Keisei AE series (2009)

For the original Keisei AE series train, see Keisei AE series (1972).

The Keisei AE series (京成AE形) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by the private railway operator Keisei Electric Railway on Skyliner limited express services to and from Narita International Airport in Japan via the Keisei Narita Airport Line.^[5] The first set was delivered in May 2009, and entered service in July 2010,^[6] replacing the Keisei AE100 series EMUs previously used on these services.

Keisei AE series
AE series approaching Ōmachi station, 23 November 2020
In service	2010–
Manufacturer	Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation
Designer	Kansai Yamamoto
Replaced	Keisei AE100 series
Constructed	2009–2010, 2019[1]
Entered service	17 July 2010
Number built	72 vehicles (9 sets)
Number in service	72 vehicles (9 sets)
Formation	8 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	AE1–AE9
Capacity	398 (monoclass)[2]
Operators	Keisei Electric Railway
Lines served	Narita Airport
Specifications
Car body construction	Aluminium[3]
Car length	19.500 m (63 ft 11.7 in) (end cars) 19.000 m (62 ft 4.0 in) (intermediate cars) [2]
Width	2.794 m (9 ft 2.0 in)
Height	4.030 m (13 ft 2.7 in)
Doors	1 per side
Maximum speed	160 km/h (99 mph)[4]
Traction system	IGBT–VVVF
Traction motors	24 × 175 kW (235 hp) 3-phase AC induction motor
Power output	4.2 MW (5,632 hp)
Acceleration	2.0 km/(h⋅s) (1.2 mph/s)[2]
Deceleration	4.0 km/(h⋅s) (2.5 mph/s) (service) 4.5 km/(h⋅s) (2.8 mph/s) (emergency) [2]
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Current collection	Pantograph
UIC classification	Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′
Bogies	SS170
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Notes/references
This train won the 54th Blue Ribbon Award in 2011.

Design

Each 8-car set consists of six motored cars and two trailers. The trains are the first Keisei trains to use bolsterless bogies, and the end cars are equipped with active suspension. The train design and styling was overseen by Japanese fashion designer Kansai Yamamoto.^[3] The musical horn and in-train announcement melody are provided by Casiopea keyboardist and Ongakukan CEO Minoru Mukaiya.^[2]

The AE series design won the "Good Design Award" in 2010,^[7] and in May 2011 was awarded the 2011 Blue Ribbon Award, presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club.^[8]

Formation

As of 5 September 2019^[update], the fleet consists of nine 8-car sets formed as shown below with car 1 at the Narita end.^[9]

Car No.	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Designation	M2c	M1	M2N	M1'	T2	T1	M2s	M1c
Numbering	x-1	x-2	x-3	x-4	x-5	x-6	x-7	x-8

• Cars 2, 4, 6, and 8 are each fitted with a single-arm pantograph.^[9]
• The "x" in the individual car numbering corresponds to the set number (1 to 9).^[9]

Diagram

• 
  Car 8
• 
  Car 7
• 
  Car 6
• 
  Car 5
• 
  Car 4
• 
  Car 3
• 
  Car 2
• 
  Car 1

Interior

All cars are monoclass, with 2+2 abreast rotating/reclining seating. Car 4 has a drink vending machine.^[9] Car 5 is equipped with a universal access toilet and also a wheelchair space.^[9]

• 
  General interior view, July 2010
• 
  Seat detail, July 2010
• 
  Universal access toilet, July 2010

History

The AE series entered revenue service on Skyliner services from 17 July 2010.^[9]

Build details

The manufacturers and delivery dates for the fleet are as shown below.

Set No.	Manufacturer	Date delivered
1	Nippon Sharyo	27 August 2009[10]
2	Tokyu Car	19 March 2010[10]
3	Nippon Sharyo	26 March 2010[10]
4	Tokyu Car
5	Nippon Sharyo	1 July 2010[11]
6	Tokyu Car	14 May 2010[11]
7	Nippon Sharyo	6 July 2010[11]
8	Tokyu Car	8 July 2010[11]
9	Nippon Sharyo	5 September 2019[1]

See also

• E259 series, trains used on competing JR East Narita Express services