Abstract A prototype of a 4.3-MeV electron cooling system is being assembled at Fermilab as part of the ongoing R&D program in high energy electron cooling. This electron cooler prototype will not demonstrate the actual cooling but it will allow determining if the electron beam properties are suitable for antiproton beam cooling. An electron beam is accelerated by a 5-MV Pelletron (Van de Graaff type) accelerator and transported to a prototype cooling section. The cooling will take place in a 20-m long solenoid flanked on both sides by a delivery and return beam-line -a total of 60 meters of transport channel. This paper describes the first results of commissioning this novel beam line as well as the status of the electron cooling R&D program
