In a groundbreaking achievement, China has reportedly set a new speed record with its state-of-the-art dual-track rocket sled.

Advertisment

Videos of the advanced technology rocket sled are going viral on social media platforms, including X. 

This cutting-edge equipment can support testing in the fields of aviation, aerospace, and weaponry and China, as per reports, is one of only five countries worldwide to possess the technology.

Also read | Irony in DMK's Decision: A DMK leader's son created ₹ symbol, which Tamil Nadu govt replaced in budget

Advertisment

China's rocket sled

The dual-track rocket sled system is the first of its kind in Asia, reports People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.

As per the publication, it can accelerate an 8-ton object to supersonic speeds within just five seconds. 

Advertisment

Also read | Trump threatens 200% tariff on European wines, champagnes in retaliation to EU's whiskey levies

In a historic moment for China, a new aircraft prototype recently soared down the 6-kilometer-long rocket sled track, hitting a speed of Mach 2.28, or approximately 2,800 kilometres per hour.

Watch videos of the astonishing rocket sled here:

What is a rocket sled?

A rocket sled is a device used to test high-speed transportation systems or to simulate extreme conditions like those found in rocket or spacecraft launches. It is essentially a sled-like platform that is propelled by rockets along a track, reaching very high speeds in a short amount of time.

Also read | Putin gives ultimatum to Ukrainian troops to 'surrender or die'; Zelensky exposes Russian president's 'real' war plan

As per Sandia National Laboratories, it “provides a controlled environment for high-velocity impact, aerodynamic, acceleration, and other related testing for both small and large test items.”

(With inputs from agencies)