FS Class E.402
| Company type | Electric locomotive series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Predecessor | E.632 class |
| Founded | 1990s |
| Headquarters | Italy |
| Products | Electric locomotives (E.402A, E.402B) |
| Parent | FS Trenitalia |
Template:Infobox locomotive
Template:Infobox locomotive
E.402A/B represents a series of electric locomotives primarily deployed on medium-speed passenger routes—operating at speeds up to 200-kilometre-per-hour (120 mph)—such as InterCity and Frecciabianca services, managed by the Italian rail operator FS Trenitalia.
History
Following the successful use of DC traction motors controlled by thyristors in the E.632 class, FS aimed to develop a new generation of high-performance locomotives equipped with AC traction motors (also known as induction, three-phase, or asynchronous motors). In the early 1990s, FS collaborated with Ansaldo Transporti (responsible for mechanical components) and TIBB (the Italian division of BBC, handling electrical systems) to design a locomotive capable of hauling both heavy freight and high-speed passenger trains at velocities up to 220 km/h (140 mph). This initiative resulted in the creation of the E.402.0 class. Later stages of electric system development were undertaken by Siemens.
Six prototype units (E.402.000 through E.402.005) were constructed and underwent extensive testing before entering regular service. These prototypes feature a more angular driver's cab design reminiscent of the E.632/633 models, contrasting with the streamlined cabs of subsequent production units. The E.402 series was among Italy's first locomotives to incorporate induction motor technology.
Prototype units: 402.001–402.005 (total: five) Initial production batch: 402.006–402.045 (total: forty)
In July 2014, FS signed an agreement with Spanish manufacturer CAF to upgrade forty production-series locomotives numbered from E.402.006 to E.402.045. This refurbishment includes converting the locomotives to a single-cab configuration, after which they will be assigned to InterCity service duties.
E.402B
The E.402B series represents an advancement over the earlier E.402 model, featuring redesigned driver cabins and updated equipment. A total of 80 units were manufactured, numbered from 101 to 180.
Unlike the original version, this locomotive can operate under multiple voltage systems: the traditional Italian 3 kV DC and the newer high-speed lines at 25 kV AC. Additionally, units numbered 139 to 158 possess the capability to run on the French 1.5 kV DC system (albeit at reduced power) and are designated as E.402BF (with "F" indicating Francia for France). These particular locomotives are equipped with one ATR90 pantograph plus two single-arm pantographs tailored for use on French electrification (1.5 kV DC and 25 kV AC) and incorporate French safety technologies such as Vacma, radio communication, and KVB systems. Interestingly, these units have not received authorization to access Ventimiglia and Modane stations, despite these border points employing 1.5 kV DC overhead lines.
The E.402BF units can remotely control another locomotive within the same class; however, they cannot be controlled remotely from a driving coach. For standard E.402B locomotives, this functionality is reversed.
Currently, both E.402B variants frequently haul Intercity trains and occasionally freight services. They remain the only locomotives compatible with remote control by Z1 driving cars via the TCN, enabling efficient push-pull train operations.
Technical details
Both locomotive types utilize four asynchronous three-phase motors, though their traction systems differ:
- The E.402A model incorporates two three-phase inverters alongside two choppers (one per bogie), which supply the motors with a variable voltage ranging between 0 and 4200 V, adjusted according to the overhead line voltage (from a minimum of 1200 to 4000 V).
- In contrast, the E.402B employs a rectifier when operating under 25 kV AC, and uses choppers when running on 3 kV or 1.5 kV DC lines to feed two water-cooled GTO inverters.
Auxiliary systems such as fans and compressors receive power at 450 V, 60 Hz AC, generated by two static converters rated at 210 kVA each.