The is a DC

electric multiple unit An electric multiple unit or EMU is a multiple-unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a numbe ...

(EMU) train type operated by the private railway operator Keisei Electric Railway on '' Skyliner''

limited express A limited express is a type of express train service. It refers to an express service that stops at a limited number of stops in comparison to other express services on the same or similar routes. Japan The term "limited express" is a common ...

services to and from

Narita International Airport Narita International Airport ( ja, 成田国際空港, Narita Kokusai Kūkō) , also known as Tokyo-Narita, formerly and originally known as , is one of two international airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area, the other one being Haneda Airport ...

in Japan via the Keisei Narita Airport Line. The first set was delivered in May 2009, and entered service in July 2010, replacing the Keisei AE100 series EMUs previously used on these services.

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. The musical horn and in-train announcement melody are provided by Casiopea keyboardist and Ongakukan CEO Minoru Mukaiya. The AE series design won the "Good Design Award" in 2010, and in May 2011 was awarded the 2011 Blue Ribbon Award, presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club.

Formation

, the fleet consists of nine 8-car sets formed as shown below with car 1 at the Narita end. * Cars 2, 4, 6, and 8 are each fitted with a single-arm pantograph. * The "x" in the individual car numbering corresponds to the set number (1 to 9). Keisei AE Series 2009

File:Keisei AE series (2nd model) AE1-8.jpg, Car 8 File:Keisei AE series (2009) AE1-7.jpg, Car 7 File:Keisei AE series (2009) AE1-6.jpg, Car 6 File:Keisei AE series (2009) AE1-5.jpg, Car 5 File:Keisei AE series (2009) AE1-4.jpg, Car 4 File:Keisei AE series (2009) AE1-3.jpg, Car 3 File:Keisei AE series (2009) AE1-2.jpg, Car 2 File:Keisei AE series (2009) AE1-1.jpg, Car 1

Interior

All cars are monoclass, with 2+2 abreast rotating/reclining seating. Car 4 has a drink vending machine. Car 5 is equipped with a universal access toilet and also a wheelchair space. File:Keisei AE series (2009) cabin.jpg, General interior view, July 2010 File:Keisei AE series (2009) seat.jpg, Seat detail, July 2010 File:Keisei AE series (2009) toilets.jpg, Universal access toilet, July 2010

History

The AE series entered revenue service on ''Skyliner'' services from 17 July 2010.

Build details

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

References

External links

Official site

(Japan Railfan Magazine Online)

{{Keisei trainsets Nippon Sharyo multiple units Keisei Electric Railway Electric multiple units of Japan Train-related introductions in 2010 1500 V DC multiple units of Japan Tokyu Car multiple units