How did bullet train get its name?

The term "bullet train" was first used in 1939 to describe the German high-speed train, the Schienenzeppelin. The "bullet" shape was designed to reduce air resistance and wind noise, thus increasing the train's speed and efficiency. The name "bullet train" became synonymous with high-speed trains in general and is now widely used to refer to any high-speed rail service.

Here are some additional details about the origin of the term "bullet train":

The Schienenzeppelin was a prototype high-speed train developed by the German engineer Franz Kruckenberg in the 1930s.

It was powered by a diesel engine and featured a streamlined, bullet-shaped body, which gave it a distinctive appearance and contributed to its high speed.

The Schienenzeppelin set a world speed record of 230 km/h (143 mph) on June 21, 1931, making it one of the fastest trains at the time.

Although the Schienenzeppelin never entered regular passenger service, it played an important role in the development of high-speed rail technology.

The success of the Schienenzeppelin and its bullet-shaped design inspired other countries to develop their own high-speed trains.

In Japan, the term "bullet train" (Shinkansen) was adopted to describe the country's high-speed rail network, which was launched in 1964.

The Japanese Shinkansen trains became renowned for their speed, efficiency, and comfort, and the name "bullet train" became firmly associated with high-speed rail travel.