KiHa 281 series

KiHa 281 series
KiHa 281 series on a Super Hokuto service, March 2008
In service	1994–Present
Manufacturer	Fuji Heavy Industries
Constructed	1992–
Number built	27 vehicles
Number in service	27 vehicles
Formation	7-8 cars per trainset
Operator(s)	JR Hokkaido
Depot(s)	Hakodate
Line(s) served	Hakodate Main Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Car length	21,300 mm (69 ft 11 in)
Width	2,863 mm (9 ft 4.7 in) (production cars) 2,820 mm (9 ft 3 in) (pre-production cars)
Height	4,077 mm (13 ft 4.5 in)
Doors	1 per side
Maximum speed	130 km/h (80 mph)
Prime mover(s)	N-DMF11HZA (355 hp) x2 per car
Transmission	Hydraulic
Bogies	N-DT281A
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The KiHa 281 series (キハ281系^?) is a tilting diesel multiple unit (DMU) train type operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) on Super Hokuto limited express services in Hokkaido, Japan since 1994. They were the first tilting trains to be operated by JR Hokkaido.

The fleet of 27 cars is normally formed into seven-car sets for use on Super Hokuto limited express services operating between Hakodate and Sapporo, and formations are sometimes lengthened to eight cars during busy periods.

7-car sets are normally formed as follows, with car 1 at the Sapporo end. Car 3 is a Green (first class) car.

Sets lengthened to 8 cars are normally formed as follows, with car 1 at the Sapporo end. Car 3 is a Green car.

Pre-production driving (control) cars built by Fuji Heavy Industries and delivered in January 1992. Seating capacity is 48, with toilets.

Pre-production intermediate car built by Fuji Heavy Industries and delivered in October 1992. Seating capacity is 60. The width of the side doors was increased from 800 mm on the KiHa 281-901–902 cars to 1,030 mm.

Production driving (control) cars built by Fuji Heavy Industries and delivered from 1993. Seating capacity is 48, with toilets.

Production intermediate cars built by Fuji Heavy Industries and delivered from 1993. Seating capacity is 51, with wheelchair space, universal access toilets, and a telephone.

Production intermediate cars built by Fuji Heavy Industries and delivered from 1993. Seating capacity is 60, with conductor's compartment, but no toilets.