Based on the concept and the provided reference, a vacuum train (vactrain) is theorized to reach extremely high speeds, potentially up to 6,400–8,000 km/h (4,000–5,000 mph).
Vactrains are a proposed future transportation system involving magnetically levitating trains within evacuated tubes or tunnels. The key advantage of this system is the significant reduction or near elimination of air resistance, which is a major factor limiting the speed of conventional high-speed trains and even aircraft.
Reduced air resistance allows for propulsion to achieve much higher velocities with less energy expenditure compared to operating in the open atmosphere. The reference specifies that this could enable "hypersonic" speeds.
Here's a breakdown of the potential top speeds mentioned:
| Unit | Speed Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kilometers/hour | 6,400–8,000 km/h | |
| Miles/hour | 4,000–5,000 mph | Equivalent range |
This speed range is remarkably fast. To put it into perspective, the reference notes that these speeds are "5–6 times the speed of sound in Earth's atmosphere at sea level." Such velocities could drastically reduce travel times over vast distances, potentially making intercontinental land travel feasible in hours rather than days.
While the engineering challenges for building and operating vactrains are immense, the theoretical top speeds highlight the revolutionary potential of eliminating air resistance in high-speed ground transportation.
