One of the key technical challenges which had to be overcome to validate the viability of High Speed Rail (HSR) program for the Northeast Corridor (NEC) was how to minimize the travel time between New York and Boston, particularly in the winding, nonelectrified corridor between New Haven and Boston, USA. Electrification, and the use of lightweight, but powerful electric AC traction power cars offered a relatively straight-forward solution to the high speed running and acceleration performance requirements. However, maintaining safe, reliable operation and passenger comfort along the curvy New England right-of-way presented a potentially greater challenge. Following an intensive study which investigated major civil changes required to re-route the railroad, and an alternate approach which combined less aggressive right-of-way upgrades with higher speed/higher cant deficiency operation in curves, the latter approach was chosen. With the selection of this option, it was recognized that the incorporation of an active tilt system would be desirable, and perhaps a necessity. This paper describes the major design features of the first major application of tilt technology to a passenger rail vehicle in the USA and discusses how the tilt system will safely enhance the speed, comfort and overall reliability of the Amtrak HST operation.
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