Deutsche Bahn’s latest generation of intercity trains have begun testing on the German national network.
Siemens and DB Systemtechnik, which will be conducting the trials, launched high-speed testing of its ICx trains today (September 25).
From initial runs at 160 km/h, the speed will be gradually increased to a maximum of 250 km/h.
In May 2011, DB signed a framework agreement for up to 300 new trains – described at the time as the largest rolling stock contract Siemens had ever won.
An initial order for 130 ICx series vehicles was placed to allow older Intercity and Eurocity units to be phased out.
This phase of dynamic testing will focus on the interface between the bogies and the rail infrastructure, and the pantograph and the overhead lines.
