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Class 395 Javelin EMU HS1 Domestic Sets Hitachi Japan

Javelin Class 395 electric multiple units comprise 6-car sets and are dual-voltage and can operate from 25 kV overhead electrical power supply or from a 3rd rail 750 V DC supply.

Class 395 units, built of aluminium, were made by Hitachi Kasado, Japan from 2006-2009. Class 395 trains are air-conditioned and have a maximum speed of 140 mph (225 km/h). Class 395 sets are operated by Southeastern trains for high speed commuter trains through Kent to the Kentish coast. Class 395 high-speed trains were part of the transport infrastructure for the Olympic park forming part of the original bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics. This 'Olympic service' service was called the 'Olympic Javelin Shuttle', and the name Javelin has become a common name for the trains and JAVELIN can be seen on the side of the Class 395 train carriages.

A history of Class 395 EMUs

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SouthEastern high speed train, Class 395 EMU 395016 "Jamie Staff Olympic Champion Men's Team Spirit Beijing 2008" standing in St Pancras International with a service to Margate.

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Class 395 015 high speed electric multiple unit at St Pancras International station. (high speed EMU Class 395 unit 395015. All the Class 395 sets carry the South Eastern trains blue livery with black window surrounds).

 

Class 395 003 high speed electric multiple unit at St Pancras International station. (high speed EMU Class 395 unit 395003). Class 395 395003 is named Sir Steve Redgrave

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A history of Class 395 EMUs

The Class 395 “Javelin” units are the UK’s first domestic high‑speed trains, built 2007–2009 by Hitachi in Japan and introduced in 2009 for Southeastern’s High Speed 1 (HS1) services. They remain the fastest domestic trains in Britain, capable of 140 mph under 25 kV AC, and 100 mph on 750 V DC third rail.

Below is a full, structured history synthesising all authoritative sources.

Origins and Strategic Purpose of the Class 395 EMUs

The Class 395 was commissioned to operate domestic high‑speed services on HS1, the former Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
Key drivers included:

  • Providing fast commuter links between Kent and London St Pancras.

  • Supporting regeneration in East Kent.

  • Introducing Japanese high‑speed technology to the UK.

  • Delivering a high‑capacity transport solution for the London 2012 Olympics.

The fleet was ordered in June 2005 by HSBC Rail (ROSCO).

Development and Construction of the Class 395 EMUs (2007–2009)

Manufacturing of the Class 395 EMUs

  • Builder: Hitachi Rail

  • Factory: Kasado Works, Kudamatsu, Japan

  • Built: 2007–2009

  • Number built: 29 six‑car sets (174 vehicles)

This was the first Hitachi-built train sold to a European customer and the first Japanese train ordered for Britain.

Delivery and Testing of the Class 395 EMUs

  • First unit delivered to Southampton: 23 August 2007.

  • Extensive UK testing paused production until late 2008.

  • Final units delivered by December 2009.

The fleet achieved 4,000 miles fault‑free running six months ahead of schedule, enabling early preview services.

Entry Into Service of the Class 395 EMUs (2009)

Preview Service

  • 18 June 2009: ceremonial launch of preview service (St Pancras–Ashford via Ebbsfleet).

  • 29 June 2009: preview service opened to the public.

Full Service

  • 13 December 2009: full domestic HS1 timetable introduced.

  • Early preview routes included Dover, Ramsgate, and North Kent.

Operational Role of the Class 395 EMUs

The Class 395 operates across:

  • High Speed 1 (St Pancras–Ebbsfleet–Ashford)

  • Kent Coast routes (Dover, Ramsgate)

  • Chatham Main Line

  • North Kent Line

  • Ashford–Ramsgate corridor

Olympic “Javelin” Shuttle (2012)

The trains played a major role in the London 2012 Olympics, providing 6‑minute shuttles between St Pancras and Stratford International.
This is the origin of the “Javelin” brand.

