Chinese engineers cut drag by 22% on a 248mph train and it hints at the future of aerodynamics
Published on Aug 29, 2025 at 7:55 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Aug 29, 2025 at 7:55 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Chinese engineers say they have cut drag by 22 percent on a 248mph train, hinting that it is the future of aerodynamics.
High-speed trains only seem to be getting quicker and quicker as time goes on, with France, Japan, and China all boasting some of the fastest in the world.
In China, a group of engineers believes they have managed to slash the drag of them by nearly a quarter, which will enable greater aerodynamic efficiency.
Should it prove to be successful, then other rail networks around the globe may look to adopt those learnings.
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What did the Chinese team of engineers find out?
To conduct their research, the engineers analyzed aerodynamic characteristics of a 248mph train.
They did this using a numerical simulation, which produced some interesting results.
Those indicated the biggest causes of drag included the head, pantograph, and front bogie of the electric train.
After this, they tested out the drag on a different unit, running at similar high speeds.
Comparing the two allowed them to work out a new design, sharing key aerodynamic components from both.
This new aerodynamic design helped reduce drag by 22.1 percent compared to the original train.
Motion drag was found to account for up to 30 percent of the overall drag.
The research by those in China could have a profound effect on the rail industry.
What was changed in the new 248mph train design
Some of the changes were very interesting and improved its aerodynamics.
The streamlined nose of the new electric train was extended to 49.2 feet, with the height also reduced.
A new pantograph produced lower drag, with its shape optimized and producing interesting performance gains.
The fairings on the bogies across all its coaches and power cars had similar improved aerodynamics.
Some of this research was utilized on the CR450 high-speed train that began testing in February 2025.
The tests showed it could reach speeds of 281mph, or 450km/h.
In service, it is expected to run at around 248.5mph daily.
The current fastest train in the world on wheels was a modified version of the French Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV).
It achieved an incredible top speed of 357mph in tests in 2007.
That is a massive leap over what the steam locomotives of the past could do.
Imagine traveling to work at speeds like that every day!
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
