281 series

For the diesel multiple unit operated by JR Hokkaido, see KiHa 281 series.

The 281 series (281系, 281-kei) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West). Introduced on September 4, 1994, it is used exclusively for Kansai Airport Limited Express Haruka services to and from Kansai International Airport. Provisions are made for luggage racks and dedicated luggage room.

281 series
A 281 series train
Manufacturer	Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo
Family name	Haruka
Constructed	1994–1995
Entered service	4 September 1994
Number built	63 vehicles
Number in service	63 vehicles
Formation	6/3 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	HA601 – HA609, HA631 – HA633
Capacity	258
Operators	JR-West
Depots	Hineno
Lines served	Tokaido Main Line, Osaka Loop Line, Hanwa Line, Kansai Airport Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Steel
Car length	20.74 m (68 ft 1 in) (end cars) 20 m (65 ft 7 in) (intermediate cars)
Width	2.92 m (9 ft 7 in)
Height	3.55 m (11 ft 8 in)
Maximum speed	130 km/h (81 mph)
Traction system	Variable frequency (3-level GTO)
Acceleration	1.8 km/(h⋅s) (1.1 mph/s)
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead
Current collection	WPS27D scissors-type pantograph
Bogies	WDT55 (motored) WTR239 (trailer)
Braking system(s)	Regenerative brake, electronically controlled pneumatic brakes, snow-resistant brake
Safety system(s)	ATS-P, ATS-SW
Multiple working	271 series
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Design

Built jointly by Kinki Sharyo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries,^[1] the trains are used on the Haruka limited express service via the Kansai Airport Line in three- or six-car formations.^{[citation needed]}

Formations

Sets are based at Hineno Depot, and are formed as shown below.^[2]

6-car sets

Car No.	1	2	3	4	5	6
Designation	Tsc	M	T	T1	M	Tc
Numbering	KuRo 280	MoHa 281	SaHa 281	SaHa 281-100	MoHa 281	KuHa 281

The MoHa 281 cars are each fitted with one WPS27D scissors-type pantograph.

3-car sets

Car No.	7	8	9
Designation	Tc	T1	Mc
Numbering	KuHa 280	SaHa 281-100	KuMoHa 281

The KuMoHa 281 car is fitted with one WPS27D scissors-type pantograph.

Interior

• 
  281 series standard-class interior
• 
  281 series Green (first class) car interior