Project V150
| Industry | Rail transport |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | High-speed trainset |
Operation V150, named after its intended velocity in metres per second, consisted of a series of high-velocity tests conducted on the LGV Est. The V150 was a uniquely modified TGV train (with a mass of ) that set a new world railway speed record on 3 April 2007. Manufactured in France, it achieved a speed of on an unopened stretch of the LGV Est between Strasbourg and Paris, exceeding the previous record of , established in 1990.
Record of 2007
Between 15 January and 15 April 2007, prior to the official opening of the LGV Est in June, the V150 trials took place under the direction of SNCF, TGV producer Alstom, and the LGV Est proprietor Réseau Ferré de France. Following incremental speed evaluations, the formal record attempt occurred on 3 April 2007. The train reached its peak velocity close to kilometre marker 193 near Le Chemin village, situated between Meuse and Champagne-Ardenne stations, where track conditions were most favorable.
Throughout testing, the former record of was unofficially surpassed on several occasions, beginning with on 13 February and most recently on 15 April 2007.
V150 record train
The record-breaking V150 train was composed of three adapted Duplex cars combined with two powered bogies from the AGV prototype, inserted between TGV power cars from the POS trainset number 4402. This setup included four additional powered axles compared to the 1990 record holder trainset 325 and delivered peak power output of , surpassing the standard TGV POS output of . Innovations tested included asynchronous traction motors installed on POS power cars, lightweight synchronous permanent magnet motors mounted on AGV bogies, an actively regulated pantograph, and utilization of the Duplex bi-level design not previously employed in high-speed experiments.
Aerodynamic improvements developed through wind tunnel testing reduced drag by approximately 15% relative to the conventional model. These modifications featured a front air dam, roof fairings covering pantograph openings, membranes connecting cars, and a windshield flush with the bodywork. Over 600 sensors continuously gathered data from various engine and car components. The train operated with enlarged wheels measuring in diameter instead of , reducing rotation speeds within the powertrain.
Test track
The record attempts took place along a section of track 1 on the LGV Est, generally westbound between kilometre markers 264 (near Prény) and 120 (close to Champagne-Ardenne station). This particular segment was chosen due to its favorable vertical alignment and gentle curvature, including downhill stretches between kilometre posts 195 and 191 that facilitated maximum speeds. Track superelevation was increased to support higher velocity operations. The overhead line voltage was raised to 31 kV from the usual 25 kV, while mechanical tension in the catenary wire was elevated from 25 kN to 40 kN. These adjustments boosted the transverse wave speed generated by pantograph contact to , maintaining safety margins above the peak train speed. Instrumentation stations along this route measured stresses on track and ballast, noise levels, aerodynamic influences, and catenary behavior. Between kilometre points 223 and 167—where speeds exceeded —track conditions were closely monitored throughout testing.
Record runs
From 15 January to 15 April 2007, the V150 train consistently achieved speeds of and higher, covering a total distance of . Prior to each high-speed attempt, the track was inspected by the TGV POS trainset 4404 traveling steadily at , equaling the speed record set in 1981. The V150 reached its top acceleration over a stretch of . During significant runs, including the official record attempt, an Aérospatiale Corvette aircraft facilitated data transmission and provided live television coverage.
See also
External links
- INA (Institut national de l'audiovisuel) – Videos showcasing TGV speed records
- Video of the record run – Available on DailyMotion.com
fr:Records du monde de vitesse sur rail en France#Rame d'essai 4402 (V150)