In accordance with the technical assignment approved by the Ministry of Communications of the Russian Federation, CDB ME "Rubin" in
co-operation with more than 50 enterprises of the defence industry of the Northwest Region and institutes of the Ministry of Communications,
designed a 12-car high-speed train "Sokol" with the speed up to 250 km/hr running on existing tracks. In 1999 the construction of experimental
6-car electric train "Sokol" was completed.
A number of design solutions allowing to provide its high technical characteristics meeting modern requirements was used in the train design:
original structure of the all-welded car bodies with improved stiffness made of aluminum alloys AMG61 and AMG5, optimum aerodynamic shape of
the train head end, a tracking drive for each 3-car section with 4 asynchronous motors and static converters for two power supply systems
(D.C. 3kW and A.C. 25 kW system), application of microprocessor equipment in the train control and diagnostic systems.
The electric train is equipped with a modern microprocessor control system and traffic safety systems, self-contained life-support systems
(heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water supply, sewage water and garbage collection) ensuring environmental safety, power absorption
units for impact load absorption in extreme situations.
Design and technological solutions ensure low noise both inside and outside the car, fire safety, excellent comfort
and service, minimize influence on the environment, improve considerably the train reliability and attractiveness for passengers.
Within the period of 2000 – 2002 the preliminary acceptance and check tests of the experimental train at speed up to 236 km/hr when power was
supplied from d.c contact system had been carried out on Experimental ring at the Railway Transport Research Institute and on the track
Saint-Petersburg - Moscow.
In 2000 a special shed equipped with the state-of-the art equipment for diagnostics of electric
trains "Sokol" was put into operation.
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