Fastech 360Z

The Class E955 Shinkansen, better known as the Fastech 360Z, was an experimental high-speed EMU. Built in 2006 for JR East, the set was tested from 2006 until 2008, after which it was retired from service.
==History==
The lone Fastech 360Z set, S10, was built in 2006 as a test train for JR East that was capable of going up to 360 km/h (224 mph). The train was tested from 2006 to 2008, after which it was withdrawn and scrapped.
No cars from the set have been preserved.
==Specifications==
The Fastech 360Z had two arrowhead-shaped cab ends which would form the basis of the E5 and E6 Series Shinkansen's cab designs. The train was capable of going up to 360 km/h (224 mph) and used IGBT variable frequency drives with a total output of 7,250 kW (9,722.4 hp) powering all direct drive motors of the train. A unique trait of the Fastech 360Z was its ability to run on both normal Shinkansen and mini-Shinkansen lines; its sister set, the Fastech 360S, could only run on normal Shinkansen lines.
A feature unique to the Fastech 360Z and its sister set were their emergency air braking plates similar to that of an aircraft's, which extended from the tops of their cabs. When the air brakes were deployed, the air brakes would be similar in appearance to a cat's ears, giving it the nickname of "cat-eared Shinkansen". As somewhat implied, this feature was not carried over to the E5 and E6 Series sets.
==References==
*Wikipedia.org
Category:Unique locomotives
Category:Prototype locomotives
Category:JR Group trains
Category:Electric trainsets
Category:Hitachi locomotives
Category:Kawasaki locomotives
Category:Built in 2006
Category:Scrapped locomotives
Category:Japanese locomotives