Intercity Express Programme (IEP) - Class 800/801/802 Fleet
UK (Great Western Main Line, East Coast Main Line, Newton Aycliffe) · 2014–2018 (manufacture), 2017 (GWR service), 2019 (LNER service) · £5.7 billion (overall IEP, including infrastructure and depots)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe decision to convert some Class 801 electric-only units to bi-mode Class 800/3 due to delays in electrification highlights the importance of flexible design in large infrastructure projects. - Early operational issues with fatigue cracking and corrosion underscored the need for rigorous testing and material selection, particularly for novel designs and materials. - The project demonstrated the successful transfer of manufacturing capabilities to the UK with the Newton Aycliffe facility, boosting domestic rail industry expertise. - The branding of the trains (IET and Azuma) reflects efforts to create distinct identities for different operators while maintaining a common underlying fleet.
Key engineering challenges
Designing bi-mode trains (electric and diesel) to operate seamlessly across electrified and non-electrified lines. - Achieving high-speed performance (125 mph) while meeting strict weight and axle load limits. - Integrating advanced signalling systems (ETCS Level 2) with legacy systems (TPWS, AWS, ATP). - Managing manufacturing across international sites (Japan for bodyshells, UK for assembly) and ensuring quality control. - Addressing early operational issues such as fatigue cracking and corrosion on aluminium body shells and yaw dampers.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Department for Transport (DfT); Agility Trains (owner); Great Western Railway (GWR); London North Eastern Railway (LNER)
- Lead contractor
- Hitachi Rail
- Lead designers
- Hitachi Rail
- Project type
- vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- 80 train sets (36 x 5-car Class 800/0, 13 x 9-car Class 800/1, 10 x 5-car Class 800/2, 21 x 9-car Class 800/3); 5-car unit length: 129.7 m; 9-car unit length: 233.7 m; Max speed: 125 mph (200 km/h); Power output: 700 kW (GWR), 560 kW (LNER) per engine
- Disciplines
- Mechanical; Electrical; Systems; Software; Civil (depots)
- Standards & frameworks
- Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs); UK railway standards; ETCS Level 2
Sources: British Rail Class 800 - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_800) - Hitachi Hyoron: Development of Class 800/801 High-speed Rolling Stock for UK Intercity Express Programme (https://www.hitachihyoron.com/rev/pdf/2014/r2014_10_105.pdf)