Speed challenge train unveiled

A train designed by Alstom to challenge the world rail speed record was unveiled in Paris on Monday as part of the ‘French Excellence in Very High Speed Rail Transport’ programme.

The train that will perform the record run, dubbed ‘V150’ after it’s target speed of 150 metres per second, was showcased at the SNCF's European East Technicenter.

The attempt on the rail speed record is organised by Réseau Ferré de France, Alstom Transport and SNCF. Beyond the technical achievement, the trials conducted at very high speed serve as a real-life test of the performance and reliability of the infrastructure and material.

The attempt on the record rounds off a programme of trials designed to test, measure and validate the aerodynamic behaviour and stability of the trainset, its bogies, current collection capabilities, the quality of wheel-rail contact, the behaviour of the new AGV traction equipment and of the track, tunnels, bridges and overhead line.