The new Shinkansen series E5: A closer look

The Shinkansen bullet train of the newest E5 series, operated by Japanese railway company JR East, will start its regular service next spring in 2011.

The new sleek train will speed on the existing Tohoku Shinkansen Line from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori in Aomori prefecture in the northeast of the Japanese main island of Honshu. JR East says that despite the maximum speed of 320 km/h (199 mph), the train will be running at “only” 300 km/h (186 mph) until 2013. The entire trip will take exactly 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Much of the new technology that the train will introduce has been implemented in the areas of comfort, noise reduction and safety. There are many improvements in comparison to the existing Shinkansen trains which are already regarded as some of the most advanced trains in the world.

Each train will have 10 cars and there are currently 59 trains under construction — a total of 590 cars. Looking at this number, it’s no surprise that bullet trains in Japan run every few minutes, even on distances of 3 hours or more!

The Shinkansen trains are known by their names, like the existing Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama, Komachi and others. At this time, the name for the newest train is still unknown. JR East has held a public naming contest this March. There are some rumors that the new name could be Hatsune but this has not been confirmed.

Interior and exterior of Shinkansen series E5.

Exterior and interior

The futuristic design of the exterior is essentially based on the experimental train Fastech 360S and uses color combinations called Tokiwa (green top part of body) and Hiun (white bottom part) which are separated with a pink stripe Hayate.

According to JR East, the spacious interior will allow for a very comfortable ride for everyone, including people on wheelchairs. Each train will be divided in three classes: Standard (or Economy), Green and “Super Green”. The pitch between the seats measures from 1040 mm (60 mm more than in previous E2 series) in Standard class and up to 1160 mm in Green class and 1300 mm in Super Green class.

Long nose

What really stands out in this train is the sleek and smooth long nose which measures 15 m (49 ft). This special design will improve noise reduction in tunnels and reduce vibrations during travel.

Full bogie covers

Full bogie covers feature the latest technology to reduce noise.

Pantographs

New technological solutions have also been implemented in pantographs on the roof of the train.

Full active suspension

To allow for a smoother and more comfortable ride, each car features full active suspension with actuators of a new type and vibration sensors.

Car body tilting system

With air cushions installed underneath each car, the passengers will be able to ride in better comfort during high speed turns. According to the maker, the train can run at a maximum speed in a 4 km (2.5 miles) radius turn without passengers feeling much of a tilt at all.

Brake system

The brake system has been improved to be more easier and safer even when the train is running at maximum speed. Previous systems allowed braking only up to 275 km/h (170 mph).

Comfortable seats

A 3 hour train ride really calls for some decent seats! The incline seats with cushions are wider than before. The pitch between the seats has also been increased. All seats in Green class also have incline leg supports.

A lot of space

The new Shinkansen is a lot more spacious than all previous ones. Large bathrooms allow for easier access by people on wheelchairs and also feature an intercom system to talk with staff in emergencies. The eco-friendly LED lighting will reduce energy usage.

Main technical and other data of the Shinkansen series E5

Construction completed: 2009
Service start: from spring 2011
Cars in construction: 590 (59 trains)
Formation: 10 cars for 1 train
Capacity: 731 passengers (658 in Standard, 55 in Green and 18 in “Super Green” class)
Operator: JR East
Line: Tohoku Shinkansen
Car body construction: aluminum alloy
Car length: from 25 m (82 ft) to 26.5 m (87 ft)
Width: 3.35 m (11 ft)
Height: 3.65 m (11.98 ft)
Maximum speed: 320 km/h (199 mph)
Power output: 9960 kW

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The official Shinkansen E5 web site by JR East can be seen here (watch the Flash version!).