{"id":5252,"date":"2018-10-16T09:59:51","date_gmt":"2018-10-16T07:59:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=5252"},"modified":"2020-11-13T09:02:23","modified_gmt":"2020-11-13T08:02:23","slug":"alfa-x-shinkansen-bullet-train","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/alfa-x-shinkansen-bullet-train","title":{"rendered":"Alfa-X Shinkansen: The 400 km\/h Bullet Train"},"content":{"rendered":"

The next generation of Shinkansen bullet trains<\/strong><\/a> has already begun testing. The state-of-the-art \u2018Alfa-X\u2019 travels up to 400 km\/h<\/strong> (almost 250 mph!) and has a range of groundbreaking features.<\/p>\n

Journalists were first treated to a trial run of the experimental craft on 27th October 2020, between Sandai and Morioka stations on the JR East Tohoku Shinkansen line<\/strong>, which links Tokyo with Aomori Prefecture in the north of Honshu, Japan\u2019s largest island.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The new bullet train<\/strong> has an aerodynamic, 22-meter nose<\/strong> (longer than any train\u2019s in history), improved traction control, and is made from ultra-light materials<\/strong>.
\nIt has also been designed to run almost silently with maximum comfort for passengers.<\/p>\n

\"Alfa<\/p>\n

The Alfa-X will become the fastest bullet train in operation<\/strong>. Though its maximum speed will be higher, it will run at around 360 km\/h<\/strong> while carrying passengers. The fastest commercial train in the world is Shanghai\u2019s maglev<\/a> train<\/strong> (431km\/h) which uses magnetic levitation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The official name for the Alfa-X is the E956 Series<\/strong> and they will run in the Tokoku region and Hokkaido<\/a>. The trains will be finished in bright metallic colors<\/strong> to reflect the stunning local surroundings<\/strong> where they will operate.<\/p>\n

\"Alfa<\/p>\n

Improved energy efficiency<\/strong> has been a key priority in the design of the experimental Alfa-X. The use of silicon carbide power converters<\/strong>, combined with the light design, will ensure the trains are environmentally-friendly. To improve passenger comfort, lateral dampers will reduce side-to-side motion<\/strong> and a \u2018tremble protection control device\u2019 will minimize vertical vibrations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\n \n Buy your JR Pass\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n

The Alfa-X Shinkansen<\/strong> will also have new safety features<\/strong> which aim to protect passengers if there\u2019s an earthquake. Current bullet trains already automatically brake when there are nearby tremors, the Alfa-X will also have dampers to improve stability<\/strong> and stop the train from toppling over.<\/p>\n

\"Alfa
Inside the driver’s cabin of the Alfa X Shinkansen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The underfloor layout<\/strong> will aim to stop the build-up of ice and snow and the equipment will be designed to reduce the chances of failure or damage<\/strong> in the event of freezing conditions.<\/p>\n

The Alfa-X logo<\/strong> will represent the cutting-edge design and its AI features. A digital font will symbolize the use of advanced technology<\/strong> and the idea that it leads us to a brighter future<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The next generation of Shinkansen bullet trains has already begun testing. The state-of-the-art \u2018Alfa-X\u2019 travels up to 400 km\/h (almost 250 mph!) and has a range of groundbreaking features. Journalists were first treated to a trial run of the experimental craft on 27th October 2020, between Sandai and Morioka stations on the JR East Tohoku Shinkansen line, which links Tokyo with Aomori Prefecture in the north of Honshu, Japan\u2019s largest island.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5253,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3],"tags":[],"acf":{"related_tours":{"tour_number":false},"bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","pageresume":"The Alfa-X bullet train will have a range of cutting-edge features and will be able to travel at over 400km\/h. 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