SNCF TGV Iris 320
| Company type | Specialized train unit |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport, Track inspection |
| Predecessor | SNCF TGV Réseau passenger train number 4530 |
| Founder | SNCF International |
| Products | Track inspection services for high-speed rail networks |
Iris 320 is a specialized TGV unit utilized by SNCF International as a dedicated track inspection train for high-speed rail networks. This train operates at speeds of , comprising two power cars and eight trailers, creating a mobile laboratory stretching . It originated from the conversion of former SNCF TGV Réseau passenger train number 4530.
The primary function of Iris 320 is to conduct biweekly inspections of the entire French LGV high-speed rail system. Additionally, it performs surveys on other major French lines where speeds exceed , as well as on Belgium’s HSL 1 high-speed route for Infrabel.
Every two months, Iris 320 undertakes inspections of the Channel Tunnel on behalf of Eurotunnel (since December 2010) and the UK’s High Speed 1 line for Network Rail (since May 2011). These cross-border journeys are powered by diesel locomotives of the Eurotunnel Class 0001 type, running at .
See also
- New Measurement Train, a British track inspection vehicle operated by Network Rail, based on the British Rail Class 43 HST
- Doctor Yellow, Japan’s dedicated track monitoring Shinkansen train
- Comprehensive Inspection Trains, Chinese high-speed departmental trains used for track assessment