For the Yamanashi Maglev test line, we have manufactured new vehicles, which aim at improving several characteristics based on the test results of existing train-sets. Since July 2002, we have obtained data from the test running of the two new vehicles, a Kofu-side leading car Mc5 and a long-size intermediate car M4. Mc5 is a special test leading car to reduce micro pressure wave, and M4 is a proto-type commercial car to improve quality of comfort. This paper describes the contents of technical development to investigate aerodynamic characteristics, improve ride comfort, and reduce internal noise, for comparison with existing vehicles.

Copyright (c) 2003 Railway Technical Research Institute