New Shinkansen test train travels at 320 kph in northeastern Japan

A prototype of Japan's new bullet train conducted a trial early Thursday, reaching 320 kilometers per hour, the maximum speed for existing shinkansen models.The testbed, dubbed ALFA-X, is designed to travel at 360 kph when it is put into service by the spring of 2031, according to the operator East Japan Railway Co.Thursday's test run by JR East was the first shown to the media since the trials began last Friday. The company will continue the tests every week through March 2022 to collect data, and it is hoped speeds of 400 kph will be reached.Thursday's test started around 1 a.m. after the…READ FULL ARTICLE