Performance of the first LHC pre-series superconducting dipoles

Within the LHC magnet program, a preseries production of final design, full-scale superconducting dipoles has presently started in industry and magnets are being tested at CERN. The main features of these magnets are: two-in-one structure, 56 mm aperture, six-block two layer coils wound from 15.1 mm wide graded NbTi cables, and all-polyimide insulation. This paper reviews the main test results of magnets tested to date in both supercritical and superfluid helium. The results of the quench training, conductor performance, magnet protection, sensitivity to ramp rate, and magnetic field quality are presented and discussed in terms of the design parameters and the aims of the LHC magnet program.