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Alstom unveils AGV

Alstom has unveiled the prototype of the AGV1, its latest, new generation very high speed train. This single deck, state of-the-art train incorporates articulated carriages, a technology which contributed to the success of France’s TGV train2, and a new distributed drive system. The AGV has been designed to reach a cruising speed of 360 kph. The AGV already has its first customer: Italy’s new railway operator, NTV3.

The AGV is the first train in the world to feature an articulated architecture (with the bogies located between the carriages), a solution which provides the highest levels of safety, combined with a distributed drive system (the train’s motors being located on the bogies, under the train), an innovation which considerably increases the potential number of seats onboard the train by eliminating the need for locomotives. This novel architecture will give operators great flexibility. They will be able to vary the length of their trains (from 7 to 14 carriages, and from 250 and 650 seats) depending on demand. It will also substantially lower maintenance costs.

The AGV is particularly environmentally friendly, with a 15% lower energy consumption than its main competitors. It also incorporates the latest ERTMS signalling standards so can run on all European lines.

The AGV’s novel traction system has already been tested under extreme conditions, since it was used in the train which set the world rail speed record on 3 April 2007: 574.8 kph.

Italy’s new railway operator, NTV, has placed firm orders for 25 trains (with options for 10 more), and has signed a maintenance contract with Alstom. Production of the first trains will begin in mid-2008, and they will be delivered from 2010 onwards.

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