Technical Characteristics of the Class 395 EMUs

Power and Speed of the Class 395 EMUs

  • Dual‑voltage:

    • 25 kV AC overhead (HS1)

    • 750 V DC third rail (classic lines)

  • Max speed:

    • 140 mph (225 km/h) AC

    • 100 mph (160 km/h) DC

Formation of the Class 395 EMUs

  • 6‑car sets: DPT–MS–MS–MS–MS–DPT

  • Can couple to form 12‑car trains in under 60 seconds.

Traction of the Class 395 EMUs

  • 16 × 210 kW motors (4 per MS car)

  • Total power: 3,360 kW

  • Acceleration: 0.7 m/s²

  • Braking: electro‑pneumatic, up to 1.2 m/s² max deceleration

Construction of the Class 395 EMUs

  • Aluminium bodyshell

  • Length: ~122 m per 6‑car set

  • Doors: single‑leaf sliding pocket doors (1.12 m wide)

Design Lineage of the Class 395 EMUs

The Class 395 is based on:

  • Hitachi A‑train platform

  • Influenced by the 400 Series Mini‑Shinkansen

  • Precursor to the later AT300 family (Classes 800/801/802)

Reliability and Impact of the Class 395 EMUs

The Javelin fleet has:

  • Significantly improved journey times (e.g., St Pancras–Ashford in under 40 minutes)

  • Boosted Kent’s economy by an estimated £1 billion over its first decade of operation

  • Achieved high reliability metrics and strong passenger satisfaction.

Refurbishment of the Class 395 EMUs (2022–2025)

A £27 million refurbishment programme (agreed 2022, completed May 2025) delivered:

  • New interiors

  • Upgraded Wi‑Fi

  • Accessibility improvements

  • Updated passenger information systems

Current Status of the Class 395 EMUs

  • All 29 units remain in service with Southeastern.

  • They continue to operate the UK’s only domestic high‑speed network.

  • Expected to remain in frontline service well into the 2030s.

Significance of the Class 395 EMUs

The Class 395 is historically important because it is:

  • The first domestic high‑speed train in the UK

  • The first Japanese-built train in British service

  • A key technological bridge between Shinkansen design and modern UK intercity fleets

  • Central to the success of HS1 and the 2012 Olympics

  • A catalyst for the later Class 800/801/802 AT300 family

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docspics images of Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays photos of Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays photographs of Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays pictures of Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays © Dr Phil Brown * Treyn Railway Holidays to France, Italy and Spain from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays Booking tickets for Great Railway Journey luxury Rail Trip holidays Train travel in Europe Rail holidays from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays to the USA & Canada luxury train through the Rocky Mountain Canadian rail railway holidays through the Rockies US Cities by train from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays  Continental rail holidays to France Germany Italy Austria Switzerland Glacier Express Treyn Holidays from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays from Eurostar to Paris Brussels Avignon Turin Turino Rome Roma Florence Firenze TGV fast trains Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays Travelling by train always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery  to Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of Europe! The railway trip from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive in action and there is nothing like the sight and sounds of a steam train to invoke feelings of nostalgia in some of us to Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays even more luxury by having a special trip out on a steam dining train! England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland top class hotels in Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays dining out travel tours top tourist destinations tourist information on Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays weekend breaks mini-breaks family holidays restaurants touring coach trips from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays continental tours cruise ships pleasure cruises summer breaks spring breaks continental winter breaks European winter holidays spring holidays summer holidays European Rail tours Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains European Rail tours US and Canadian Railway travel holidays special steam excursions to Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Travelling by train from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery either in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of the railways of Europe! The railway trip involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive or heritage diesel in action on a special trip from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets Stuttgart Brussels Eurostar Brussels from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays by TGV to Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International Stratford International, St Pancras International Paris Gare du Nord Paris Gare de Lyon Paris Gare de L'est Paris Gare Montparnasse by Eurostar from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays London to Paris, Eurostar London - Brussels Eurostar London to Lille deals bargain city breaks Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays Great Railway Journey holidays in Italy, Spain and France by TGV booking from Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets to the Continent  eg Paris Brussels Avignon or railway tours across France, Holland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, Asia or China for a travel spectacular Class 395 EMU rail tour holidays

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