Catenary for HSR
The KS-400 catenary product range ensures reliable power transfer to train pantographs at speeds up to 400 km/h.
About the project
The product range is designed for building the KS-400 railway catenary, providing reliable transfer of electrical energy from traction substations and line-side power supply equipment to electric rolling stock pantographs at train speeds up to 400 km/h.
Prototype trials on the VNIIZHT experimental ring were completed in 2026; design documentation has been assigned release «O1». ECRT and Russian Railways are now working together to put KS-400 catenary components into production.
Key points
Under the R&D programme, ECRT has developed structural elements, anchorage nodes, supporting and fixing structures, fittings and droppers, insulators, and structures for earthing and the return traction network of KS-400.
Prototype samples have been manufactured; preliminary, operational, and acceptance tests have been conducted with iterative improvement of design documentation and successful acceptance commissions.
R&D scope and testing
Development of the KS-400 catenary product range is carried out for the first HSR line Moscow – Saint Petersburg.
Under the R&D programme, ECRT specialists developed structural elements, anchorage nodes, supporting and fixing structures, fittings and droppers, insulators, and structures for earthing and the return traction network of the KS-400 catenary. Prototype samples were manufactured; preliminary, operational, and acceptance tests of product range elements were conducted.
Design documentation was continuously refined throughout the work, enabling successful acceptance commissions.
KS-400 catenary pilot site at the VNIIZHT experimental ring
Particular attention was given to the KS-400 catenary pilot site at the VNIIZHT experimental ring.
ECRT specialists, including using the developed mathematical model, together with the Russian Railways construction division, obtained unique results in high-precision catenary suspension adjustment and precise construction and installation work, achieving design positions within tight tolerances.
Operational testing and emergency modes
At the VNIIZHT experimental ring, operational tests included experiments analysing KS-400 catenary suspension behaviour under emergency operating modes.