FS Class ETR 460

The ETR 460 is an electric multiple unit (EMU) tilting train produced by FIAT Ferroviaria (now Alstom Ferroviaria) since 1993. It is also known as the Pendolino after the family of trains from which it comes.

The ETR 460 is a development of the ETR 450, a Pendolino EMU developed in the 1970s, being characterized by improved layout, electrical and electronic systems, and improved comfort. Maximum speed remains unchanged at 250 km/h. The ETR 460 spawned two similar types of Pendolinos: the ETR 470 and the ETR 480. The main difference between the versions is that the 460 runs only on 3 kV DC, the 470 on 3 kV DC and 15 kV AC, and the 480 on 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC (used on new high-speed railways in Italy). Three sets were modified to be capable of additionally running on 1.5 kV DC for use on Milan-Turin-Lyon services, but have been all re-converted to the ETR 460 standard and renamed ETR 463. The British Class 390, the Slovenian series 310, the Portuguese Alfa Pendular, the Finnish Sm3 and the Spanish Alaris series were all derived from the ETR 460.

The trainset, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, is used by Trenitalia for their Frecciabianca service on several routes across Italy.

The trainset has the ability to tilt by up to 8° when taking corners so as to reduce the effect of centrifugal force on the passengers. The passengers remain comfortable even if the train fully takes advantage of the characteristics of the track thanks to the lightness of the construction (only 13.5 t / axle). Use of the train does not demand particular modifications to the railroad but it is expensive in terms of maintenance of the rolling stock due to the complexity of the tilting system.

The hydraulic tilting system it is governed by two gyroscopes located in the lead cars. The curve is found on the base of the elevation of the external track.

ETR 460s are provided with 12 three-phase asynchronous motors (compared to the 16 in the ETR 450) located in all cars, in order to improve cornering capability. The motors are controlled by GTO-VVVF inverters, with a total power of some 6 MW. Electric braking is of rheostatic type, with the possibility of energy recovery at some speeds while the mechanical braking system uses disc brakes, commanded by an electro-pneumatic system called Wabcontrol.

ETR 460s can carry up to 480 passengers. Configuration includes two head coaches, 6 intermediate passenger coaches and a bar - restaurant coach.