AVE Class 103

Infobox Train
name = AVE Class 103


imagesize = 300px
caption = Series 103 train, Velaro E
Manufacturer = Siemens
Operator = RENFE
Formation = 8 cars (driver and passenger integrated cars at either end)
LinesServed = Madrid - SevilleMadrid - BarcelonaMadrid - Malaga
InService = 2006 - present
Weight = 425 t
CarLength = convert|200.84|m|abbr=on
CarWidth = convert|2.95|m|abbr=on
CarHeight = convert|3.89|m|abbr=on
Capacity = 404
MaxSpeed = convert|350|km/h|abbr=on
Power = 8800 kW
Gauge = RailGauge|sg
Voltage = 25 kV 50 Hz AC Overhead
Safety = LZB, ASFA 200, ERTMS

The AVE Class 103 is a series of AVE high speed trains for the Spanish state-run railway company RENFE.

The AVE Class 103 is as of 2008 the fastest conventional rail train in commercial use, although the future Alstom AGV will equal its convert|350|km/h|abbr=on maximum commercial speed. Trains have been constructed by Siemens as a sister series to the Velaro used by Deutsche Bahn for its InterCityExpress service, and therefore referred to by Siemans as the Velaro E. In fact it is identical in design to the Velaro, but with a few special characteristics requested by RENFE for use in Spain. These include the ability to operate in a high range of temperatures; and a higher power (8,800 kW) to cover the convert|600|km|abbr=on between Barcelona and Madrid in 2h30m.

RENFE ordered a total of 26 of the Class 103 in two separate orders. They are all currently in service and have been cleared to run at convert|350|km/h|abbr=on. During testing, one train reached Spain's highest train speed of convert|404|km/h|abbr=on

pecifications

The class has distributed traction with driving bogies throughout the train. This removes the need for driving units at either end, which AVE Class 100 and 102 have, allowing a better use of space, better energy efficiency and better acceleration.

The train is actually two identical half-trains with four permanently connected coaches. Its capacity of 404 passengers is split between three classes; with two coupled 8-car trains total capacity is therefore 808 passengers. In the end coaches glass screens separate the driver and passengers, and allow passengers the same views as the driver, just as in other Velaros. The driver can turn these opaque if necessary or preferred.

External links

* [http://www.renfe.es/ave/ficha_ave_s103.html Technical information AVE Serie 103] Renfe page (Spanish)