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 edit

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 edit

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

Formation edit

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 edit

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The train was officially withdrawn on 14 July 2006.[4] No cars are preserved.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

  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.