The E993 series (E993系) "AC Train" was an experimental 5-car electric multiple unit (EMU) train operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) in Japan between 2002 and 2006.[1][2]

E993 series
E993 series train on test, June 2004
In service2002–2006
ManufacturerKawasaki Heavy Industries, Tokyu Car Corporation
Constructed2002
Scrapped2006
Number built5 vehicles (1 set)
Formation5 cars per set
CapacityNon-passenger
OperatorsLogo of the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) JR East
DepotsKawagoe
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Car length
  • 16,050 mm (52 ft 8 in) (end cars)
  • 13,000 mm (42 ft 8 in) (intermediate cars)
Width3,000 mm (9 ft 10 in)
Height3,640 mm (11 ft 11 in)
Floor height1,150 mm (3 ft 9 in)
Doors3 pairs per side
2 pairs per side (SaHa E993)
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)
Power output200 kW (270 hp) × 2 per motor car
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC (overhead catenary)
Current collector(s)Pantograph
Safety system(s)ATC, ATS-P, ATS-SN
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Concept

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The E993 series "AC Train" ("Advanced Commuter Train") was developed by JR East to test and evaluate a number of new technologies and features for possible use in future commuter train designs.[1] These included features intended to reduce life-cycle costs, improve the interior passenger environment, improve accessibility, and increase environmental friendliness.[2]

Technological features

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The train incorporated the following features for evaluation.[2]

Formation

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The 5-car articulated set was based at Kawagoe Depot on the Kawagoe Line and formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Kawagoe end, and car 5 at the Shinjuku end.[3] Cars 1 and 2 were built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Kobe, and cars 3 to 5 were built by Tokyu Car Corporation in Yokohama.[2]

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5
Designation Tc' M' M T Tc
Numbering KuHa E992-1 MoHa E992-1 MoHa E993-1 SaHa E993-1 KuHa E993-1

Cars 2 and 4 were each fitted with one single-arm pantograph.[3]

Cars 1 and 2 had double-skin aluminium bodies, cars 3 to 5 had stainless steel bodies with double-skin construction used for cars 3 and 5.[2]

History

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The E993 series train being hauled to Koriyama Works for scrapping, July 2006

The train was delivered to JR East's Kawagoe Depot on 17 January 2002.[2] Test running commenced on the Kawagoe Line and Saikyo Line the following month.[2]

The train was officially withdrawn on 14 July 2006.[4] No cars are preserved.

Features tested on the E993 series, including articulated cars and direct drive motors, were subsequently incorporated in the E331 series prototype train delivered in 2006.

References

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  1. ^ a b JR全車輌ハンドブック2005 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2005]. Japan: Neko Publishing. August 2005. p. 374. ISBN 978-4-7770-0382-2.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g プロトタイプの世界 - Prototype World. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbunsha. December 2005. pp. 76–79.
  3. ^ a b JR電車編成表 '05冬号 [JR EMU Formations - Winter 2005]. Japan: JRR. January 2005. p. 66. ISBN 978-4-88283-042-9.
  4. ^ "JRグループ車両のデータバンク2006/2007" [JR Group Databank 2006/2007]. Japan Railfan Magazine. 47 (555): 37. July 2007.