Approaching nominal longitudinal parameters with a single LHC batch in the SPS

Progress made in obtaining the nominal LHC parameters during the first three MDs in 2002 is described. At the end of the third MD nominal longitudinal parameters (bunch length 1.75 ns and emittance 0.46 eVs) were obtained for a single batch with an intensity of 6.7 x 1012 at 450 GeV as a result of improvements in the feedback and feedforward systems made in the second MD and special settings, which include an optimised 200 MHz voltage programme, operation of the 800 MHz RF system through the cycle together with a small controlled emittance blow-up on the flat bottom.