Development of the Superconducting Maglev Vehicles (MLX01 type) on the Yamanashi Test Line: Carbody Structure and Equipment of the First Train Set

摘要

The construction of the superconducting Maglev system on the Yamanashi Test Line started in 1990. It is the final stage for confirming the possibility of commercialization of Maglev System. In the spring of 1995 the vehicles for the first train set to run on the Yamanashi Test Line, named the "MLX01" type, were completed. It consists of three cars, the car No.1 being the head car for Kofu (Mc1), the car No. 2 the standard middle car (M1), and the car No.3 the head car for Tokyo (Mc2). We have two train sets, and the second one which is a 4-car unit is now being designed. The train set is an articulated bogie system. The vehicles can run levitated at over 500 km/h (experimental maximum speed 550 km/h). The service brake system is a regenerative brake, and there are two types of emergency brakes, provided with a wheel disk brake and an aerodynamic brake . An important feature of the exterior is the nose shape of the head cars. The nose shape of Mc1 is named the "Double Cusp" style, and that of Mc2 the "Aero-wedge" style, each having superior aerodynamic performance. Both head cars are equipped with seats, baggage racks, etc. for passenger trial riding, and M1 is designed exclusively for use as an experimental car. This paper describes Maglev vehicles and various equipment of the first train set on the Yamanashi Test Line.