The TGV 001 was an experimental gas turbine-powered TGV prototype built by Alstom in France. Commissioned in 1969, began testing in 1972 and reached speeds between 250–300 kilometres per hour (160–190 mph). It was part of a vast research program on high rail speeds which covered all technical aspects, principally traction, the behaviour of the vehicles, braking, aerodynamics and signalling. Originally, two trains were to be built, but only one was produced. The second was to be a tilting train equipped with an active tilting system, but was abandoned owing to technical difficulties.