British Rail Class 395

British Rail Class 395
Superalbs · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Class 395
Service	2009–present
Manufacturer	Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Family	A-train
Yearconstruction	2007–2010
Yearservice	29 June 2009
Numberbuilt	34
Formation	6 cars per trainset
Operator	Southeastern
Depots	Ashford (Kent)
Carbody	Aluminium
Maxspeed	140 mph (225 km/h)
Gauge	standard gauge
Traction	Electric multiple unit (EMU)

British Rail Class 395 is a high-speed electric multiple-unit passenger train used on passenger services in England since 2009. Built by Hitachi with components from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the fleet was commissioned to operate services using the High Speed 1 infrastructure between London St Pancras and destinations in Kent such as Ashford International and Ramsgate. The type provided a high-profile new connection for Southeastern and was the first domestic high-speed multiple unit operating on UK high-speed lines since InterCity 125 derivatives.

Design and Development

The Class 395 was designed under a procurement programme involving Department for Transport specifications to deliver domestic high-speed capability on High Speed 1 and conventional lines, influenced by earlier Hitachi A-train designs used by JR East and Keisei Electric Railway. The design phase included collaboration with Network Rail for interoperability with ERTMS concepts and compliance with Rail Safety and Standards Board requirements. Development choices reflected lessons from Shinkansen-inspired steel and aluminium construction, aerodynamic studies similar to those for Class 373 (Eurostar) stock, and integration of multiple-voltage capability compatible with both 25 kV AC overhead and 750 V DC third rail systems, enabling operation between Ashford International and legacy third-rail territory via existing electrification. Award of the contract and manufacturing schedule drew attention from House of Commons debates and industry analysts including Railway Gazette International.

Technical Specifications

Each six-car set uses an aluminium A-train bodyshell with lightweight bogies derived from Hitachi designs used in Japan and incorporates regenerative braking and IGBT traction converters supplied by industrial partners. The Class 395 is capable of 140 mph on High Speed 1, uses 25 kV AC overhead supply on HS1 and can operate into third-rail territory; its compatibility was tested against Railtrack-era infrastructure standards and required approval from the Office of Rail and Road. Onboard systems include Train Protection & Warning System variants and multiple-unit control allowing push–pull operation; passenger amenities include standard-class and first-class seating compliant with Persons with reduced mobility access rules, wifi and power sockets. Axle load, braking distances, and crashworthiness meet UK gauge and loading requirements influenced by research from RSSB and design guidance from CENELEC.

Operations and Service History

Southeastern introduced the fleet in 2009, inaugurating high-speed domestic services from London St Pancras to Ashford International and coastal Kent destinations, displacing some services previously operated by Class 375 units. The Class 395 enabled timetable changes affecting connections at Canterbury West and Ramsgate and influenced franchise commitments overseen by Department for Transport ministers. Major timetable extensions and seasonal services linked to events at Wembley Stadium, Eurostar connections at St Pancras International, and commuter flows to Ebbsfleet International featured Class 395 sets. During contract renewals and franchise transitions, stakeholders such as Govia and local authorities negotiated fleet deployment and station infrastructure improvements at hubs including Ashford International and Ramsgate.

Incidents and Safety Record

The Class 395 fleet has been subject to operational incident reports investigated by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and safety audits by the Office of Rail and Road. Recorded incidents have included weather-related disruptions during Storms in the United Kingdom and isolated technical faults leading to temporary withdrawals for rectification by Hitachi engineers. Investigations referenced compliance with Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 and recommended operational changes involving Network Rail signalling interfaces. Safety enhancements and periodic modifications were implemented following guidance from RSSB and manufacturer-led safety reviews.

Fleet Details and Maintenance

Thirty-four six-car units were built, numbered in a specific range and maintained at the Ashford depot, with light maintenance performed at local depots and heavier overhauls at manufacturer-supported facilities. The maintenance regime follows standards set by Rail Safety and Standards Board guidance and contractual terms in the Southeastern franchise. Each unit's lifecycle management involved mid-life refurbishments overseen by Hitachi Rail engineers and parts supply chains coordinated with suppliers in Japan and Germany, while fleet allocation decisions were subject to capacity planning by Department for Transport and operator route requirements.

Liveries and Branding

On introduction, the fleet carried a livery developed by Southeastern in consultation with marketing teams and local authorities, displaying corporate colours and branding tied to franchise identity overseen by Department for Transport. Over the years special commemorative liveries and promotional branding have been applied for events associated with Wimbledon Championships and local tourism initiatives promoted by Visit Kent. Branding updates have mirrored franchise changes and corporate identity work by agencies in London working for Southeastern and its parent companies.

Category:High-speed trains of the United Kingdom Category:Hitachi multiple units