Class 395 Javelin

Class 395 Javelin
Name	Class 395 "Javelin"
Service	2009–present
Manufacturer	Hitachi, Thales Group
Family	A-Train
Yearconstruction	2007–2009
Formation	6 cars per unit
Operator	Southeastern
Depot	Slade Green Depot
Lines	High Speed 1, Chatham Main Line
Maxspeed	140 mph (225 km/h)

Class 395 Javelin is a family of high-speed electric multiple units built by Hitachi for operation in the United Kingdom by Southeastern. Introduced in 2009 ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the fleet provides passenger services on High Speed 1 and conventional routes such as the Chatham Main Line, linking St Pancras International, Ashford International and Dover Priory. The trains are part of Hitachi's A-Train family and were procured under a franchise arrangement involving Department for Transport, SE Trains concessionaires and private finance.

Design and development

Hitachi designed the units drawing on experience from the Shinkansen high-speed network and the A-Train modular concept used for models such as the E259 series and Class 800 intercity fleets; the programme involved engineering partnerships with Thales Group for signalling and Bombardier Transportation subcontractors for commissioning. Procurement was influenced by infrastructure projects including Channel Tunnel Rail Link (now High Speed 1), with rolling stock specifications shaped by safety authorities such as the Office of Rail and Road and standards from the Rail Safety and Standards Board. The contract award in 2004 to Hitachi followed competition from manufacturers including Alstom, Siemens, and CAF and incorporated finance structures linked to entities like Eurostar International Limited and advisers from Her Majesty's Treasury.

Technical specifications

Each six-car unit uses aluminium car bodies based on the A-Train modular architecture, propelled by AC traction motors powered via 25 kV AC overhead supply and 750 V DC third rail capability for dual-voltage operation on lines served by Network Rail. The formation provides seating, luggage areas and accessibility compliant with Disability Discrimination Act-era regulations and later Equality Act 2010 provisions; onboard systems include ETCS-capable equipment interoperable with European Rail Traffic Management System specifications and signalling interfaces from Thales Group. Performance figures cite a maximum operating speed of 140 mph (225 km/h) on High Speed 1, axle load and braking performance aligned with Railtrack-era standards, and compatibility with platform constraints at termini such as St Pancras International and Ashford International.

Operations and services

Southeastern introduced the units for domestic high-speed services branded as "Javelin" serving routes between London, Kent and Dover, supplementing conventional commuter services on corridors including the Chatham Main Line and the Maidstone East line. The fleet operated special event services for the 2012 Summer Olympics and has been deployed for charter operations connecting with Eurostar services at St Pancras International and international services at Ashford International. Operational management has involved Network Rail timetabling, Office of Rail and Road oversight, and interaction with regional authorities such as Kent County Council for station improvements and service planning.

Accidents and incidents

Notable incidents involving the fleet have been investigated by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, with occurrences ranging from minor operational disruptions to infrastructure-related events on High Speed 1 and conventional lines; investigations referenced signalling interfaces specified by Thales Group and maintenance regimes contracted through Hitachi supply chains. Responses have involved safety recommendations to operators including Southeastern, regulatory actions by the Office of Rail and Road, and collaborative improvements with Network Rail and local emergency services such as county Kent Police and London Fire Brigade.

Fleet and liveries

The original Class 395 fleet consisted of 29 six-car units delivered between 2007 and 2009, maintained at Slade Green Depot with periodic overhauls under franchise arrangements overseen by the Department for Transport and operationally managed by Southeastern. Liveries have included a corporate scheme introduced by Southeastern, special promotional variations for partners such as VisitBritain during the 2012 Summer Olympics, and temporary branding for community and sponsorship initiatives involving organisations like British Transport Police and local authorities such as Kent County Council.

Preservation and future plans

Long-term asset management involves mid-life refurbishments coordinated with Hitachi and suppliers such as Thales Group and reflects policy directions from the Department for Transport and infrastructure planning by Network Rail. Options under consideration have included retrofits for enhanced passenger information systems compatible with European Rail Traffic Management System protocols, depot capacity upgrades at Slade Green Depot and potential cascading to other franchises subject to decisions by operators such as Southeastern and regulatory oversight by the Office of Rail and Road. Preservation candidates and heritage partnerships would likely engage organisations such as the National Railway Museum and regional groups like the Kent and East Sussex Railway for long-term conservation.

Category:High-speed trains of the United Kingdom Category:Hitachi rolling stock