The AVE Class 102 or S-102 is a high-speed train used for the AVE service and operated in Spain by the state-run railway companyRENFE, and based on Bombardier Transportation's power car technology. Outside AVE service, Talgo markets this train as the Talgo 350. Further production of closely related trains, differing in seating arrangement, resulted in the S-112.
Background, design and orders
The AVE Class 102 was constructed by Talgo with Adtranz providing the power car technology. It was principally designed for the Madrid-Barcelona line. The trainsets consist of Talgo passenger cars modified in order to allow speeds of up to with power cars at each end. However, its certified maximum operating speed is due to the limits of its eight motors. The trainsets can consist of up to 12 Talgo series VII coaches. The train is nicknamed Pato, Spanish for duck, due to the aerodynamic design of the power cars resembling a beak. The beak design reduces noise created by air resistance at top speeds. The series trains were intended for a top speed of. This top speed was supposed to be enough to fulfill the tender condition of a two-and-a-half-hour travel time between Madrid and Barcelona. Experts ascribe this reduction compared to original plans to budgetary reasons, which derive from the strongly increased power requirements at even higher speeds.
RENFE Class 112
original order in 2004 was for 16 series units, delivery of which began in 2004. A follow-up order for 30 similar trains to be delivered in 2008-2010 and designated as class 112. The first production unit was unveiled in June 2010.
Introduction, testing and operations
In trials with the prototype unit, on 11 October 2002, was achieved. Type approval tests began in 2004. Type approval requires test runs at speeds 10% above the desired permitted top speed. During the approval tests, a new record of was achieved in the early hours of 26 June 2004. After the successful completion of the tests, the first eight series units commenced operation on the Madrid-Zaragoza-Lleida line on 26 February 2005. Initially, maximum service speed was restricted to, due to problems with the train control and signalling systemon the line. After the commissioning of the train control systemETCS Level 1, the top speed was increased in steps. Since 7 May 2007, the trains travel with the top speed targeted for the time being. After the stabilisation of the train control system ETCS Level 2, the trains may cover the distance of 621 km between Madrid and Barcelona in about 2 hours 30 minutes, with a top speed of. However, presently, non-stop runs are carried by the AVE S-103, while the S-102 are deployed for runs with intermediate stops, with travel times between 2 hours 57 minutes and 3 hours 23 minutes.
