DB Systemtechnik has conducted the first test runs for the new Velaro Eurostar e320 through Eurotunnel between Calais and Folkestone on behalf of Siemens AG. The test runs are part of the approval process for the new Eurostar train which was recently unveiled at an event at London St. Pancras.
During the test run on 15 November, test data for the pantographs was successfully recorded. The challenge presented by the trials was that only one test run could be conducted in each direction through the Eurotunnel.
Prior to the recent test runs through Eurotunnel, trials had been conducted at speeds of between 80km/h and 230km/h on the 30-kilometre line between Dollands Moor marshalling yard, the English portal to the Eurotunnel, and Lenham. Both brake and functional testing were carried out on these runs. The preliminary tests also involved travelling the entire HS1 high-speed line from Folkestone to London Stratford.
Until the end of November a further series of tests was conducted through the Eurotunnel and on HS1 at speeds of up to 300 km/h.
Share on:
