long rods that draw power from an overhead electrical source. One is positioned at the front of a car, and the other attaches to the back. Each car on the Fastech will rely on one low-weight, noise-insulated pantograph, which is designed to collect current more efficiently.