Germany tests "actively-controlled" pantograph - World Update - Brief Article

Railway Age, Sept, 2003

German Rail (DB) has successfully tested an "actively-controlled" pantograph, developed in cooperation with Bombardier Transportation ,at speeds up to 143 mph. The pantograph automatically adjusts its pressure on the catenary, enabling operation at higher speeds on sections of line that have not been specially equipped. The test train, consisting of a locomotive at each end, a test coach, and seven conventional coaches, carried out trial runs between Donauworth and Augsburg, where the maximum speed is normally 125 mph. DB hopes to reach 186 mph by December.

Up to now, it has always been necessary to upgrade overhead electrification for high speed operation. This can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per mile. The actively-controlled pantograph should make this unnecessary. DR's expectations are high: increasing the capacity of the line without any extra construction, less wear and tear, and a 10 decibel reduction in noise at high speed.

The new pantograph should be in mass production by 2005. DB says it could then dispense with upgrading overhead electrification for high speed trains.