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French attempt rail speed record French attempt rail speed record
(about 1 hour later)
A French high-speed train (TGV) will shortly attempt to set a new world record for a train on rails, aiming to reach 560km/h (350mph). A French high-speed train (TGV) is attempting to set a new world record for a train on rails, aiming to reach 560km/h (350mph).
The existing TGV record is 515km/h (320mph), set in 1990.The existing TGV record is 515km/h (320mph), set in 1990.
The new record attempt will be staged on a stretch of track between Paris and the eastern city of Strasbourg. The record attempt is being staged on a stretch of track between Paris and the eastern city of Strasbourg.
The absolute train speed record was set by a Japanese magnetic levitation train - Maglev - in 2003. It reached 581km/h (361mph).The absolute train speed record was set by a Japanese magnetic levitation train - Maglev - in 2003. It reached 581km/h (361mph).
The test is scheduled to happen between 1100 and 1130 GMT on Tuesday. The test began after 1100GMT on Tuesday.
V150 TRAIN Two power unitsThree double-decker carsThree motorised bogiesPower output: more than 25,000 horsepowerCost: 30m euros (£22; $40)
In unofficial trials in January, the modified TGV reached 559km/h, according to the state owned rail company, SNCF.In unofficial trials in January, the modified TGV reached 559km/h, according to the state owned rail company, SNCF.
It has larger wheels than usual and the engine will pull three double-decker cars.It has larger wheels than usual and the engine will pull three double-decker cars.
SNCF and the train's makers Alstom say the record attempt represents a test on the infrastructure in extreme conditions, which is impossible to carry out in the laboratory.SNCF and the train's makers Alstom say the record attempt represents a test on the infrastructure in extreme conditions, which is impossible to carry out in the laboratory.
Alstom also aims to boost TGV sales abroad, where it is competing with the Japanese Shinkansen and the German Inter-City Express high-speed trains.Alstom also aims to boost TGV sales abroad, where it is competing with the Japanese Shinkansen and the German Inter-City Express high-speed trains.
China, South Korea and Taiwan are the most important customers for high-speed trains.China, South Korea and Taiwan are the most important customers for high-speed trains.